YMP backs give tryscoring clinic

Hat-trick: YMP fullback Andrew Tauatevalu evades a tackle attempt by OBM prop Myles Tawa in their match during the first round. Tauatevalu scored two tries on Saturday against HSOB during their 80-0 win at Barry Park. Picture by Paul Rickard

A tryscoring clinic was given when YMP beat High School Old Boys 80-0 in premier-grade club rugby at Barry Park on Saturday.

Wingers Te Peehi Fairlie and second-half replacement Whaimotu Craft-Chemis each scored a hat-trick as YMP ran in 12 tries.

The first try went to blindside flanker Seth Lundon in the third minute, but from then on the strong backline took over tryscoring duties.

Fullback Andrew Tauatevalu got two. His speed and ability to find open space on counter-attack were key to his success.

On top of that, he nailed eight out of nine conversion attempts.

The quick-acting backline directed play and did not let opportunities pass them by.

Halfback Ra Broughton's fast, accurate passing from the ruck and maul enabled YMP to use their backline strength, moving the ball quickly to deny HSOB the time to form a defence.

That seemed to be the tactic as try after try came from spreading the ball wide — drawing in the man and passing, shifting the defence to create overlaps and breaking open the line to reap the reward.

HSOB had a strong lineout and won some opposition ball.

But that did not stop the YMP forwards from pressuring and challenging for the ball at every opportunity.

The game itself was a spectacle and kept supporters entertained. HSOB showed real heart to continue playing as though the scores were level.

They made strong tackles but could not overcome the strong and fast ball play that YMP executed with finesse.

It would be difficult for any team to play a rugby match with only two reserves, especially against a team as well tuned as YMP.

“I want to pay a lot of respect to the 17 HSOB players who fronted on Saturday,” YMP coach Kahu Tamatea said.

He was also proud of how his team produced the result.

He liked how they stuck to structure and built phases. And he noted how his loose-forward trio of Isaiah Leach, Niko Lauti and tryscorer Lundon ran amok at the ruck and maul phases, creating turnovers.

Competition will heat up this Saturday as teams enter the latter part of the Civil Project Solutions premier-grade competition. YMP take on undefeated competition leaders Waikohu in Te Karaka, HSOB play Ngatapa at the Patutahi Domain, and OBM play Pirates at the Oval.