Central pay for mistakes
Northfuels Central were good in patches against Hastings in their Maddison Trophy opener at Central Park in Waipukurau on Saturday, but coughed up possession at critical times as they finished on the wrong end of a 45-17 scoreline.
Central showed they were capable of matching it with Hastings for periods and scored three tries against the visitors, including a double to second-five Pasqualle Dunn and one to captain, Tom Parsons. Pasqualle’s first try was converted to level the scores at 7-7 early on, but poor handling and turnovers at the breakdown cost the CHB side on more than a few occasions when on the attack.
Hastings crossed for six tries, including one to hooker Jacob Devery on his return from injury.
Devery’s scrum provided plenty of opportunities for halfback Folau Fakatava to strut his stuff. Busy No 8 Ben Hamelink and flanker Fale Matamata were others to shine in the winning pack while first five-eighth Danny Toala and second five-eighth Ausage Fomai combined well in the Hastings backline.
Despite the scoreline, Central manager Ian Large was rapt with the intensity and commitments his troops displayed after three weeks without a game. He said Dunn, Parsons and promising loosehead prop Cam Pratt all made his MVP list.
This Saturday, Central travel to Farndon Park to take on Clive, who had suffered a narrow 19-17 loss to Taradale in their opener.
■ Score: Hastings Rugby and Sports 45 (J Devery, F Matamata, J Tavita-Metcalfe, A Fomai, D Toala, J Rihia, B Hamelink tries; Toala 3, I Ioane 2 cons), Central 17 (P Dunn 2, T Parsons tries; B Hardwidge con). HT: 26-7.