Got Ya: Hastings flanker Ben Hamelink (left) tackles Central's second five-eighth Cole Eru during their game today. Photo/Paul Taylor
It wasn't just the appearance of former All Black hooker Hika Elliot but the overall package according to Tamatea premier rugby coach Matt Marsh.
"I'm happy for the boys. They've put in a bit of work and they're starting to believe in it," Marsh said after Tamatea opened their Tui Nash Cup campaign with a 15-8 win against Havelock North at Anderson Park today.
It was Tamatea's first win over the villagers since 1982 and Elliott played the final 30 minutes during the Chiefs bye weekend.
"We've beaten every other team once every six or seven years since 1982 but it has taken us this long to beat Havelock. We're the most organised we've been on and off the field since then. We've had motivational speakers come and chat to the squad and we're the fittest we've been for years ... we still had gas in the tank at the end and that hasn't been the case for a long time," Marsh explained.
It took a bit of prodding for Marsh to single out players because he was proud of his entire squad. But centre Jordarn Harmer, who scored two tries, second five-eighth Jimi Harris and lock Ivan Bellamy eventually made Marsh's MVP list.
Progressive Meats Havelock North manager Conrad Waitoa said his troops deserved their 8-5 halftime lead because their forwards were dominant. However in the second half the hosts were guilty of feeding their backs too early and they were flat footed.
Hooker Wayne Lush, halfback Taylar Greville and fullback Adam Blake were the best of the villagers.
NOBM 51 MAC 10
Defending champions Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist gave second five-eighth Sam Giddens a memorable 100th with his Park Island drubbing.
Former Magpie Giddens converted two of his team's nine tries. Lock Tom Bywater and hooker Terry Marsh were inspirational in the NOBM pack. Craig Sharplin, who was solid and thirsty for work on debut and fellow winger Eddie Stevens made the most of their opportunities in the winning backline.
"We've got a new-look team this season and it was a case of back to school for our boys," MAC manager Narley Tuliau said.
"The best way to start a season is to take on a team with all the trophies," he added.
Openside flanker AJ Fatialofa, a younger brother of former NOBM kingpin Pouvi Fatialofa, No 8 Larry Olive and fullback-midfielder Venkay Aseni joined classy inside back Tom Iosefo as the pick of the visitors.
Taradale 31 Tech 21
A week after his wedding former MAC No 8 Ramiha Smiler secured player-of-the-match honours for his new club Taradale in this Whitmore Park victory.
Smiler married former Hawke's Bay Tuis speedster and former Hawke's Bay age group softball rep Jaydean Strickland. Former Japan Sevens winger Seiyu Kohara scored one of Carters Frame and Truss Taradale's four tries and Japanese first five-eighth Yoshihito Sato controlled play well and kicked three conversions.
Former flanker Kaleb Whakataka shone in his new position of centre and combined well with Magpie Billy Ropiha in the midfield. Numerous mistakes let the Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical team down.
Hooker Conan Houkamau, lock Trent Boswell-Wakefield, former Taradale loosie Kaleb Sweet and substitute prop Mark Braidwood all had impressive patches for the Texans.
Hastings 28 Central 15
Superior impact off the bench was the key to this Ansin & Monteith Hastings Rugby and Sports win at Elwood Park.
Northfuels Central deserve praise for their ability to stay in the hunt for the first 65 minutes but their substitutes weren't in the same class as the likes of Hastings prop Dennis Tapusoa, flanker Fale Matamata and big loosie Danya Tulou. First five-eighth Thomas Agnew impressed with his defence as well as his five successes from six attempts at goal and he received quality service from halfback Jardine Chung Ching.
Openside flanker Jack Richardson was a workaholic in the Central pack. Lock Lance Baker did well to land five penalties from seven attempts and fullback Karl Lepelaars and second five-eighth Cole Eru were full of enterprise and endeavour.
Improving exit play options will be a big work on for coach Exham Wichman this week.
Clive 28 Pirate 19
K9 Petfoods Clive head coach Blair Cross heaped kudos on his fourth string first five-eighth Jacob Henry after this Tamatea Park clash.
"Jacob has come back to the Bay after a stint in Waikato and he was our player-of-the-match. He directed play well and converted all four of our tries," Cross said.
Former MAC winger Elijah Tuavera was sharp on attack and a rock on defence. Veteran lock Casper Repko was full of authority in the visiting engine room.
Second five-eighth Hayden Hann and winger Naua Auisele were dangerous Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports backs. Lock Jessse Kapene, one of several additions to the Pirate club from the Tapuae club, shone with his workrate in the losing pack.