The fact Tamatea's premier club rugby coach Nui Bartlett answered his phone on Saturday said it all ... his side had won for the first time in eight weeks.
Just like opponents of Bartlett during his playing days as an openside flanker for the Kelt Capital Magpies, SportToday has had trouble
catching up with him for post game comments this season. We suggested to Bartlett (pictured ) he didn't like media conferences after losses.
``Not at all ... today is the first time I've had my phone on me for a while,'' he replied after Tamatea's 26-19 win against Contrax Technical Services Ltd Clive in the fourth round Tui Maddison Trophy fixture at Bill Mathewson Park.
Bartlett's jubilation and that of his troops could definitely be heard through the cellphone. ``Everyone played together,'' said Bartlett.
``It's always a long night back at the clubrooms but tonight is going to be a little longer,'' added the two-time Ngati Kahungunu Sportsperson of the Year.
Midfielder Corey Aramoana was always dangerous on attack in the winning backline while experienced frontrowers Colin Mataira and Rick Kirikiri led by example in the engine room. Openside flanker Zane Rangi and lock Sven Hogenesch were the best of the Clive forwards while fullback Phil Bolton, who scored two tries, was the pick of the visiting backs.
Russell Roads Hastings Rugby and Sports utility back Greg Mullany scored 42 points as his side walloped MAC 122-0 at Flaxmere's Ron Giorgi Park. Mullany scored two of his side's 18 tries and converted 16 of them.
He played the first half at first five-eighth and the second at fullback.
Prop Whetu Barber and lock Mark Harper were others to shine for Hastings.
``Our first 20 minutes set the platform for the rest of the game,'' said winning coach Adam McDonald.
It was the third time this season MAC had conceded more than 100 points.
Defending champions Havelock North had to wait for a 76th minute try from second five-eighth Joe Snee to pip Central 18-15 at Waipukurau.
``That was the first time we were in front. It was a stop start game dominated by penalties and Central defended well,'' said Havelock coach Mike Warren.
Openside flanker Adam Bradey, who has scored more than 100 points this season, and halfback Isaac Paewai joined Snee as the best of the Havelock players.
Central manager Ross Brown said there were mixed emotions in his side's changing room afterwards.
``We were thrilled to have almost beaten Havelock but at the same time annoyed we have lost a game in the final few minutes for the third time in four weeks,'' said Brown. With five penalties from seven attempts at goal Central first five-eighth Stephen Baker also clocked up 100 points for the season. Blindside flanker Warwick Slingsby produced his best performance of the season for the hosts.
Prop Brendon Edmonds and centre Gareth Fergusson were others to shine in a gutsy team effort.
Tremains Napier Old Boys Marist ended Tanalished Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports unbeaten run with a 30-8 victory at Park Island. That was despite the fact centre Richard Gillespie had to leave the game at halftime to catch a flight to Auckland for a soccer game yesterday.
Second five-eighth Sam Giddens landed all six of his attempts at goal for NOBM. Halfback Dane Shelford and No.8 Michael Johnson also impressed in the polished team performance.
Prop Matt Martin and busy openside flanker Dane McCarthy enjoyed memorable moments in the Pirate side's effort.
Carters Frame and Truss Taradale took the outright lead in the competition with an 81-0 drubbing of Alexander Construction Napier Technical at Whitmore Park.
``It was a top team effort. We've got depth and we're enjoying playing for each other,'' said Taradale manager Stu Cruden.
Wing Josh Mahoni has his hunger back and enjoyed a huge workrate. Substitute flanker Lennon Carrington was again busy for the visitors.
The fact Tamatea's premier club rugby coach Nui Bartlett answered his phone on Saturday said it all ... his side had won for the first time in eight weeks.
Just like opponents of Bartlett during his playing days as an openside flanker for the Kelt Capital Magpies, SportToday has had trouble
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