Southland B pipped by Red Devils
Southland B have lost narrowly to the Tasman Red Devils in a thrilling South Island Invitational rugby championship showdown in Blenheim on Saturday.
The southerners took the game to the home side from the outset, outscoring them three tries to two, but the Devils hung tough in the game’s critical moments to win 19-17.
It took some scrambling defence, notably on their own goal line in the final moments of the match, to deny a gritty Southland side.
The visitors took 20 minutes to get into their stride after a long journey north from Invercargill on the day of the game.
Two early penalty goals to Devils’ first five Rawiri Tamati were countered midway through the first half by a close range try to Southland winger Leigh Bristowe, converted by fullback D’Angelo Leuila, his side’s only successful kick of the evening.
Late in the first stanza the southerners began to up the ante, helped by a yellow card to Devils winger Beco Diez for a breakdown infringement.
Left winger Keanu Kahuhura and Leuila began to find some holes and they were rewarded in the 37th minute when centre Lachie Moore crossed series of attacks.
Tasman had a chance to get three points back on the stroke of halftime but turned down a penalty kick to opt for a scrum, from which they were penalised.
The Red Devils were struggling with their set piece.
After a halftime ‘‘pep talk’’ by coach Mark Stewart, the home side quickly got back on terms.
An interception by Tamati allowed him to scamper clear and, when he fed the ball to Glen Ballam, the speedy fullback had a clear run to the tryline.
Ballam is a a Southlander who is now living and playing his rugby in Blenheim
The southerners replied immediately. From a five metre lineout they drove across the line, hard-working lock Brenton Howden coming up with the ball. after a
Trailing 17-11, the Red Devils needed an injection of vigour and they got it from their bench.
As the momentum began to swing the home side’s way, the winning points came.
As the benches emptied, Southland pushed hard for a winning try, spurning a couple of wideangled penalty shots to lay seige to the Devils’ line.
After a series of close range pick and goes, resolute home town defence forced a knock on and the final whistle blew.
Southland B also got value from their bench, No 8 Samu Tavui, halfback Josh Brazier and loosie Sam Winsloe impressing.
Centre Moore, Kahuhura, Leuila and first five Willy McKee were the pick of the backs while flanker Lachie McCall, former Tasman prop Reuben Northover and lock Howden shone up front.