Ebbitt rapt at Clive’s final flourish
Assistant coach opines that the late Alan Nisbet ‘would have been proud of that’
fluential, regular unsung heroes, props Kereama Peni and Etu Tuanaki and lock Rana Huata, exceeded expectations big time.
Eden-Whaitiri’s work at lineout time should have impressed All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick, who was among the spectators.
Halfback Bronson Hokianga provided quality distribution which allowed plenty of opportunities for excitement machines, Hurricanes winger Jonah Lowe, who scored two tries, fullback JJ Taulagi and centre Sasa Tofilau, out wide.
The riversiders’ tenacious defence forced NOBM to make uncharacteristic errors.
A key moment was in the 36th minute when NOBM were trailing 8-7 and opted for a tap penalty instead of a scrum or three easy points. Clive were down to 14 players after Taulagi was sin binned and NOBM could have had a seven-pointer had they gone wide from a scrum.
After leading 13-7 at halftime, Clive dominated the second half. In fact NOBM had to wait until the 79th minute to get into their attacking 22 in the second half.
Chiefs utility back Tiaan Falcon took the field as a second half substitute for Clive and dictated terms well from the pivot role.
Clive head coach Vaine Maui and Ebbitt deserved all the kudos that flowed their way after the final.
Not only did their side enter the semifinals as the fourth qualifiers. It must be remembered that they had been thrashed 76-0 and 84-12 by NOBM earlier this season.
Maui was under pressure to deliver on Saturday after his sister Sharlena had been assistant coach of the Clive women’s team which won their Hawke’s Bay final with a 48-28 win against Taradale Rugby and Sports earlier in the day.
Captain and No 8 Chris Johnston again had a huge defensive workrate for NOBM. Hooker Willie Benson was tireless and lock Sean Skeet was busy in the dark places.
While centre Shae Tucker and winger Michael Buckley made the most of their limited opportunities, they didn’t receive enough quality ball because their forwards were going backwards for almost 70 per cent of the match.
NOBM head coach Craig Gowler admitted his troops were beaten by the better team on the day.
“There was a massive momentum swing in the second half and they deserved it. At the same time it must not be forgotten what our team has done for the past three years ... supporters have to be proud of them.”
Gowler was in his fifth season at the helm and he said he would decide over the summer whether he would return next season.
“It could be time for some new blood and new ideas,” he added.