‘Maunga’ win local derby

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RUGBY

Talk about perfect timing.

Hikurangi chose the ideal moment to get their quest for the greatest prize in East Coast club rugby, the Rangiora Keelan Memorial Shield, back on track: namely, the local derby v Ruatoria City at Whakarua Park.

“The Maunga”, who beat City 34-19 on March 30 in Game 1, won the second round-meeting 36-14, outscoring the Lisa Muller-coached City by six tries to two.

Hikurangi halfback Hamuera Baker scored twice, with a try each to openside flanker Trent Proffit, first-five Neihana Ratahi-Brown, right-wing Hone Manuel and reserve openside flanker Te Raenawe Parata. Fullback Fabyan Kahaki kicked two conversions and reserve tighthead prop Putahi Morice landed one.

Ruatoria City’s try-scorers were tighthead prop Pera Bishop and centre James Te Kahika: first-five Nathaniel Fox converted both tries.

Manuel opened the scoring in the 10th minute, with Proffit the next man across, 24 minutes in. Kahaki converted Manuel’s try from the touchline and also did the honours for Proffit as Hikurangi went to the break 14-0 up.

Hikurangi struck first again in the second half: Baker was the try-scorer, for 19-0, 48 minutes in.

Had Ruatoria City not scored next they might have been overrun, but Te Kahika did answer. His try in the 50th minute, converted by Fox, saw the score City 7, Hikurangi 19.

Te Raenawe Parata then scored for the Maunga, in the 61st minute, for 24-7. Then one of the competition’s grittiest front-row forwards, ever-reliable tighthead prop and game-day captain Pera Bishop, scored a well-deserved try in the 67th minute. With Fox’s conversion, the score was Ruatoria City 14 Hikurangi 24.

Ratahi-Brown’s try followed: Morice converted that, for 31-14, and in the 75th minute Baker scored again, finally, for 36-14.

Ruatoria City fought back in the second half: with 13 minutes to play, they were only 10 points away.

In perfect conditions for rugby, both teams played the derby in great spirit.

Hikurangi chose as their Most Valuable Player lock Te Maera Warmenhoven. Their coach, Doone Harrison, said: “Both teams threw the ball around and referee Matt Richards let the game flow. Plus, the ball bounced our way for the first time this year.”

More in tomorrow’s Herald