Otiria claim historic upset in Kaikohe
Kaikohe 26 Otiria 41 (HT 24-17): The talking point of Far North rugby over the weekend was Otiria’s come-from-behind win over Kaikohe in Kaikohe on Saturday afternoon.
In perfect winter’s day conditions, the home side began strongly and were over the line relatively early in proceedings then going on to establish a solid lead only for Otiria to reply just before half time by placing points on the board. From that point on into the second spell, both sides went try for try while pressuring the other’s lines.
It was anyone’s game for the taking when Otiria crossed over with three minutes remaining on the clock. The visitors then withstood a late barrage to deny Kaikohe any chance to come back.
Otiria coach Te Rangi Allen admitted he had been given an inkling that Kaikohe was take-able after a narrow 39-34 loss in round 1.
“I knew we could take them if we did the right thing. Last time we played them we were up but were not able to keep them out and pressure them right to the final whistle.”
Having clearly done his homework going into this match, Allen noted a key aspect to victory was his side’s ability to contain Kaikohe’s danger men. Te Kauri McPherson scoring one of his two tries as Otiria recorded a historic win over Kaikohe in Bay of Islands sub union rugby on Saturday.
“Our forward pack had Kaikohe in reverse . . . [Kaikohe’s] Solomon Dalton likes to dominate in the scrum if he can come off the back. He didn’t have that
much go forward this time around.”
Otiria tries by Paora Allen, Te Kauri McPherson 2, Josh Owen, Mark Watene and one other, with Padre Brown converting three of the six tries. Standouts included openside Fred Ngawari (forward POTD) and 1st five Tia Owen (back POTD) with veteran Joe Latu also notable for his contribution — “15 key minutes in the last quarter” — with Allen adding, “To be honest, we could have given the POTD to anyone in the forwards.”
Having just taken control of the team this year, Allen was over the moon about this result. Born and bred in Ohaeawai, he said no one could ever remember Otiria beating Kaikohe in Kaikohe.
“Everyone was scratching their heads. I’m very pleased. It’s a lot further than I was expecting with these guys especially with the history of this team. Just turning the culture around is a win for me, the young guys are buying into it. The goal is to hold them for next year.
“We are looking forward to contesting the McGarry Cup [bottom four title] this Saturday and building towards 2019.”
Kaikohe coach Wally Harris proved gracious in defeat and was among many very impressed with Otiria’s improvement this season.
“Probably one of the best games played all year, very physical and played at a good pace throughout. Otiria showed heart, determination and commitment. Coaches Te Rangi Allen and manager Huru Tipene have done a great job
Bay of Islands