Rugby: Waipu grab bonus point win over Mid Western

Waipu fullback Jason Young makes a break during his side's 31-21 win over Mid Western in the Bayleys Premiership. Photo/Michael Cunningham

Waipu made it two wins from two in the Bayleys Premiership with a 31-21 victory over Mid Western.

Helped by a dominating scrum, Waipu led from start to finish in a high energy match.
Waipu coach Graham Dewes was fairly happy with how his charges played, but is still looking for improvement.

"We played reasonably well. We tried a few different things that we'd been working on at training and some of them came off," he said.

"We made a few mistakes but that happens. We also tried some new combinations and brought some different guys in but it was a great hit out for us.

"We did have a great scrum and it has come from having the same group of boys for a couple of seasons. That consistency is starting to show.

"There is still a lot of improvement we need to do in each facet of the game but we're taking it one week at a time."

Mid Western looked likely early on with flanker Grayson Thyne threatening around the rucks and with ball in hand.

But it was Waipu who opened the scoring after number eight Nick Murray set up winger Louis Ward for a well worked try. Prop Mike Tuiloma crashed over shortly after to give Waipu a 12-0 lead.

Waipu winger Louis Ward goes over for his second try of the afternoon. Photo/Michael Cunningham

An intercept try from impressive Mid Western first-five Tim Blundell closed the gap shortly before halftime closed the gap.

Waipu's scrum took over in the second half, leading to a blindside effort for flanker Sam McNamara after fullback Jason Young gave him an inside ball.

Mid Western struck back shortly after with a converted try but Waipu proved too classy for their opponents.

Waipu's sheer superiority at the scrum was highlighted by a big effort 5m out from the Mid Western line.

Waipu pushed Mid Western back over their line before Ward snuck in to grab his second try of the day.

Replacement first-five Ben Mathers added the icing on the cake before Thyme scored a consolation try with three minutes to play.

Meanwhile, Hikurangi and OBM maintained their unbeaten start to 2017 with good wins over Wellsford and Hora Hora respectively.

Hikurangi won their clash 41-19, while OBM flexed their muscles with a 43-0 shutout.

In other Premier matches, Mid Northern beat Otamatea 36-25 and Western Sharks edged Kamo 22-18.

In the newly formed Bayleys Northland Championship, comfortable wins were the order of the day.

In the North Zone, Eastern dismantled Te Rarawa 62-0 while Awanui (40-12 over Kaitaia) and Ohaewai/Okaihau (55-15 against Panguru) also had big victories.

Kaikohe took a 27-18 win over Kerikeri B while Kerikeri A won 33-15 against Kaeo.

The South Zone was highlighted by a 74-7 demolition of City by Moerewa/United Kawakawa. Mangakahia, Pipiwai and Kaihu also had victories.

Whangaruru racked up the biggest total of the season in their 89-14 demolition of Otiria.

Results

Northland Premier:
Hikurangi 41 Wellsford 19
Hora Hora 0 OBM 43
Mid Northern 36 Otamatea 25
Waipu 31 Mid Western 21
Western Sharks 22 Kamo 18

Premier Reserves:
Hikurangi 28 Wellsford 0
Hora Hora 34 OBM 43
Mid Northern 44 Otamatea 5
Waipu 62 Mid Western 0
Western Sharks 13 Kamo 28

North Zone Championship
Awanui 40 Kaitaia 12
Eastern 62 Te Rarawa 0
Kaikohe.27 Kerikeri B 18
Ohaeawai/ Okaihau 55 Panguru 15
Keri A 33 v Kaeo 15

South Zone Championship
Whangaruru 89 Otiria 14
Kaihu 21 Tomerata 7
City 7 Moerewa/United Kawakawa 74
Mangakahia 29 Ruawai 19
Pipiwai 21 Southern 14