Ref's call denies Eskview victory

Shane Hurndell
A controversial non-awarding of a penalty try to dynamic Eskview flanker Shaan Waru denied a Bay clean sweep in the weekend's opening round of the Hawke's Bay-Manawatu women's club rugby competition.
Waru was held back as she chased a clever kick ahead from first five-eighth Leah Phillips and would have scored a try under the posts late in her side's 5-0 loss to Kia Toa in Palmerston North on Saturday. The referee who was behind play saw the ball bounce and ruled a knock-on from Waru.
"We all but scored and while it was a disappointing end to the game it was still our hardest game in three years," said Eskview co-coach Craig Skeet.
Lock Tineka Thompson was Eskview's player-of-the-match. Waru, captain and No.8 Hannah Meyer and second five-eighth Heaven Spooner were others to shine.
Winger Jamie Bruce scored six of Taradale's 21 tries as the Hawke's Bay champions walloped Bush 129-3 at Carters Arms Park yesterday. Julie Ferguson scored a try and converted 12 of the tries for a 29-point haul.
Young winger Krystin Duffill, openside flanker Moana Davis, prop Natalie Cotton, Black Ferns loose forward Marina Canterbury and centre Marise Te Hiko were other valuable contributors. Canterbury and Te Hiko both scored hat-tricks.
Clive centre Deidre Hakopa also scored three tries as her team hammered Massey 59-5 in Palmerston North on Saturday. She pipped prop Vicki Pene and lock Anthea Toheriri in the battle for her side's player-of-the-match award.
"It took us a while to adjust to the rulings of the Manawatu referee before we got going," said Clive coach Cheryl Heremia.
MAC winger Candis Cardie was another to grab a hat-trick during her team's 27-19 win over Linton in Palmerston North on Saturday, after recovering from a 12-5 halftime deficit.
Captain and halfback Raelene Edwards was MAC's player-of-the-match. Cardie, first five-eighth Te Maari MacGregor and No.8 Sandra Oli also impressed.
The youthful Hastings Rugby and Sports team's rapid improvement continued with a 78-7 victory over Western Suburbs at Flaxmere's Ron Giorgi Park yesterday. First five-eighth Jenna Houia scored three tries.
Others to shine for the visitors included lock Sara Wereta, openside flanker Laurae Blake, hooker Leanne Makea (playing against her former side), No.8 Jamee Heather and winger Amber Grant who was making her debut.
Winger Stacey Tamati was Suburbs player-of-the-match. Lock Pat Sciascia and prop Diana Pirere had high workrates in the losing pack.