Out to break 29-game drought

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

SEPTEMBER 28, 2013. That was the last time Ngati Porou East Coast won a Heartland Championship game.

And the team they beat? This weekend’s opposition, Poverty Bay, 22-18 in Ruatoria.

At Gisborne’s Rugby Park tomorrow afternoon, the Coast will be looking to end a 29-game losing streak in the competition. But history favours Poverty Bay.

The Reds have won the past three Heartland derby encounters — 54-30 (2016), 60-15 (2015) and 52-12 (2014).

Three Poverty Bay players in tomorrow’s derby clash were involved in the September 2013 game — Sione Ngatu, who wore the No.8 jersey, fullback Ethine Reeves, who came on as a second-half replacement and loose forward Willis Tamatea, who was also on the bench.

The Coast have only one player from that day — Kris Palmer, who was on the right wing and kicked two conversions and a penalty. Palmer will again be the goalkicker tomorrow but is at fullback.

Everard Reid, who will be a key player for the Bay at lock tomorrow, wore the Sky Blue jersey in 2013, while Coast skipper Paddy Allen (No.8) was wearing red that day.

Another Bay reserve from the 2013 match, Tim Barbarich, is among the Coast reserves tomorrow.

For the statistically minded, Te Rangi Fraser scored two tries for the Coast and Lloyd Gabriel also dotted down.

The Bay’s tries came from Namibian David Philander and Sisi Vosaki. Halfback Sam Parkes landed two penalties and a conversion.