Rugby: Another Kronfeld steps up

HELD UP: Hastings West halfback Bryson Pakoti is held up by the Napier West defence yesterday. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND

Wakely Shield Rugby

COULD fullback Dylan Kronfeld prove to be a lucky omen for Hastings East at this week's Wakely Shield rugby tournament in Taradale?

The question had to be asked after Hastings East maintained their unbeaten run on day two of the under-50kg event with a 38-12 win against Napier East at Tareha Reserve. Kronfeld, who impressed with his general play and kicked a conversion, is a second cousin of former All Black Josh Kronfeld and the player of the tournament, which is in its 13th year, wins the Josh Kronfeld medal.

A Hastings Boys' High School product, Josh Kronfeld, played 56 matches for the All Blacks from 1995 to 2000. While the Wakely Shield wasn't in existence when he was eligible, Kronfeld played Ross Shield rugby for Hastings in 1984.

Hastings East head coach Kieran Horsefield was impressed with the improvement displayed by his troops yesterday and said they were more clinical than on day one. All of the forwards functioned well as a unit with nationally ranked age group swimmer Michael Lansdown particularly impressive with his carries.

First five-eighth and vice-captain Ocean Katene shone with his decision-making for a team which led 28-5 at halftime.

"Hastings came out firing and we were slow to start. We pushed them close in the second half," Napier East coach Dean Chamberlain said.

Hastings West also posted their second consecutive win when they pipped defending champions Napier West 19-14. Hastings were always in control and led 14-0 at halftime and 19-7 midway through the second half.

Hastings West head coach Craig Wellington was impressed with the cohesion among his forwards. First five-eighth Waka Hanara directed his backline well and centre Kawana Waiaua-Kaka was full of endeavour.

This was the first outing for Napier West in the seven-team tournament and head coach Simon Lord said their slow start continued the trait from their pre-tournament campaign.

"We made a good comeback but we have to be firing from the start."

Lord's best players were substitute loosies Jayden Murphy and Kace Elsworth-Robertson in the pack and second five-eighth Ryan Spice in the backline.

Lock Joel Palmer produced a player-of-the-match performance for the Saracens as they beat winless Central 33-10. Flanker Liam Franklin also shone in the Saracens pack and fullback Felix Ansley-De Clifford and centre William Meech were enterprising Saracens backs.

"Saracens had something to prove after the loss the previous day and we didn't front up. We were too slow out of the gate," Central head coach Paul Yarrell said.

Halfback Wallace Greville had another blinder for Central.

Today's games will see Napier West take on Wairoa at 11.15am, Central play Hastings East at 12.30pm and Saracens meet Napier East at 1.45pm.