Otago Daily Times

Valley’s win built on solid forward work

- TERRY O’NEILL

VALLEY continued on its winning way in Citizens Shield rugby when it defeated an improving Athletic Marist 3512 at Whitestone Stadium.

Excelsior defeated Old Boys 177, while two late converted tries were not enough to give Maheno victory over Kurow which held on for its second win of the season, 2221.

Valley’s formidable forward pack laid the foundation for its win over Athletic Marist, which has been battling on the paddock. But a recent transfusio­n of Pacific Island players into the club lifted its game and made for a brighter future.

Valley’s welldrille­d pack was always going to dominate but Athletic displayed an attacking ability which has not been seen so far.

Valley added two tries in the last 10 minutes of the half, to props Meli Kolinisau and Logan Dunlop, to give it a 287 halftime lead.

Athletic Marist struck first in the second half, when tighthead prop Pakileata Fifita barged over after an Arty break. Replacemen­t Howard Packman scored a cheeky try for Valley eight minutes from fulltime when he tapped a penalty 22m out and then outpaced the defence to score wide out.

Kurow posted its second win of the season when it held off a late charge from Maheno at the Maheno Domain. Kurow loosehead prop Lototonga Malafu’s try gave it an early lead and a second try to Sione Kaufasi extended the margin to 120.

Maheno replied through half Cameron Grubb.

But Kurow controlled the game, adding further tries to Malafu and flanker Pat Henwood and in the final quarter led 227.

Maheno came back with late tries to lock Andrew Fisher and Lachie Kingan, both converted by Tatupu, leaving Maheno a point in arrears.

Excelsior beat Old Boys for the second time this season, outscoring the former perennial champion three tries to one on No 2 ground confirming its dominance this season.

Excelsior led 50 at halftime, after winger Kayne Middleton had scored late in the period.

In the second half, Excelsior forced Old Boys into handling errors with some intense defence.

Trailing 170, Old Boys got a consolatio­n try to Joseph Vilia.

Netball

In the game of the round, previously unbeaten teams Valley Gold and Waitaki Girls’ Lightning Strike met on Saturday. Lightning Strike came out firing with some exceptiona­l phases and the Waitaki team took a sevengoal lead into the second quarter.

Valley’s experience began to show and it quickly ate into the lead, going into halftime with a twogoal lead. The teams went goalforgoa­l in the second half, before Valley Gold prevailed, 3834.

Stand out players for Valley were Nicky Wallace (GD), and Shay Frost (GK) while Brytnee Firman (GS/GA) had a fine game. The best of the Lightning Strike was Milly Matthews (GA), who really opened up the circle for an onfire Losa Fifita (GS), and Holly Beazer (GD) was a menace on defence.

St Kevin’s started with real intensity against Valley Silver

and led 143 after the first quarter. Hannah Cunningham (GD) and Jasmine Emery (GK) worked tirelessly in the circle alongside Serena O’Brien (WD), as St Kevin’s played a strong defensive line. Valley Silver was up against it for most of the game and managed some excellent passages of play, with Grace Firman (WD) and Amber Direen (GK) standing out.

Athletic almost pulled off an upset, picking up a bonus point from Waitaki Girls’ Wildfire and falling just three goals short of victory.With sickness and unavailabi­lity, both sides were tested and moments of brilliance were followed by unforced errors.

The pick of the Waitaki team was Kira Mortimer (C) and playing her first full game of the season,Lily Rawson (WD). For Athletic Robyn Williams (GD) turned over the ball on numerous occasions and applied pressure throughout the court.

After another lowscoring first half, Maheno Green finally found form in the third quarter in what could be described as a ‘‘busy’’ game. Maheno’s defence of Rachel Armstrong (GK), Mel Smith (GD) and Georgia Oakes (WD) were dominant throughout the game. The return of Nga Yaxley (GA) was a bonus for Maheno’s shooting combinatio­ns. Kurow’s circle defence of Steph Voise (GK) and Jane Mulholland (GD) combined well. The centre matchup of Maheno’s Kat Kawau and Kurow’s Rebecca Stark was competitiv­e.

Hockey

Tainui held Northern Hearts to 2all at halftime in South Canterbury League hockey but succumbed in the second half as Hearts pulled away for 53 win. Tom Wouters (2) and Josh Dalziel scored for Tainui while Regan Stevenson scored a brace of goals.

In North Otago club hockey Pirata Black had an 81 win over Waitaki Girls Developmen­t XI with Jason McLaren and Aria Packer scoring two goals each, while Harriet Melton scored Waitaki’s goal. Goals to Zoe Le Lievre and Alex Campbell enabled Pirata Blue beat Waitaki Girls First XI 20.

 ?? PHOTO: PHIL JANSSEN ?? Too late . . . Athletic Marist fullback Patrick Pati scores despite attention from Valley defenders Brad McKenzie (left) and Brodie McLelland.
PHOTO: PHIL JANSSEN Too late . . . Athletic Marist fullback Patrick Pati scores despite attention from Valley defenders Brad McKenzie (left) and Brodie McLelland.
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