Rugby: Waikite humbled by Rangiuru in Baywide women's competition

Waikite have received a harsh reality check at the hands of Rangiuru.

Coming off the back of a 78-0 win over Te Whanau Apanui last weekend Waikite were well prepared for the match at Bellvue Rd on Sunday, but were overwhelmed from the get-go as they lost 45-5.

To add to the disappointment the game was being filmed by Sky television cameras for the Grassroots Rugby show.

Waikite had the best of the possession in the opening minutes but were unable to turn the pressure into points.

Rangiuru's first opportunity came on the back of a scrum near halfway.

They spread the ball right and second five-eighth Kororia Heyblom straightened up, beat a one-on-one tackle and took off.

She sold a dummy to beat Waikite's last defender and score under the posts.

That play proved to be somewhat of a theme during the first half as Heyblom and her fellow backs ran riot.

Almost immediately from the resulting kick-off Rangiuru winger Aryahn Clarke broke away from inside her own 22m.

She offloaded to centre Mystery McLean near halfway and McLean showed great speed to go in untouched under the posts.

With both tries converted Rangiuru led 14-0 after just 10 minutes.

Waikite had periods of sustained possession during the first half but the Rangiuru defence was just too strong.

In the 20th minute Waikite were punished for switching off after giving away a penalty just outside their own 22m.

Rangiuru first five-eighth Jimi McLean took a quick tap as the Waikite players had their backs turned and raced through a big hole to score under the posts.

Rangiuru's backs continued to produce clinical passing and movement, in particular Heyblom who was involved in everything.

They scored three more tries to take a formidable 38-0 lead into halftime.

Waikite coach Murray Sturt said at halftime he told his players to forget the first half and attempt to do better in the second.

"It's a game of two halves.

"We asked them to have a bit more mana in their jerseys," said Sturt.

The team talk appeared to work as Waikite were much more competitive in the second half.

Eight minutes into the second half they received a penalty inside the Rangiuru 22m.

They took the tap and first five-eighth Eliza Stephens spun in the tackle before producing a superb offload for prop Dolly Tamai-Roberts to crash over.

For the next 20 minutes both teams battled it out on the middle of the field without producing any real chances until Rangiuru pounced on a Waikite error.

Waikite were on the attack deep inside opposition territory when the ball went to ground.

Rangiuru scooped it up, spread the ball to winger Tawa Ngatai who blitzed the defenders to score her side's seventh try.

Speaking after the game Sturt said Rangiuru were a quality side.

"Rangiuru were just better than us, they were more clinical in all areas.

"We couldn't fault them at anything really," said Sturt.

He was pleased with his team's improvement in the second half.

"They only scored once in the second half, which was a big improvement for our girls.

"That gives us some positives going into next week."

He said forwards Sequoia Autumn and Luka Connor were the standout performers for his side.

"Their work rate was phenomenal."

This weekend Waikite take on Rotoiti at home.

Results
Baywide Premier women's:
Rangiuru 45 v Waikite 5
Whakarewarewa 15 v Waimana 5
Rangataua 29 v Rotoiti 5
Te Whanau Apanui - Bye