Good start to celebrations
CHB Rugby and Sports’ 25th anniversary celebrations this weekend are off to the perfect start, with the Central premier men’s rugby team recording an upset 35-32 win over Clive in their Maddison Trophy second round clash at Farndon Park on Saturday.
Trailing 25-19 at halftime, the Northfuelssponsored CHB side fought back to beat the hosts to notch their first win of this Maddison Trophy campaign, which comes after eight consecutive losses this season including two consecutive defaults.
“Yes we needed that big time and our defence was superb in a good all-round team effort,” a delighted Central team manager Ian Large said.
“This is what we’ve been working towards.
“After a few drillings we’ve finally got a win.”
Promising loosehead prop Cam Pratt again had a massive workrate for the vistors.
Blindside flanker Jason Cutbush and tighthead prop Marcus Jackson were also prominent in the Central engine room.
Central 35 (T Fogarty, J Cutbush, M Donald, L Marshall, K Lepelaars tries; B Hardwidge 2 cons, pen; Marshall pen) def Clive 32
(T Falcon, S Tofilau, J EdenWhaitiri, B Hokianga tries; T Poto 3 cons, 2 pens). Halftime score: Clive 25-19. Division 2 Arthur Bowman Cup: Waipawa Country United Men’s Rugby Club 25 def Porangahau 25-8; Otane 29 def Aotea 25. Colts Arthur Brown Cup: Onga Tiko 55 def Eskview 12.