Muller’s appearance on the Good Sorts segment of TV One News midweek is proof — if any were needed—- of the massive sacrifice in time, money and energy regularly expended by a great host of passionate, community-first volunteers.
City began their season with a 12-point loss to Waiapu, then went down 45-7 to defending champions TVC.
Last Saturday they had their first triumph and nothing could have tasted sweeter than their 18-16 win away against Hicks Bay.
Rake and Most Valuable Player John Brown was at the heart of the yellow and blacks’ forward effort.
Captain Jack Richardson — more well known as a loose forward than centre, where he played on game day — was elated.
“The game could have gone either way, but to secure a win was great. It was a bit tough up front with boys playing out of position and lacking backs, so we had Shaun Aupouri at first-five, Nathaniel Fox at second-five and myself at 13. But we got there in the end.”
Hikurangi will long treasure the scalp they took in Week 3.
The Maunga, under fullback Kris Palmer, beat TVC 37-15 at Kahuitara. Palmer, Zyon Collins, reserves Te Raenawe Parata and Karaitiana Kenworthy all scored — Collins twice — to beat a depleted TVC side.
Right-wing Whitiora Park and tighthead prop Hirini Delamere cut the line for the visitors, Delamere also landing a penalty goal and conversion.
Player-coach Haimona Waititi singled out halfback Renata Te Moana — TVC’s MVP — for special praise.
“Our set-piece held up well. I’m proud of the boys for playing the full 80. It was hard going, with no reserves bench to spell us,” Waititi said.
Tokararangi cut loose 69-14 in an awesome display of flair and support play at home. Centre and captain Pamona Samupo scored four tries. He was unstoppable and magnificent on the day.
Blindside flanker Israel Brown also dotted down, twice.
Waima No.8 Troy Wharepapa scored a double and was their MVP in Week 3.
It was rough and tough, but all reports are that the community involvement, player and spectator behaviour three weeks into the club season has made Saturdays enjoyable for all.
Roll on Week 4.
Ngāti Porou East Coast premier men’s club rugby, Week 3
Hikurangi 37 (Zyon Collins 2, Kris Palmer, Te Raenawe Parata, Karaitiana Kenworthy tries; Palmer 2 pen, 3 con) Tihirau Victory Club 15 (Whitiora Park, Hirini Delamere tries; Delamere con, pen).
HT 22-3 Hikurangi.
Waima 14 (Troy Wharepapa 2 tries; Slade Tiopira 2 con) Tokararangi 69 (Pamona Samupo 4, Israel Brown 3, Tina Waitoa, Te Kooti Kingi, Boxer Shaw, Cejn Pohio tries; Rapata Haerewa 5 con, Brown con, Samupo con).
HT 38-7 Tokararangi.
Hicks Bay 16 (Frank Taiapa, Shaun Murtagh tries; Irie Noanoa pen, Manahi Brooking pen) Ruatoria City 18 (Heremaia Mataira, Rawiri Ngarimu tries; Nathaniel Fox con, 2 pen).
HT 8-7 Hicks Bay.
MVPs: Pounamu Reeves (Hikurangi), Renata Te Moana (TVC), Troy Wharepapa (Waima), Reece Henderson (Tokararangi), John Brown (Ruatoria City), Teralyn Black (Hicks Bay).
NPEC women’s club rugby, Week 2
Hikurangi 15 (Kimi Parata 2, Kara Keelan tries) Tihirau Victory Club 24 (Whaiora Kopa 3, Dane-A Kopa tries; D Kopa 2 con).
HT 12-0 TVC.
Hicks Bay 22 (Sensamelia Hina 2, Kelly Brock, Jamiqua Grant tries; Nicole Beach con) Ruatoria City 14 (Manaia Whangaparita-Bishop, Rena-deane Goldsmith tries; Paris Te Rauna 2 con).
HT Ruatoria City 7-5.
MVPs: Taare Kahaki (Hikurangi), Dane-a Kopa (TVC), Awatea Broederlow (Ruatoria City), Diane Pahuru (Hicks Bay).
