Game went all Matamata’s way

McPherson Contractors Hinuera 7 Reid and Harrison United Matamata Sports 55

Hinuera hosted cross town rivals Matamata in the final of the First Division, playing for the Mooloo Shield.

In what can only be accurately described as a one-sided affair, Matamata thoroughly outplayed their opponents, dominating all aspects of play.

The previous three encounters had been close games, a draw mixed in with three and one point victories to the gold and blacks. Not this time. UMS were well led by captain Alex Bradley and directed around the field by Ryan Tuhakaraina. Hinuera made the early running but when awarded a penalty, Matt Ring’s attempt swung wide.

Matamata’s confidence grew as the game wore on and at one stage the ball was run from deep inside their twenty-two. Half back Rob Flagstaff, given an armchair ride by his forwards, fired out accurate passes to Tuhakaraina to unleash his backs. Holes began appearing in Hinuera’s defence, Matamata running in tries to Tuhakaraina (2) and Sam Brill to lead 17-0.

Hinuera made several forays on the enemy’s line, half back Travis Eggink going the closest.

With Malcolm Sankey sinbinned the momentum still swung Matamata’s way. Their backs were better organised on attack and defence. A try was scored by flying Fijian Lsimieli Uluibau from a simple back move, Brill converted 24-0 to Matamata.

Toby O’Reilly was introduced for Hinuera and had an immediate effect, Eggink scoring for O’Reilly to convert 24-7 to Matamata. Twas but a simple glitch for the visitors who carried on the slaughter. Captain Bradley dotted down under the bar for a popular try but an even bigger cheer sounded when Mark Wilcox scored. Jamie McIntyre, Raymond and Sean Tuhakaraina added tries, Brill converted three and the score hit 55-7. Hinuera were stunned, Matamata jubilant and Ryan Tuhakaraina was judged player of the day.

Next week Hinuera away to Te Awamutu Sports, Matamata to Te Rapa.