Havelock North's Mikey Vuicakau stays humble among the disappointed MAC defenders after scoring the first of his two tries on Saturday. Photo/Duncan Brown
Havelock North outside back Mikey Vuicakau is one of the most popular figures on the Hawke's Bay premier club rugby scene.
The former Magpie who made nine first class appearances during the 2013 and '14 seasons always plays well above his 78kg. That cheeky grin which envelopes his face after he dazzles defenders who are often twice his size always brightens one's day.
That grin was easy to see after he scored two tries and at the final whistle after Progressive Meats Havelock North pipped MAC 25-17 in the feature Tui Nash Cup round two clash at Flaxmere Park on Saturday.
"It's our 125th anniversary year. I just want to try my best in every game," Fijian fullback Vuicakau said.
"It was good to get the win and we were unlucky not to get the bonus point," Vuicakau said referring to winger Kisione Lama's late try being disallowed after he put a foot into touch.
Despite being 32 Vuicakau hasn't given up on a return to the Magpies squad.
"You always have to aim for the Magpies and if the opportunity game again I would take it. I was unlucky to get that injury the last time I was in the squad," he added.
Busy No 8 Jacob Stephenson, first five-eighth Adam Blake and winger Matt Hill were also prominent for the villagers. Poor discipline and a lack of patience let MAC down.
The hosts conceded 16 penalties, three more than Havelock. Prop Chad Huirama was sinbinned for not wearing a mouthguard and No 8 Everard Reid also received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
Promising hooker Damarus Hokianga and Magpies loosie Fa'alemiga Selesele were inspirational in the host pack. Penetana Smith, who alternated between centre and fullback, was the pick of the MAC backs. His side missed the services of injured Magpies loosie Solomone Funaki and utility back Tom Iosefo who had family commitments in Samoa.
Hastings 31 Clive 27
Auto Super Shoppe Hastings Rugby and Sports fullback Sakopo Ofa produced a player-of-the-match performance against his former club during this Elwood Park victory.
Ofa was thirsty for work and deserved his two tries. Lock Jessie Lgsa-Sipaia, first five-eighth Star Timu and flanker Jardine Chung Ching also made manager James Rosenberg's MVP list.
"While we conceded too many penalties in the first half we were pleased with the way we improved our line speed, option taking and defensive work in the second half," Rosenberg said.
Tremains Andrew Clark Clive head coach Vaine Maui was happy with the improvement his troops displayed from the previous week's loss to MAC.
"Defensively we improved and we also scored some good tries."
Lock Donovan Mataira and openside flanker Liam Udy-Johns had high workrates in the visiting pack. Second five-eighth Jesse Tuhua carried strong and retired former Magpies hooker Jorian Tangaere impressed with his leadership and impact at blindside flanker during his 35 minutes off the pine.
NOBM 85 Central 12
Magpies winger Michael Buckley scored for tries for unbeaten defending champions WIT Napier Old Boys Marist in this Tremain Park walloping.
Fullback Liam Edwards was the hosts player-of-the-match with two tries and 10 conversions from 13 attempts. He has scored 79 points in two outings this season.
Centre Saia Paese was another to shine in the winning backline. Openside flanker Pouvi Fatialofa was a workaholic in his 100th outing for the side and fellow flanker Ricky Hayes produced one of his best displays for the Green Machine.
"We competed well in the forwards but their backs are outstanding. Their offloads, skills and pace are hard to match," Northfuels Central manager Ian Large said.
Flankers Jason Cutbush and McKenzie Smith were tireless workers in the visiting pack. First five-eighth Brayden Hardwidge was the best of the Central backs.
Pirate 17 Tamatea 15
Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports manager Charles Reid was happy with the progress made by his lads during this Bill Mathewson Park victory.
"It was a big step up from last week ... we made our tackles. That's what the coaching staff want as we build towards the Maddison Trophy rounds," Reid said.
Magpies prop Pouri Rakete-Stones and captain and blindside flanker Hamish Willis led the Pirate pack by example. Winger Kane Nepe-Apatu made the most of his opportunities in the winning backline.
Centre Braxton Robinson impressed with his defensive work on debut for Tamatea. Flanker Buffy Wainohu had a high workrate and props Te Maangi Hamlin and Fred Jackson did well to complete 80 minutes in the absence of former Magpies prop Mason Kean who was unavailable.
Taradale 50 Tech 5
New winger Junior Malielegaoi produced a player-of-the-match performance for Taradale Rugby and Sports in this Tareha Recreation Reserve drubbing.
Locks Jordan Kupa and captain Andrew Gardner provided plenty of grunt to the winning pack. Taradale manager Tim Combs said the hosts struggled to put their structures in place against a gutsy Tech outfit but displayed better shape during the second half.
Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical manager Cyril Whitburn said the visitors were 100 per cent better than in the previous week's 119-12 loss to NOBM. Midfield back Ted Walters was again the best of the Texans backs and flanker Jordan Faia and locks Todd Cushing and Elijah Martin shone with their never-say-die approach.