NOBM’s hopes crushed

Hastings end visitors’ record chase in thriller

Reserve: “We lacked the intensity and necessary hunger. Our boys need to man up.”

First five-eighth Brad Truesdale was the pick of the Taradale backs and tighthead prop Kelsey Miller and captain and No 8 Andrew Gardner were again prominent in the pack.

Previously winless in the Maddison Trophy rounds, Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports can be proud of their improvement.

“We had opportunities to win but didn’t capitalise on all of them,” Pirate manager Charles Reid said.

Powerful Pirate prop Pouri Rakete-Stones was the best player on the paddock. Experienced second five-eighth Matt Hill and winger Kane NepeApatu were an enterprising pair in the Pirate backline. Magpies lock Tom Parsons was inspirational for Northfuels Central in this victory at Waipukurau’s Central Park.

Parsons scored two tries and was full of authority at set-piece time. Fellow lock Scott Mathias and openside flanker Tomo Fogarty were also workaholics in the host pack.

“We had our moments but were inaccurate a few times. At the same time I must praise Central’s work ethic,” Jarks Tamatea head coach Matt Marsh said.

Former utility back Jimi Harris was again constructive and destructive as required at openside flanker for Tamatea. The visitors’ halfback/first fiveeighth combination of Mataeus Marsh and Lincoln McClutchie operated well.