Big win for O¯haupo¯ in second round match
O¯ haupo¯ kick-started their Waikato division one second round campaign with an emphatic 32-17 win over Te Rapa.
As expected Te Rapa arrived at Memorial Park, O¯haupo¯ on Saturday ready for a tough day after just scraping past the red, yellow and blacks in round one.
With all teams reverting to zero points for round two, it was a clean slate for both teams and a chance to stake a claim for a home semifinal and possible home final.
Both teams looked to play expansively on a ground relatively firm under foot and the weather dry and still.
O¯ haupo¯ halfback Scott Thomas slotted a three pointer after 12 minutes, followed smartly by Te Rapa scoring an unconverted try.
Jimmy Robertson, with his pace and agility, chalked up the first try for O¯ haupo¯, only to see Te Rapa reply in kind and go to the break leading 12-10.
With the bounce of the ball and those referee decisions that can go either way seeming to fall in Te Rapa’s favour in the first half, it was O¯ haupo¯ ’s turn come the second half.
O¯haupo¯’s constant pressure through committed tackling and straight running from the forwards started to expose Te Rapa and the cracks appeared.
Sean Collins, who again produced a man of the match performance, dotted down after a series of pick and go’s from the forwards, then winger Luke Annan got in on the scoring in the corner.
With five minutes left on the¯ clock and ahead 22-12, Ohaupo¯ ran in two more tries, a second to Annan with a lovely intercept from 20m out and one to fullback Lance Elrick who had a solid game.
Te Rapa managed to cross for a late consolation try.
O¯ haupo¯ have a bye this coming weekend.
Next up is a home game against old foe Pirongia on June 16.