Macca a hit in front of Mac

Ian MacRae or "Mac" as he's known to his mates has been there and done that as a Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby midfielder.
The statistics tell the story - 126 points in 85 first class appearances for the Magpies from 1963-71. Add his All Black stats, 42 points from 14 tries in 45 matches from 1963-70 (remember tries were worth three points back then), and it's easy to see why Mac is regarded as one of the best Magpies in his position.
While back in MacRae's day "Come on Mac" was the call whenever he got the ball it should only be a season or two before "Come on Macca" becomes a familiar call to a Magpies midfielder.
That's if Napier Technical second five-eighth Ryan McLeod continues to shine like he did in his side's 26-20 win against Maddison Trophy and Hawke's Bay Challenge Trophy holders Havelock North in a second round Tui Nash Cup fixture at Whitmore Park on Saturday.
From the time McLeod scored the first try of the match just metres away from where MacRae was perched on his portable sports stool it was clear the Canterbury age group product who is in his second season with Tech was out to impress the Magpies legend.
Less than 20 minutes later he busted the Havelock defence, fended off a defender and carved up 40 metres before unloading to centre Richard Buckman who dived over for the hosts second try. His defensive workrate and ability to set up second phase play was a feature of the Tech victory.
The highly regarded Havelock North backs had their best moments after McLeod, 20, left the field with a leg injury with 10 minutes remaining.
"It's a pity I won't be allowed any celebratory drinks tonight as I'll be applying the RICE treatment to the leg ... I want to recover in time for next week's game," said McLeod.
Although still eligible for another season in the Hawke's Bay Under-20s, McLeod, said he wants to break into the Magpies Air New Zealand Cup squad this season.
"I'm in the training squad and I started both games during the development side's tour of Brisbane so I'm on target."
McLeod said he couldn't be happier with his and Tech's form at this early stage of the season."
While Havelock never gave in and scored a couple of spectacular late tries to replacement back Brendon Soloman they were guilty of trying to do too much in their own half.
Taradale joined Tech as the joint competition leaders with a 51-17 drubbing of defending champions Clive at Carters Arms Park. Openside flanker Elton Jeffares impressed with his workrate for the winners and was prominent at lineout time.
Prop Jodi Allen, halfback Chris Eaton and wing Leafi Tupuola were others to shine for the Mighty Maroons. Tupuola's 2008 Napier Boys' High School 1st XV teammate and openside flanker scored two tries for Clive. Fellow loosie Sam Ebbett and lock Sven Hogenesch also had high workrates for the visitors.
Tremains Napier Old Boys Marist coach Jason McDowell was disappointed with the way his troops "dropped three levels" on the previous week's display during their 21-7 win against Tamatea at Bill Mathewson Park.
"We were off song and I'll be seeking major improvement when we challenge Havelock for the Challenge Trophy next weekend," said McDowell.
His Tamatea counterpart Nui Bartlett was happy with his side's improvement particularly their first half defensive effort.
"We just gave away too many penalties," said Bartlett before singling out loose forwards Daniel Paku, Hamiora Rowlands and Leon Kupa, centre Henare Harris and fullback Colin Hokianga as the pick of his players.
Eighteen-year-old lock Lloyd Foote was among the Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports heroes in their 27-17 win against Central at Waipukurau. Halfback Mike Ruru and first five-eighth Aayden Clarke combined well before Clarke retired injured and fullback Kris Alexander again operated well.
Openside flanker Brad Stoddart, who is on the comeback trail after an injury spell, and wing Mark Donald were the best of the Central players.
Missed opportunities proved costly for MAC in their 37-22 loss to Hastings Rugby and Sports at Elwood Park.
"It was a winable game for us and three missed conversion attempts and a missed penalty attempt didn't help," said MAC manager Anthony Morley.