Development side cope best with mud
The Taranaki Development team put their Northern Regions season back on track with a hard-fought 14-7 win over Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday.
In the wet and muddy conditions at Hamilton Marist, Taranaki Development played with control and intelligence, and were strong on defence, as they ended a two-game losing streak and stayed in the hunt for the Northern Regions title.
The win did come at a cost, however, with well-performed No 8 Shem Setu breaking his arm and requiring surgery.
With conditions making it difficult to play expansive rugby, Taranaki Development put together almost the perfect first half of rugby, holding onto the ball, kicking well and making the right decisions. The kicking games of Jayson Potroz, Warwick Lahmert and Matty McKenzie came to the fore as they plugged the corners and led Taranaki Development expertly around the field.
The team were rewarded in only the seventh minute when centre Avon Lewis sliced through to dot down.
The forwards continued to carry strongly and just before halftime second five-eighth Pomare Samupo scored under the posts following a great ball from Potroz.
With McKenzie’s conversion, Taranaki Development took a 14-0 lead to the break. The second half was a real battle, with Taranaki forced to defend for long periods. Waikato did manage to score a converted try, but Taranaki Development held on for a deserved win.
Taranaki Development assistant coach Jason Hooper said he was pleased with the effort and determination of the side after two frustrating defeats.
‘‘The team was really focused at training this week and it was good to regroup, put in a good performance and come away with the win,’’ he said.
‘‘It was a bit of a game of two halves with us having all the ball in the first playing into the wind and kicking well, and then defending in the second. So I’m most impressed with how they went to work and ground out the win.’’
Taranaki Development next play North Harbour, who sit two points above them on the points table, at Inglewood on Saturday.
Results in the final two rounds will need to go their way if they are to prevent leaders Auckland, who are eight points clear of Taranaki, from claiming the title.
‘‘Hopefully we can get a win this week then go to Auckland and finish off well,’’ Hooper said.