Race for premier spots heating up

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

YMP and OBM go into their Poverty Bay premier club rugby championship match tomorrow knowing that the losers could be replaced in the top four by Waikohu.

With five games remaining before the playoffs, defending champions Woodbank High School Old Boys have opened a 10-point lead over Enterprise Cars OBM.

Larsawn Ngatapa are third on 28 with Farmvets YMP next on 27.

Barring an upset at Rugby Park, where Ngatapa host Pirates, the men from Patutahi should strengthen their bid for the semifinals.

However, a loss to either OBM or YMP opens the door for Waikohu to move into fourth spot.

YMP were second heading into the final game of the second round last weekend but dropped to fourth after a 36-8 loss to Ngatapa.

YMP player-coach Reihana Wyllie said the next three games were important.

“We’ve spoken about tomorrow’s game and then the next two (HSOB and Waikohu). Win all three and we’re assured of a place in the semis,” said Wyllie, who will lead the side on the pitch tomorrow.

“It was never my intention to play this season. I wanted to concentrate on coaching from the sidelines, but injuries have forced me into playing.

“With Patch (assistant coach Patrick White) out of town, Willis (Tamatea) will run the team from the sidelines.

“He’s not happy being out injured but he’s always there supporting the boys.”

Reihana has taken a philosophical approach to the growing injury list, with back Tyronne White the latest.

“Chub (White) did his shoulder last week and is out for the rest of the season but we just have to suck it up. If anything, it has hardened the resolve to make the playoffs and the feeling among the players is good.”

OBM coach Stu Blair will be without in-form No.8 James Rutene, who suffered a cut above his eye in last week’s loss to HSOB.

Murray Hewson, who missed that game, will replace Rutene and resume the skipper’s role occupied by lock Jacob Cook.

Openside flanker James Grogan is still recovering from a knee injury and will undergo a fitness test before a decision is made on his availability.

“We’ll err on the side of caution with James,” Blair said. “If we think he needs another week we’ll give him one but if he’s up to it he could get game time.”

Blair has yet to see his side produce an 80-minute effort this season.

“We’ve played well for 40, 50 and 60 minutes but never the full 80 . . . I can’t believe we are still second,” said Blair, whose side let a 30-6 lead slip in losing 40-36 to HSOB last week.

“We can’t afford any more losses from here on in.

“Ngatapa, as we all knew they would, have come right, and Waikohu are also in contention.”

Blair said that apart from Hewson and possibly Grogan, the side would be the same as last week.

That means a testing time for the YMP defence, particularly if new OBM signing Ethine Reeves continues the form he showed on debut last week.