Tamatea leads MVP standings

MAN ON A DOUBLE MISSION: OBM first five-eighth Ethine Reeves would love nothing better than to steer his side to a Lee Brothers Shield title and collect the $1000 that goes with the Most Valuable Player trophy. Picture by Paul Rickard

YMP No.8 Willis Tamatea has a two-point lead at the top of the premier rugby division’s Most Valuable Player standings. He took three points in Saturday’s 20-14 win against Waikohu.

Tamatea has 20 points but with two games remaining before the playoffs — when points are not on offer — the Farmvets YMP skipper is under threat from Aon Waikohu No.8 Tapu Dixon and Enterprise Cars OBM first five-eighth Ethine Reeves. Dixon is second on 18pts with Reeves on 16.

Also in contention for the winner’s cheque of $1000 are Paddy Allen (Larsawn Ngatapa flanker, 15), Devonte Martin (Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates back, 14), Lynden Manuel (OBM flanker, 12) and Anthony Karauria (Ngatapa back, 12).

“There are still six points up for grabs so all these players are in with the chance of taking the major prize or second ($300) or third ($200),” Poverty Bay rugby development manager Dwayne Russell said. “As you can see, it’s pretty tight at the top, but even the guys on 12 points are still in contention for a share.”

Russell said if there was a three-way tie for first, the total prize pool of $1500 would be split three ways ($500 each).

“There would not be second and third,” Russell said. “If there are two winners, then $1300 will be split two ways ($650 each), with the third placegetter receiving $200. We have also had a change with the Challenge Cup, which is now an incentivised cup capped at $200 every time a team hold it.”

OBM are the holders and the Cup goes on the line on Saturday when they play Waikohu. OBM are the form team after thumping Ngatapa 60-14 last weekend, but Waikohu must win to keep the pressure on YMP for fourth spot and a place in the semifinals. They trail YMP, who play Pirates, by five points.

But after his side’s 20-14 loss to YMP at Manutuke on Saturday, Waikohu coach Tahi Hiroki said his players were not about to throw in the towel.

“As long as it’s mathematically possible to finish fourth, the boys will give it everything they’ve got,” Hiroki said. “OBM will be confident after their result at the weekend but our season’s not over just yet. The boys have worked hard all season. We’ve got at least two more games and we’d love to make the playoffs.”