Ironically, the conversion attempt was the only kick Reihana missed in a superb display of goal and line-kicking. He also made breaks that created gaps for his teammates.
But this was not a one-man show. Not far behind Reihana in terms of influence was No.8 Siosiua Moala, who HSOB coach Wayne Ensor described as “a special player”.
Moala was devastating every time he got the ball. It often took two, three, four or even five players to stop him in full cry.
Pushing Reihana and Moala for man-of-the-match honours were flankers Trent Proffit and Tevita Maka.
The loose trio, along with locks Leslie Hills and Tani Miikosi, and the front row of Hikanui Curtis, Russell Burns and skipper Jody Tuhaka laid the platform.
Ngatapa take the leadAfter Ngatapa had taken the lead in the 13th minute through a try to hooker Hamish Forrester, converted by first-five Chris Richardson, Maka got on the outside of his marker and freed right-winger Zane Boyle, who finished in style.
HSOB continued to dominate. Moala and Maka went close to stretching the lead when they were tackled one metre short of the line as HSOB piled on the pressure and pinned Ngatapa inside their 22.
Eventually something had to give . . . and it did. Three minutes before halftime, Ngatapa No.8 Moses Mau was sinbinned for what referee Tuki Sweeney said was a “professional foul” as HSOB got to within centimetres of scoring another try.
From the resulting scrum, Moala brushed aside three defenders to score. Reihana’s conversion made it 24-8 at the break.
Reihana extended the lead with a penalty seven minutes into the last 40 before Ngatapa, with Mau back on the field, produced their best period of the game.
Mau made amends for his yellow card with a try and Richardson’s conversion closed the gap to 10. And for the next 10 minutes it was Ngatapa’s turn to put HSOB under pressure.
HSOB weathered the storm and when Hills scored a try in the 63rd minute it was game over.
HSOB midfield back Sione Tamale became the second player to receive a yellow card, in the 73rd minute for throwing the ball away when Ngatapa were in HSOB’s red zone.
Three minutes later, Ngatapa replacement front-rower Ihia Kerr scored a consolation try, which Richardson converted.
Ngatapa coach Will Faulks said HSOB were the better team on the day.
“They played well; we didn’t,” Faulks said. “I think the occasion got to some of our players, and not just the young guys.
“Hamish Forrester, Moses Mau and Sione stood up in the forwards but apart from Alex Meban (who came on at halftime as halfback). none of the backs stood out, which is disappointing because they have been improving throughout the season.”
Ensor, whose last game in charge of HSOB will be the final, said it was a collective performance.
“We talked before the game about everyone doing their own jobs well and by doing that getting a result, and that’s what happened. The forwards dominated and the backs complemented them.
But we’ve got one more game to go. We’ll enjoy the win tonight then focus on the final.”
HSOB’s victory was made even more special in that it was the 100th premier appearance for midfield back James Warren.
OBM v YMP, page 26
