Courageous young squad prove skills
Coach and manager positive about the season ahead
Two games in five days was a tough introduction for the Dannevirke High School First XV but the young side showed in both games it has the potential to do well in the Manawatu Rugby First XV grade.
Drawn first up to play Feilding High School Seconds the team played its heart out on a recent Tuesday evening at Dannevirke, the game being postponed from Saturday. Ultimately the locals went down 17-19 in a very tight finish.
Again playing at home, this time against Whanganui High School Firsts on Saturday, a very even game ensued with strong defence from both sides restricting the halftime score to 3-0 to Dannevirke, first five Tamati Rautahi landing a long range penalty.
In the second half it was similarly tight but when Dannevirke lost a lock to a yellow card Whanganui pounced with a try off the front of the lineout.
At 3-5 down Dannevirke seemed to lack direction for 20 minutes but rallied and was awarded a penalty in front.
In possibly the turning point of the game it chose to run the ball and Whanganui kept the attack out.
Whanganui had some incisive players but Dannevirke defended strongly until a high ball bounced awkwardly in its 22 for a pursuing player to collect and score.
Dannevirke attacked strongly but the impact of two games in five days took its toll. Awarded a penalty 40 metres out in front in the last minute Tamati Rautahi obliged, taking the score to 12-6 but earning the local side a bonus point.
Dannevirke’s pack carried out their set pieces well, Sam Olsen soaring in the lineout and Hunter August charging in the tight but claiming breakdown ball was not great, depriving a pretty classy backline from good secondphase ball.
Coach Mike Tayles and manager Dan Walding can feel positive about the season. The lads have skill and courage – basic necessities for a good season.