End to end encounter a scorcher

Yard Master Reid and Harrison United Matamata Sports (UMS) 30 Taupiri 19

slick backline move to score in the corner.

UMS then came back with vengeance and applied more pressure on Taupiri’s goal line and from a scrum some 10 metres out the UMS forward pack rolled the Taupiri scrum and Alex Bradley went over from the scrum to take UMS out to a deserved lead.

Just on the half UMS were awarded a penalty close to the Taupiri line and with the Taupiri pack struggling at the set piece UMS opted for a scrum and again powered over for another try to Bradley. This was nicely converted by Tuhakaraina and took the halftime score 15-5 to UMS.

Coach George Simpkin willed his players at halftime to be accurate, hold possession and fight for the win as Taupiri were playing for their season and needed to get back into the game early.

Taupiri then started the second half as UMS began the first with a large amount of possession. They attacked the UMS goal with vigour but with what has been a positive this season, UMS held their line with attacking defence.

Once they got possession they used the elements and got back into the Taupiri half.

After what only seemed their first possession of the half UMS struck with a well worked back line move to allow left wing Lsimeli Uluibau to score.

Further pressure and possession from UMS allowed them into the Taupiri half. The pressure was too much and from an infringement Tuhakaraina slotted another penalty to take the score out to a commanding lead of 23-5 with 15 minutes remaining.

The next 15 minutes was nonstop action after numerous goes at the UMS line Taupiri crashed over for a try under the posts.

UMS then lifted another gear and then from a resulting scrum in the Taupiri half fast hands allowed winger Harley Snowden a dot under the posts. Taupiri then applied pressure back on UMS and again were rewarded for their efforts with a well worked try to take the score to 30-19.

UMS knew that if Taupiri scored again the season was over. They lifted for the last 10 minutes on attack and defence and took the game.

All the forwards shone in the UMS pack with Craig Hammond and player of the day Andrew Martin the best.

In the backs Tuhakaraina again led the team well and resolute defence from Jamie McIntyre and Sean Tuhakaraina in the mid field supported at the back by Raymond Tuhakaraina was pleasing.

UMS have the bye next week and are home to Frankton on July 12, a bonus point win is a must.

Special mention to the entire club sponsors and it was great to have a win and their support was acknowledged by the players after the game.

Point scorers Tries

Alex Bradley (2), Lsimeli Uluibau (1), Harley Snowden (1), 2, and 2 Ryan Tuhakaraina.

Pen

Con