OBM without Grogan for match with YMP

BODY ON THE LINE: YMP lock Mike Kemp tries to stop OBM prop Jamie Barnett. The sides meet in the first game of the second round of the premier competition tomorrow. Picture by Paul Rickard

OBM go into tomorrow’s premier rugby clash with YMP at Manutuke without dynamic openside flanker James Grogan.

Grogan and Ngatapa No.8 Siosiua Moala were the top two form players in the competition first round, which ended last week with Farmvets YMP in second spot, behind High School Old Boys, and Enterprise Cars OBM third.

But Grogan, an apprentice plumber, got an insect bite on his arm, which has become infected.

“I was probably going to give James a rest anyway,” said OBM coach Stu Blair, who will have Murray Hewson available. Hewson was sent off last week but the judicial committee decided the sending-off, coupled with the missed game against New Zealand Universities, constituted sufficient punishment.

“Nothing against YMP, but James has had an outstanding start to the season and was due a rest,” Blair said.

“Fortunately we have cover in the loosies, including Muzza (Hewson). I haven’t decided yet but we’ve got options.

“James Rutene or Efoti Moimoi could wear seven, with Muzza wearing eight. Duran Smith can also cover the loosies.”

OBM, who drew 6-6 with YMP on the opening day of the season at Patutahi, will also be without lock-cum-blindside flanker Josh Blair, who is in Wellington.

“More than likely Fletcher Scammell will play lock alongside Jacob Cook,” Blair said.

Cook, Grogan, Jamie Barnett (prop), Lance Dickson (prop), Jake Holmes (first five-eighth) and Scott McKinley (fullback/winger) all played for Poverty Bay against New Zealand Universities at Rugby Park on Monday night and all acquitted themselves well.

“The Uni side were a classy outfit but the boys did well, all things considered,” Blair said.

While his side were disappointed at blowing an opportunity last week to end High School Old Boys’ unbeaten run, it had given them plenty to work on, Blair said.

Forward pack unchangedYMP coach Reihana Wyllie said the forward pack from last week’s 14-12 victory over Ngatapa would be unchanged.

“But there will be a few changes in the backline,” Wyllie said.

“James Ferris comes back at halfback with Taine Aupouri dropping back to fullback.

“Brian Whaitiri-White goes from fullback to first- five, with Will Brown moving out one to second-five.

“Jason Kemp and Christie Stewart are on the wings.

“They’re both young guys, who, along with Taine, give us pace in the back three.”

¦ Reigning champions and pace-setters Woodbank HSOB head to Te Karaka for what is sure to be a hot reception from Aon Waikohu.

HSOB won the corresponding fixture at the start of the season 30-2 but it wasn’t until late in the second half that the score blew out, after the division’s newcomers held HSOB to 8-2 at halftime.

Waikohu warmed up for tomorrow’s clash with a 20-8 win against Pirates last week, a victory that lifted coach Tahi Hiroki’s men into fourth position.

“Winning last week has given the boys a boost but this game will give us an indication of how far we’ve come in terms of fitness and game plan,” Hiroki said.

“One thing we can’t afford is ill-discipline. We had two players in the sin bin at the same time last week.

“We held on but we can’t afford to take on HSOB with 13 men.”

Mat Ruru and Tapu Dixon will miss the game after being suspended for one week and two weeks respectively.

But Hiroki’s squad has been boosted by the return of loosies Neal Rutherford and Kimihia Matiaha.

Rutherford comes back after injury, while Matiaha was outstanding last week after a spell away from the game.

“Kimihia’s experience was invaluable and his enthusiasm was a huge boost,” Hiroki said.

HSOB coach Wayne Ensor could be without five players — locks Leslie Hills and Tanieiu Miikosi, prop Russell Burns, No.8 Siosiua Moala and Korey Love.

“The first four are all carrying injuries and Korey is working out of town and may not be back in time,” Ensor said.

“No matter what team we field, it’s going to be a tough game. Being at home, they’ll have plenty of support.”