Rugby: Hewitt key to success

While Karl Hewitt was home on vacation from Otago University last year he took a liking to his holiday job of milking cows on a Patoka farm.

So much so Hewitt, 20, decided to abandon his physical education course to milk cows full time. The career change also meant he could play for Taradale in Hawke's Bay's Tui Nash Cup premier club competition.

Taradale supporters were toasting Hewitt's career choice after he produced a player-of-the-match performance in Taradale's 43-14 win against Clive in the feature match of Clive's 125th Jubilee Celebrations at Farndon Park on Saturday. The nephew of former All Black hooker Norm Hewitt had a crisp long and accurate pass and his clever kicks set up tries for winger Uta Tupuola and fullback Manihera Eden.

"I was lucky our forwards were so dominant," the humble Hewitt said afterwards.

He was correct as the likes of lock Johan Schoonbee, captain and flanker Andrew Gardner and props Jody Allen and Ziggy Fisiihoi were inspirational in the visiting pack. During his days at Napier Boys' High School Hewitt alternated between winger and halfback in the 1st XV.

However he said halfback will be his priority from now on. That decision is as wise as his career choice.

Clive enjoyed a dominant third quarter but during the remaining periods lacked the necessary structure and ball retention skills. Openside flanker James Tango, No 8 Mark Atkins and locks Casper Repko and Sven Hogenesch were tireless workers in a beaten pack.

"The occasion got to our boys. They were pretty wound up after their jersey presentation," Clive manager Alan Nisbet said, referring to the fact All Black legend Colin Meads presented their jerseys before kick off.

Pirate 39 Tamatea 24

Tamatea stalwart Dennis Rosser was proud of his side's never-say-die approach during this loss at Bill Mathewson Park.

Tamatea trailed 25-8 at halftime and won the second half 16-14 against their more fancied opponents.

"Our boys played well in the second half. They stuck to their guns and I was proud of them," Rosser said.

Workaholic Hamiora Rowlands was again an impressive No 8 for the hosts while winger Jordan Harmer and halfback Colin Hokianga impressed in the Tamatea backline. New lock Michael Allardice and prop Dennis Puia, who is back with the side after a year in Australia, were prominent in the Pirate pack.

Halfback Jonathan Ruru had an impressive debut for the visitors after transferring from Taradale to fill the berth vacated by his brother and former Magpie Michael who has moved to Australia.

Havelock Nth 30 NOBM 10

Defending champions Progressive Meats Havelock North weren't as dominant as the score suggests during this win against Hawke's Bay Insurances Napier Old Boys Marist at Park Island.

"Up until the final five minutes it could have gone either way," Havelock coach Tom Blake said, referring to the fact the visitors led 16-10 with four minutes remaining.

"Yes Havelock scored two tries against the run of play during the final four minutes. They capitalised on a couple of our many turnovers . It was disappointing because we had a much better second half," NOBM coach Mike Warren said.

Havelock North led 16-3 at halftime and while the villagers Magpies halfback-first five-eighth combination of Isaac Paewai and Ihaia West controlled play well Blake gave his player-of-the-match award to 18-year-old loosehead prop Kelly Petrowski who played the entire match in his debut at this level. Blake was also happy with how captain and regular loosie Adam Bradey went at second five-eighth, a role the Magpies coaching staff are considering using him in.

West succeeded with six of his nine attempts at goal.

Busy No 8 Semiperive Semeane and prop Reece O'Leary were prominent in the host pack while second five-eighth Mark Collier was the best of the NOBM backs. Former Havelock players O'Leary with a try and first five-eighth Sam Giddens, with a penalty and conversion, scored all of NOBM's points.