Norths return to form
Northern United arrested their recent slide with a fine win over Hutt Old Boys Marist, while Tawa are ruing another one that might have been, in the latest round of Swindale Shield rugby.
Tawa fell 34-20 to an excellent Upper Hutt side at Maidstone Park on Saturday and remain second-to-bottom in the standings with a 1-5 win-loss record for the season. They fought back gamely after being behind 20-8 at the break, to get to 27-20, before a late try made the game, and the Mexted Motors Trophy, safe for the home team.
Co-coach Steve So’oialo said ‘‘it was the same old story – getting into good positions but coming away with nothing’’.
They have played the competition’s top sides so far and not been badly beaten by any.
‘‘We have been in every single one of our games, but something like an intercept or bad decisionmaking is costing us. It’s a lack of experience at the wrong time, we have not had an 80 minute performance yet.
‘‘ Upper Hutt are a wellstructured side that are going in the right direction this year.’’
So’oialo says the big challenge is to get results in their remaining fixtures and push hard for a Jubilee Cup spot. Despite the five losses, he says the spirit in the squad is ‘‘tight’’ and they have the heart and talent to win matches.
Norths, meanwhile, had a heartening 35-13 win at the Hutt Rec over the previously unbeaten HOBM.
After a tight tussle in the first 40, Norths turned on the jets, showing some Swindale magic of old with four second-half tries.
Centre and goal kicker Perry Hayman was the star turn, dotting down twice and kicking well for 20 points. Dean Bruns don, Johnny Teleaga and Kose Tuimavave also crossed.
Both Tawa and Norths play at home this Saturday, hosting Poneke and Petone respectively. Frank Rees’ return to Porirua Park will make for compulsory viewing.