Second on the table, OBM were ready for action. Both teams played hard-nosed rugby in the first half, neither side willing to give the other easy gains. But OBM gradually took control and ran in eight tries to the two that HSOB scored.
The first of the OBM tries came from centre Dayne Taniwha, and captain Riki Terekia quickly followed up by scoring the first of his two tries.
The battle in the forwards was the highlight of the match as both teams stepped up with hard tackles and equally hard hit-ups.
OBM coach Clint Pirihi said the team stood by their game plan and it gave the desired result.
“I'm proud of the whole team. Our goal was always to be in the top four. Im very proud and happy about the boys sitting second on the table.”
Both teams engaged in a lot of chatter on the field as they tried to build morale and gain momentum
HSOB winger Isaiah Lemaua worked a bit of magic to score his team's try, finding a gap in the defence and exploiting it.
After regrouping, OBM took every opportunity presented to them, scoring six more tries.
HSOB came back at them and scored a try. Tanielu Misikosi crossed the line to keep their spirits high, and the onfield chatter never stopped.
OBM continued to keep the ball moving and used speed to try to create gaps in the defence. The gaps started to show and OBM were quick to open them up, hooker Ngahiwi Manuel and openside flanker Keanu Taumata scoring tries.
First-five Austin Brown succeeded with all of his conversion attempts, including one for his own try, the last of the match.
