First match on fire in premier club season
There was nothing sluggish about Levin College Old Boys and Levin Wanderers in the first match of the Premier season on Saturday at Levin Domain.
Both teams came to play and the momentum never flagged, despite more than 20 points separating the two Levin teams at the final whistle.
First blood went to LCOB from a try within the first three minutes to lead 5-0.
A missed penalty by Wanderers was compensated by a try five minutes later to equalise 5-5.
A try to LCOB edged them ahead 12-5, and while Wanderers made good with a penalty kick they couldn’t catch LCOB who notched up a penalty and a converted try to go into the second half leading 22-8.
LCOB maintained its stranglehold in the second half, despite a determined effort by Wanderers to stay in the game and not roll over as they watched the score line stretch to 27-8 in the first 12 minutes, to 34-8 about four minutes later and to 39-8 in as many minutes again.
However, Wanderers showed what they were capable of, keeping LCOB locked back in their own half for a good 10 minutes and following a good tussle along the try line and a missed penalty, made good with a try in the 32nd minute to reduce the gap 39-13.
Wanderers kept up the pressure as the minutes ticked down but it was academic as LCOB had already stamped its claim to the match, final score 39-13.
LCOB assistant referee Dan Turner said it was a good start to the season. “It was always going to be a tough game. “We’re trying to sort out our game plan at the moment and this is a good starting position.”
He said the team defended well and he was pleased with the team’s overall fitness levels.
“It’s something to build on but it’s looking pretty good for this time of the year.”
Discipline let the Wanderers side down, according to coach Marty Tupara.
“Lack of cool heads at key moments of the game but the basic skills were done well, good solid basics which is all I can ask of them,” he said. Tupara said it was a young, fit team who were keen and eager to play, and a privilege to coach.
“If we get our fair share of the ball, we will upset some teams.”