Ruatoria to ‘scratch the chassis’

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

Ruatoria City is a proud club in its 100th year.

And the Ian Logan-coached City are far too proud to allow even defending champions and Rangiora Keelan Memorial Shield holders Pango Productions Uawa, to just roll in and out of Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby headquarters tomorrow without so much as a scratch. To scratch the chassis of an armoured vehicle, you have to get close to it.

Ruatoria City lost 25-19 away to Pango Productions Waiapu in that club’s return to competition on Opening Day, and then lost 25-11 at home to 2021 finalists Tihirau Victory Club.

They beat Hicks Bay 38-37 at Kawakawa mai Tawhiti last Saturday, a brilliant — and timely — result in this Covid-shortened season. Logan was rightly delighted with the win against Hicks Bay, who have the bye this weekend, and expects Uawa under Laman Davies to attack from all over Whakarua Park.

“Defence will be key,” he said.

“They’re always a quality side not to be taken lightly.”

Logan would like City to control possession as much as possible, something Davies wants of Uawa: “We need to execute the basics well and make fewer mistakes. There needs to be improvement from the game against Hicks Bay.”

Uawa lost 15-10 at home to Hicks Bay on May 21, and that loss in Week 2 was the first shock result of a season during which other clubs — including Hicks Bay — have welcomed Tokararangi players into their ranks. Uawa had to postpone their game with TVC on May 14; they had a bye a fortnight ago and Queen’s Birthday Weekend off. They have been without rugby.

City, with Shaun Aupouri, captain Jack Richardson and Rhys Walker in the back row, must dominate at the breakdown.

Mahuta Moran, Te Atapo Kirikiri and their skipper, No.8 Paddy Allen, are bigger men but in no way tanks without treads. They get around, as City will need to on a mushy surface — rain is expected in Ruatoria tomorrow. The referee will be Jimmy Green (NPEC), with assistant referees Te Ara Hunt (AR1) and Ava Pokoati (AR2).