Greytown start new season in fine form

SWERVE: Gladstone Under-8 Black's George Johns looks for a gap against East Coast. PHOTO/SUZANNE OLIVER

Greytown U13s enjoyed a superb start to the season playing Marist under floodlights on the new artificial turf at Memorial Park.

After swapping tries in the first half, they went into the break leading 22-17, before stretching away in the second period to record a memorable 37-24 victory.

Their second game was away at Gladstone and, playing into a strong wind, they opened the scoring with a fine runaway try from halfback Pierre Jacobs.

This was soon followed by another touchdown from loose forward Robert Rossiter-Stead, who picked up from the base of a ruck on the 22m line and powered over.

First-five Willie Matthews added the conversion, but two good Gladstone tries gave them a 14-12 halftime lead.

Greytown failed to take advantage of the wind in the second half, despite their forward dominance, and eventually went down 24-12.

The Greytown U10 v Carterton game at Marist was a bruising encounter, which Greytown won 10-4, having led 4-2 at the interval. Try-scorers were Connor Cooke (5), William Cole (3), Conley Alexander (1) and Jack Hannock (1), with the player of the day award being shared between Peter Annand and Connor Cooke.

Greytown U9 lost out 4-12 to Pioneer, with tries coming from Angus Jaspers (3) and Devon Collins (1). Players of the day were Angus Jaspers and Spencer Telford.

The U8 Black team were unbeaten after two exciting games, demonstrating some text book tackling and passing. First up, they took on Marist Green and triumphed 5-3, with the player of the day award going to Izaiah Kaiwai.

Their second game was against Masterton Red Star Black, which ended in an honourable 3-3 draw. Player of the day was Jethro Doherty. This team has really improved from last year, and is showing signs of being very competitive all season.

It was a tough day for Greytown U8 Red, losing out 4-8 to Martinborough and 0-10 to Carterton. The standout players were Aja Pomeroy, Max Mullens and Raniera and Kuini Kenrick.

Greytown U6s showed the benefit of their training sessions with players carrying the ball in two hands and showing some good skills. Players of the day were Orlah Holden and Tommy Reid.