Mangapapa repel Weka Ball challenge

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RUGBY

People will talk — they always do.

Any one of the 200 fans whose eyes were glued to the action at the Weka Ball game between Mangapapa and Awapuni yesterday would chatter about the spirited rugby they’d seen.

Holders and hosts Mangapapa, who took the primary school challenge trophy from Te Wharau 45-20 on Friday last week, yesterday made their first successful Weka Ball defence. They beat Awapuni 10 tries to two . . . 50-10.

Neither side were bothered by the odd spot of drizzle. Rather, the MVP (most valuable player) awards went to hardy performers. Jethro Morris, for Awapuni, and Mangapapa captain Jerome Tamatea were the MVPs, with Tamatea and Awapuni skipper Storm de Thier earning high praise from Awapuni coach Stu Barclay.

“Both captains deserve a special mention for their honesty on the field,” Barclay said.

“When their teams gave forward passes or knocked the ball on, they owned up.”

Mangapapa teacher and first-half referee Kyle Jean-Louis spoke in reference to the hosts but his sentiments would doubtless apply to the visitors just as well: “They live and breathe rugby but are respectful of their peers and teachers — wonderful role models.”

Tamatea scored four tries, teammate Koby Perrett had a hat-trick, and Hine Brooking, Isaac Robinson and Kruse Hoepo-Casey scored one try each.

Morris scored the first try of the game. De Thier scored the last. Mangapapa led 20-5 at halftime.

Tamatea said: “We had a game-plan but then had to improvise, so we’re very proud of the win.”

Mangapapa play the next challengers, Central School, on Friday, August 16.

Game pictures will be run next week