Big loss for Saracens in pre-season fixture

TACKLED: Robbin Fruen of the Hawke's Bay Saracens struggles to get through the Manawatu defence in a pre-season rugby match at McLean Park. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND.

Manawatu Evergreens winger Newton Tudreu scored four tries in a 54-17 win against the Hawke's Bay Saracens in a pre-season rugby fixture at Napier's McLean Park today.

The Evergreens led 26-7 at halftime. As in their 59-0 win on June 29 against the Saracens the Evergreens showed the benefits of playing the new domestic rules throughout their club comp this season.

They had the bulk of possession and territory courtesy of a 10-3 penalty count in their favour. Former Hawke's Bay under-16 captain and hooker Travis Taylor scored two of the visitors tries. Former Hawke's Bay under-16 prop Tim Cadwallader was involved in a double round move which led to winger Newton Tudreu's first try.

Numerous soft turnovers let the hosts down in the first half.

The Evergreens finished the game with an 11-5 penalty count in their favour.

While the Saracens displayed improvement on the June fixture there still wasn't enough. Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports winger made the most of his 40 minutes before heading off to his Maddison Trophy semifinal. He made three try-saving tackles and a couple of clever assists. Napier Old Boys Marist prop Jarvy Aoake and Havelock North first five-eighth also departed at halftime for their semifinal.

Former Samoa Sevens captain Fa'alemiga Selesele did enough at No 8 to suggest he could earn a Magpies Mitre 10 Cup squad berth when it is announced on August 16.

Hawke's Bay Saracens 17(Fa'alemiga Selesele, Jonash Lowe, Tolu Fahamokioa tries; Dan Snee con ), Manawatu Evergreens 54 (Travis Taylor 2, Newton Tudreu 4, Ambrose Curtis, Matt Feaunati tries; Ben Wyness 3, Sam Malcom 4 cons). HT: Evergreens 26-7.