Rugby: Discipline vital for premiership hopes

Better discipline will be vital for Mid Western when they face table-topping sides Marist and Wellsford in the Southern Districts Club Rugby competition over the coming weeks.

Last year's premiers had a 35-10 win over Hora Hora in Saturday's round five, despite ill discipline creeping into their game at Hora Hora Rugby Club.

Mid Western had three players (Karaitiana Vette-Welsh, Peter Mirrielees and Andy White) sinbinned during the match, and coach Simon Cauty said it was a real concern for the team.

"We need to sort out our discipline before those next two games. In the past five games we have had five guys binned ... we also gave away far too many penalties," Cauty said.

Hora Hora put the first points on the board, when David McDonald booted a penalty in the first half, before Mid Western No8 Ben Berridge scored his first try after a line out, with only 14 men on the paddock. Prop Mirrielees had been binned for rucking earlier, and following his return, centre Vette Welsh was sent off for ill-discipline.

Berridge backed up to score again from another lineout, again when they had just 14 men on the field.

By halftime the visitors led 3-14 and they extended that gap with tries from winger Dan Taylor, second-five Dan Wells and lock Reegan Edwards, with Lachie Munro booting five conversions and missing only a penalty kick.

Hora Hora started to tire in the second half, and Mid Western's superior fitness began to kick in.

Hora Hora tried desperately to get back into the game, and produced a try after Troy Woodman made a break down the wing, but they left it too late.

"They were the normal Hora Hora, backing themselves through the forwards ... you know what you are going to get with Hora Hora, " Cauty said.

"I think our fitness showed through."

Fullback Dan McCully and Mirrielees received player of the day honours, but Cauty also complimented Berridge and flanker Brent Murray, as well as skipper Adam Clarke for having a strong play-making game.

"It was good having Adam back at halfback - he's been playing elsewhere in the backs due to a few injuries in the team," the coach said.

In other round five matches, Wellsford remain unbeaten after beating Marist 21-18, while Mid Northern beat Kamo 17-11. Old Boys had a one-point win over Hikurangi (22-21), and Western Sharks beat Otamatea 24-5.

This Saturday, Marist host Mid Western at Kensington Park, Kamo play Otamatea at Kamo, Mid Northern face Hora Hora at Hukerenui, Western Sharks will host Old Boys at Dargaville and Hikurangi play Wellsford at Hikurangi.