Dixon then put Waikohu in front with a try following a quick tap from halfback Mario Counsell after a penalty was awarded close to the Pirates line. Dixon took over the kicking from Ruru and converted, putting Waikohu ahead 30-22 after 60 minutes.
Three minutes later, Pirates hit back with a try to Tutauha following a five-metre lineout and drive.
But there was no stopping a rampant Waikohu side and, with nine minutes remaining, Tristan Rutene showed great determination to get across the line after a move that had a hint of a forward pass. Dixon added the two points.
Ruru then sealed the win with a try in the corner, finishing off a superb move involving Dixon, Bruce Reeves and Marcus Rutene.
Toast of WaikohuDixon was the toast of the Waikohu supporters for not only his barn-storming runs but also the cool, calm and collected manner in which he kicked his conversions.
“We don’t now where that came from,” Hiroki said.
“Apart from a couple of kicks at practice on Thursday night, I’ve never seen him kick before.”
The 36-year-old Dixon, who is equally at home in the front row, said he just fancied having a go at practice and nailed a few.
“When the opportunity came today (Saturday) to have a go, I took it, but I can’t see me taking on the job on a regular basis.”
Pirates coach Steve Smith congratulated Waikohu for their fightback but rued the fact that he did not have great depth on his bench due to a tangi.
“We had some players out there who were injured and really shouldn’t have been playing but we had to play them,” said Smith, who lost skipper Ken Houkamau with a hamstring injury after 15 minutes.
New signing Everard Reid, fullback Devonte Martin, centre Mita Hemo and an injured TK Moeke played well.
Waikohu 44 (Tapu Dixon 2, Tulsa Kaui 2, Tristan Rutene, Fagan Ruru tries; Dixon 2, Brad Haimona, Ruru conversions).
Pirates 28 (Dan Tutauha 2, Jordan Matenga, Nate Biddle tries; Brad Kiwara 2 con).
HT: 22-8 Pirates.
LARSAWN Ngatapa completed their second round unbeaten, after losing all five games in Round 1, when they beat Farmvets YMP 36-8 at Patutahi.
After trailing 8-0, Ngatapa ended a scrappy first half with a 14-8 lead. Their points came from tries to prop and skipper Campbell Chrisp and No.8 Moses Mau, and a conversion from first-five Chris Richardson.
“I don’t know what was wrong in that first 40, but the boys sorted it out for the second half and it’s a great way to finish the second round,” Ngatapa coach Will Faulks said.
“We sat down as a team and talked about the first round, set some goals for this round and, without getting carried away, I’m pleased to say we have achieved them.”
Seddon Smith, Jason Jones and a penalty try completed the rout as Ngatapa continued their surge up the table.
After starting the second round in second-bottom place, they are now third by virtue of bonus points.
There was also a welcome sight for the home fans when Sione Ngatu came on for the second half. It was his first appearance of the season following a hand injury.
While not match-fit, Ngatu added physical presence and experience to a Ngatapa pack getting better with every game.
YMP were without player-coach Reihana Wyllie (unavailable) and skipper Willis Tamatea (injured).
Tamatea, who was on the sideline, said the score did not reflect the game.
“A couple of soft tries and that penalty try saw the score balloon out.”
Although it was not a dirty game, referee Hamish Campbell dished out five yellow cards — three to Ngatapa (to Mat Deans, Grant Law and Chrisp) and two to YMP (to Shayde Skudder and Mangu Kemp).
Ngatapa 36 (Campbell Chrisp, Moses Mau, Seddon Smith, Jason Jones, automatic 8 points for penalty try; Chris Richardson 2 con).
YMP 8 ( Rewi Williams try; Brian Whaitiri-White con).
HT: 14-8 (Ngatapa).
