Rugby: Switch in position gives options in future

Havelock North captain Adam Bradey admits his switch from the loose forwards to second five-eighth is a "big gamble".

"But it's a challenge and one which is bringing some excitement back into my rugby," Bradey, 27, said after scoring two tries in a player-of-the-match performance as Progressive Meats Havelock North retained the Challenge Shield with a 24-7 Tui Nash Cup second round win against Central at Anderson Park on Saturday.

"It came up in pre-season discussions about my skills from Hawke's Bay and Havelock North Sevens being useful at second five. The Magpies have lost a bit of depth in this position so I've got the club season and the five Magpies pre-season games to put my hand up in this role. Then it will be up to the coaches if they feel comfortable with me playing there.

"Obviously Hosser [Chiefs utility back Andrew Horrell] is the incumbent but he can also play first five-eighth, centre and fullback," Bradey said.

He last played second five-eighth in his first year out of Napier Boys' High School and for the Hawke's Bay under-20s. He pointed out one of his Havelock North coaches, Davis Norman, also played there for his club and the Magpies and he is assisting him with the switch.

"I've still got a lot to learn and today I picked up a couple of plums with my support play," Bradey said referring to his two tries.

Openside flanker Tony Lamborn and lock George Philip were others to impress for the defending champions who led 21-0 at halftime and had two tries disallowed which denied them the bonus point.

Central manager Tony Lepelaars was proud of the manner in which his troops kept the villagers scoreless for 33 minutes after conceding 21 points in the first quarter.

Busy loosies Bryce and Robbie Barr were inspirational in the Central pack while winger Daniel McIntyre made the most of his opportunities in the visiting backline.

Pirate 32 Taradale 20

His team is top of the table and unbeaten but Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports coach Phil Rumpler is far from happy with his troops.

"We're still not fit enough and it showed today when Taradale made a late comeback," Rumpler said after this Park Island victory.

"I'm putting on extra training sessions to rectify this but in saying that there were times when the boys played well as a team," he added.

First five-eighth Aayden Clarke, blindside flanker Matt Brown and loosehead prop Conrad Rieter were all prominent for the hosts. Carters Frame and Truss Taradale coach Blair Cross said his players displayed character to stage a late comeback but they should not have allowed their hosts to score 17 unanswered points during the first quarter.

Openside flanker Robert Tane and hooker Joe Simeon toiled tirelessly in the losing pack and experienced lock Reon Watts provided quality impact off the bench.

MAC 12 Hastings 3

MAC coach Pat Benson was impressed with the manner in which his troops stuck to their game plan and produced this upset at Elwood Park.

"The plan was not to let Hastings' big boys run and keep the likes of Peni [Tokakece] on the ground. It worked," Benson said.

His son and openside flanker Willy Benson dominated the tussle for the loose ball and experienced lock John Te Ngaio stole at least four of Hastings' lineout throws at crucial times. Hooker Jesse MacDonald was another to shine in the winning pack.

The best of the winless IMS Payroll Hastings Rugby and Sports side were second five-eighth Ausage Fomai, prop Jason Long and fullback James Rosenberg.

NTOB 31 NOBM 18

Rugged Group Tech of Companies Napier Technical lock Darren Deely's decision to retire a couple of seasons ago was a premature one. Deely, in his second season back from retirement, proved this yet again with a player-of-the-match display in this Whitmore Park victory against a woeful Hawke's Bay Insurances Napier Old Boys Marist outfit. While NTOB were always in control coach David Briggs was disappointed they went off the boil in the final quarter and failed to secure a bonus point for four tries.

Prop Mark Braidwood was again rampant in the host pack where No8 Martin Taumata had memorable patches. Fullback Tamati Samuels and second five-eighth Ted Walters were always dangerous in a backline well served by halfback Sheridan Rangihuna who did well to land six of his seven attempts at goal in a tricky wind.

Lock Sean Skeet was the only NOBM player to have a workrate appropriate to the occasion. NOBM coach Mike Warren agreed his side lacked the necessary urgency for the first 60 minutes.

Clive 19 Tamatea 0

Imported No8 Mark Atkins grabbed three tries as Clive displayed vast improvement with this victory at Bill Mathewson Park.

"It was nil-all at halftime but our forwards dominated the second half which was pleasing. Our ball retention was better and we can take a lot of confidence out of the win," Clive manager Alan Nisbet said.

Along with Atkins, openside flanker James Tango and lock Sven Hogenesch were valuable contributors to the winning pack. Substitute openside flanker BJ Bland and No.8 Hamiora Rowlands were tireless in the Tamatea pack.