Hinuera show heart in their defeat

McPherson Southern 49

Contractors

kick

22

Played at Tokoroa, Hinuera met second placed Southern and came up against a battering ram.

From the opening whistle the hosts forwards surged on to the attack with a rolling maul which travelled 40 metres, showing they meant business.

Twenty minutes passed before the gold and blacks touched the ball, by which time Southern had racked up 24 points.

With a cleaver chip

in behind the opposing backline, Dwayne Underwood won the race to the ball and scored in the 24th minute, Southern 24-5.

A fifth try was added, 29-5. The hosts were a well drilled side attacking on the fringe of rucks with big ball runners or down the blind side to batter Hinuera unceasingly. Occasionally the ball was spun along their backline, where they had a very tricky runner on the left wing. A patient buildup secured a sixth try, 34-5 at the break.

Jared McNaughton had opportunities to ignite his backline but it wasn’t until the 50th minute that right winger Josh Hedge touched the ball.

This led to Benji Olesen dancing and diving before being stiff armed.

From the resulting penalty Hinuera were dispossessed, then had the mortification of trudging back to their goal line as Southern ran the length of the field for an outstanding try.

Two further tries followed, 49-5 in the 60th minute.

Then Hinuera decided enough was enough.

It was almost as though a mental switch was pressed and a vow taken – do not let them score 50.

A move deep in Hinuera’s territory was begun by Khan Underwood, and finished 80 metres later by his brother Dwayne, having passed through Zane Kerrick and McNaughton’s hands.

Jake O’Reilly, not to be outdone, won counter attacking ball, McNaughton intercepted a Southern pass to race 60 metres, but lacked energy to convert his own try, Southern 49-15.

Dared we hope? Bonus point try with two minutes remaining?

Luke Gaenswicke provided the answer, McNaughton converted 49-22 Southern.

Although comprehensively beaten, Hinuera showed heart. Hayden McPhail was player of the day. Other results: B’s 38- 17, Colts lost 75-5 to Marist. Next week, home to Frankton.