Rathkeale College won the Stuart Cup and also took charge of the Wairarapa Challenge Shield for the top Wairarapa schools side when they overpowered Wairarapa College 25-0 in their first XV rugby match played at Rathkeale on Saturday.
In front of a large crowd Rathkeale were extended by Wairarapa College in
a first half which ended with them 3-0 up from a Matt Dalley penalty.
Highlighting the Rathkeale effort was their solid defence, spearheaded by Pua Tafa in midfield and openside flanker Dean Taylor-Menzies.
The sureness of their tackling and speed to the breakdowns often saw Rathkeale turn defence into attack and tries to forward James Wilkie after a charge down and Taylor-Menzies minutes later gave them a commanding advantage.
Also impressive was the fluidity of the Rathkeale backs in attacking play with the inside combination of Herewini Haeata at halfback and Cole Eru at first-five showing the way. Haeata went over for a try in what was the best move of the game late in the match with Dalley, who had earlier kicked three penalties and a conversion, adding the extra two points.
Coached by Brendon Bracewell and Wayne Loader, the 2007 season has been a successful one for Rathkeale who have beaten Hutt International Boys, suffered narrow losses to Christs College and Wanganui Collegiate and had a string of wins in the Manawatu secondary schools competition. They play Fielding High School at home this coming Saturday.
