Successful defence

FLYING THROUGH: Waikohu halfback Ruan du Plooy in action against OBM during the premier club rugby competition. Waikohu played against Matakaoa on Sunday where they defended the Barry Cup and du Plooy picked up a hat-trick. Waikohu's next challenger is Tokomaru Bay at 2.45pm at Te Karaka this Sunday. Picture by Paul Rickard

Waikohu began its 2022 defence of the Barry Cup with a 65-7 thrashing of Matakaoa at Te Karaka on Saturday.

In the first challenge for the symbol of Tairāwhiti sub-union supremacy since 2019, Waikohu turned on an all-out display of all-round skill, with halfback Ruan du Plooy scoring a hat-trick of tries, wingers KC Wilson and Roy Horo picking up doubles in the blitz.

“Our forwards were strong, consistent and paved the platform for our backs to finish well . . . they were deadly,” said Waikohu squad member Mario Counsell, who has been sidelined with injury.

The combination of Ethine Reeves at first five, Jesse Fleming wearing No.12, Jacob Leaf at centre and Waikohu's player of the day Moses Christie at fullback worked really well, he said.

Christie broke the defensive line multiple times and du Plooy's support play was rewarded with tries.

“Matakaoa had some strong carries,” Counsell said. “Taina Potae (winger) ran hard.”

Referee Damien Macpherson echoed Counsell's words.

“Waikohu had a very strong team. They had a very good backline and were scoring tries from anywhere on the field.

“But Matakaoa never gave up and scored a well-deserved try near the end of the game.”

Macpherson said they were “very physical” up front and he was impressed by Paora Mullaney — a late call-up — and fullback Sean Murtagh.

Matakaoa's try late in the second half was the result of a huge effort from the forwards to get close to the line, with prop Manahi Brooking crashing over the line from a pick and go.

Chairman Graeme Sommersby congratulated Waikohu.

“Matakaoa thanks Waikohu for the challenge.” Sommersby said.

“Our team came up against a well-drilled, well-functioning and smart rugby team.”

Waikohu's next challenge is against Tokomaru Bay at Te Karaka on Sunday, kicking off at 2.45pm.

Next year is the centenary of the Barry Cup and Waikohu's mission is to be the holders heading into those celebrations.