RUGBY: Diack's boot says it all

SHANE HURNDELL
Napier Technical's George Diack knew his "head was on a platter" going into Saturday's bottom-of-the-table clash in Hawke's Bay's premier club rugby competition.
And he wasn't short of reminders as one rather vocal MAC supporter continually yelled at her heroes to smash the Tech first five-eighth.
But Diack (pictured right) had the final say and masterminded an 11-7 sixth round Tui Maddison Trophy win at Flaxmere's Ron Giorgi Park - Tech's first win of the season.
The popular Maraenui Golf Club greenkeeper's tactical kicking was spot on and his two successful penalties came at crucial times, one giving his side an 8-0 halftime lead and his second was a late one when MAC were trailing 8-7.
"When we shook hands the MAC boys told me they were out to get me. And who could blame them as this was only my second full 80 minutes of the season after last year's broken thumb and some would say I haven't been the same since my broken leg two seasons ago," said Diack. "We knew we needed a minimum of one win to stay up in the premier grade and this is huge for the club. We've got a lot of young blokes ... I mean I'm one of the oldest at 26," said the Hawke's Bay cricket rep.
"If we can keep them together we can be semifinal material in two years' time. Arthur and Alby have turned this team around big time," he said referring to new coaches Arthur Brown and Alby Baker.
Diack's Job was made easier by the way his forward pack, with English flanker Mark Braidwood again prominent, outplayed their bigger opponents. MAC had enough ball but like Tech in the corresponding Nash Cup match between the two sides were guilty of taking wrong options and numerous discipline lapses.
Central coach Robbie Hunter was almost as jubilant as Diack after his side's 15-6 win against Tremains Napier Old Boys Marist at Park Island: "This is a huge step towards a semifinal berth for us and all 17 players who took the field did their job," Hunter said.
Particularly prominent were blindside flanker Warwick Slingsby, second five-eighth Lee Stewart and hooker Liam O'Dowd.
"This hurts ... we're gone," said NOBM coach Stu Gourdie. "This was a crucial game in the battle for fourth spot and we didn't front," he added.
His best players were hooker Johnny Galo, No.8 Cain O'Connor and centre Kurt Rowlands.
A late try to veteran winger Aaron Hamilton gave Taradale an 18-17 win over Clive at Carters Arms Park. Taradale coach Stu Cruden praised the gutsy effort from his visitors but as Clive manager Derek Ward was quick to point out: "Poor goalkicking again cost us."
Captain and flanker Matt Head, No.8 Mutu Ngarimu and first five-eighth Ryan Lewis were the pick of the Taradale players. Blindside flanker Jamie Kireka, lock Cory Moran and prop Brent Simmonds battled effectively in the winning pack.
Tamatea did well to hold Progressive Meats Havelock North to 13-all early in the second half of their encounter which was transferred from Anderson Park to Ron Giorgi Park because of the weather. But Havelock ran riot during the final 30 minutes and posted a 47-13 win.
Halfback Chris Waites and Davis Tavita, who had stints in both five-eighth positions, operated well in the winning backline while lock Leighton Onekawa and hooker Graham Hawkins were the best of the Havelock forwards.
First five-eighth Kevin Ward shone on debut for Tamatea while flanker Hamiora Rowlands, prop Colin Mataira and lock Logan Beaton toiled tirelessly in the losing pack.
Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports were also competitive for the first 45 minutes of their 41-10 loss to Russell Roads Hastings Rugby and Sports at Tamatea Park.
Former Pirate loosie Pama Petia and prop Junior Tere were a powerful duo in the winning pack while winger Dan Stemp, who scored two tries, was eager for action in the Hastings backline.
Flankers Mitch Buckley and Karl Tipene and lock Matt Maxwell were outstanding in the host pack.