Ngatapa win cracker of a clash

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Kids know when they’ve played well.

Their coaches don’t have to hunt for or invent positives, and such was the case in the brilliant game of under 13 weight-restricted grade club rugby between Ngatapa and Pirates at Waikirikiri Park last weekend.

Having led 17-5 at halftime, Ngatapa won 39-24 — scoring seven tries to four.

Five minutes in, Ngatapa loosehead prop James McKay won the ball at an attacking lineout and two phases later, blindside flanker Dylan Torrie scored the opening.

McKay followed four minutes later with his own try converted by Torrie.

Pirates struck in the 13th minute. fullback Mahonri Aupouri running 25m down the right sideline to score.

Pirates left-wing Te Marangai Lamont-Milner made his presence felt with a 20-metre chase and try-saving tackle on Ngatapa centre Dylan Story only for Ngatapa reserve William Matthews to score moments later for 17-5.

Lamont-Milner trumped his previous effort with two great tackles 10 seconds apart and three minutes into the second half, was rewarded with his own try, converted by first-five Philburgh Viljoen.

At the 40 minute-mark, towering Ngatapa No8 Sam Gaddum went 10m to score in the left corner for a 22-12 lead.

In the 45th minute, Pirates captain and No.8 David Gray drove 5m to score — Viljoen converted — to close the gap to 22-19.

Matthews scored off a 5m scrum in the 51st. Two minutes later Lamont-Milner got his second to reduce the deficit to 29-24.

Ngatapa captain and openside flanker George Gillies struck a double blow. He flew down the sideline after a ruck on Pirates’ 22 to score in the corner in the 55th minute, then, with a minute to play, he ran 45m for the victory-sealing try.

n Horouta went into their last game this morning on the back of a comprehensive win against High School Old Boys.

They beat a gallant HSOB 25-0 after leading 15-0.

The game was played in good spirit and featured both aggressive running by “The Waka” (Horouta) and brave, committed tackling by HSOB.

Right-wing speedster Isaiah Reiri scored the opening try in the 10th minute.

Impressive hooker Rylin Rasmussen followed suit in the 18th minute.

Left-wing Taina Paru scored In the 25th minute and centre Sonny Tairakena got the penultimate try in the 40th.

Reserve left-wing Billy Awatere completed the scoring in the 51st.

Rob Kora — who coaches the Horouta crew with Evan Mita — said: “I was pretty proud of all the boys’ defence. They all tackled well and didn’t let HSOB in.”

Mita gave Horouta’s Most Valuable Player award to reserve blindside flanker Te Kura Pounamu-Karini for his excellent work in defence.

Gus Heuser and Lee de Thier have done a great coaching job with HSOB

“This was the lowest score that this strong Horouta side has put on any other team this season, so I’m very proud of our boys,” said Heuser.

Special mention was made of fullback Maxwell Kennedy for his bustling returns, reserve tighthead prop Joel Pearce for his sharp work in the lineout and openside flanker Mackenzie Wilkie and first-five Jayden de Thier for their defensive efforts.