Trialling a new backline failed to dull the sharpness of a finely-tuned St Johns Club Whanganui Metro during its 53-17 drubbing of Kia Toa in the Manawatu McDonalds Colts division match at Spriggens Park on Saturday.
The Whanganui lads enjoyed a rare home turf match complely dominating the visitors inboth the forwards and backs.
Darryl Malcolm said he and co-coach Carl Gibson were forced to trail new backline combinations with the imminent departure of regular first-five and goal kicker Stefan Hannan.
"We won the match with some authority despite trailling a new backline and search for a new kicker to replace Stefan who leaves us in two or three weeks after joining the army," Malcolm said.
"The trial didn't work too well and we didn't score very many points with the boots. However, were were also able to give everyone who hasn't had a run this season and a run on Saturday and that seemed to gel okay.
"Our forwards ran hard and in particular Corbin Warren at No7 and prop Blade Jones. They ran hard and broke the advantage line every time they got the ball proving quality ball to the backs. James Dorgan at fullback had a very good game.
"But it was great to see the level of support we had from the home game. All three of the Houltham brothers (Kalib, Kelly and Tyrone) were all on the paddock at eht same time much to the enjoyment of their mother on the sideline, while Laurence Weber came off the bench to score two tries."
All Manawatu rugby takes a break over Queen's Birthday weekend.
