Playing to strengths pays off for Area school

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

What Laman Davies says is sinking in to the next generation.

The Ngati Porou East Coast scrum coach and scrum anchor of coast club rugby defending champions Uawa had his Tolaga Bay Area School-Kahukuranui charges playing to their strengths in the local 18 grade last week.

The hosts at Uawa Domain beat a gutsy Gisborne Boys' High School third 15 50-0, with eight tries on a cool, grey afternoon before 120 spectators.

Uawa captain and tighthead prop Keaton McIlroy won the toss, chose an end and TBAS-Kahukuranui kicked off with a nor'wester at their backs.

Both packs contained beefy front-rowers but McIlroy's skill and power drove the home team's engine. He carried the ball strongly, as did loosehead prop Manaia Puha and impressive No.8 Te Rautangata Kururangi-Williams.

In terms of daring and elusiveness, Tolaga Bay Area School fullback Te Amai Ratapu split and stepped by much larger opponents throughout the match. His opposite, Lukas Fry, was named Gisborne's MVP (most valuable player) for his commitment in defence and determination with the ball in hand.

Fry's try-saving cover tackle on Kururangi-Williams 12 minutes into the game and lock Jacob Scholefield's hauling down of McIlroy in the 63rd minute were equally memorable, but the Big Blue Crew had far more possession and better field position.

This was only the second game of the season for TBAS-Kahukuranui, and the first for the Gisborne Boys' High third 15, who were watched by director of sport Simon Murphy and principal Andrew Turner.

That players such as Scholefield and his captain, openside flanker Zion Birch, were still winning their own lineout ball at game's end was a fact not lost on Turner.

“We were pleased and proud of the fact that our boys never gave up, because Uawa were strong in every facet of play,” he said.

Uawa were disciplined and constructive, using their size and presence to great effect. Their runners consistently made good metres and the hosts led 22-0 at halftime.

Ratapu (25th minute, 67th min) and lock Orongo White (35m, 55m) both scored twice while Kururangi-Williams (17m), TBAS-Kahukuranui MVP McIlroy (28m), centre Zaius Waru (6m) and reserve lock Adam Williams (57m) scored a try apiece, with White kicking four conversions and Tama Kururangi, one.

Davies sees rugby as a positive influence on his crew: “We really appreciate the input in time and travel from Gisborne Boys' High School, referee Miah Nikora — ably assisted by Kyros Brooking — and everyone else who made the trip here. This grade and this game are huge for our kids.”