Pirongia save day with last-gasp try
fudc4In a scrappy game where there were numerous penalties given away from both teams, Pirongia were able to score a last-minute try to come away with a 17-12 win over Taupiri in Division One rugby.
Home side Pirongia had the better of the first half and after some early pressure took an early 3-0 lead.
Pirongia’s forward pack held the advantage over their counterparts, but the threat for Pirongia was out wide where the Taupiri centre combination was a handful, but through some great scramble defence Pirongia were able to keep Taupiri tryless.
Taupiri, after a good period on attack, were able to level the score at 3-3 but Pirongia scored the first try of the game.
After some constant try-line pressure with Taupiri infringing constantly, the referee had had enough and Pirongia were awarded a penalty try to take a 10-3 lead.
Taupiri slotted a penalty to go into halftime with Pirongia leading 10-6.
The second half was similar to the first, with numerous penalties affecting the flow of the game.
Both teams had chances, but Taupiri converted two penalties and with 10 minutes to go held the lead 12-10.
With time nearly up, Pirongia were awarded a penalty 40m out and instead of going for goal the Pirongia team took a tap.
First five-eighth Jack Wade put a kick through that surprised the Taupiri defence and after two good tackles, Taupiri were forced back into their own goal line and had to force the ball.
From the resulting 5m scrum, Stan Rhind broke off and was close to scoring, and after recycling the ball it was Andrew Charleston’s turn to go close.
The ball was then spun to Matt Findsen who passed it on to Greg Gane, who barged over from 2m to take the win.
Player of the day went to Rhind,
who was strong in the tackle and with the ball in hand.
Wade controlled things well from first-five.
The forwards grew as the game went and by the end of the game were dominating the Taupiri pack.
The backs defended well and had their moments on attack.
Pirongia B v Taupiri B
The Pirongia B side took on a strong Taupiri team going down 49-5.
It was a game of two halves with the halftime score being 35-0. The Pirongia B defence was poor and the Taupiri backs were slicing through with ease.
The second half was a different story with Pirongia holding on to the ball for long periods of time and creating many opportunities.
Pirongia were rewarded with a try right on fulltime.
There were lots of positives to come out of the second half and the boys are already looking forward to next week’s game.
Player of the day awards went to Sean Scott and Bailey Hazlitt who didn’t stop tackling all day.
United Matamata Sports Colts v Pirongia Colts
The Pirongia Colts went down in their first competition match 36-12 against a well-drilled and large Matamata team at Matamata.
Pirongia were not helped by injuries throughout the match, especially to some key front- rowers.
Matamata had a good first half and went into the break with a 31-7 lead. Pirongia’s try going to Mitch Zeuren, who also converted it.
In the second half, Pirongia were much more competitive and kept to their game plan more.
They were able to score the first points in the second half to close the gap to 31-12.
With 10 minutes to go, Matamata finished the scoring with an unconverted try to close the game off and take the win.
Pirongia would be pleased with their second half coming out five all, which will be something to build on for this week with a tough game at home on Saturday against the 2021 champions, Hamilton Marist.
Last night they also played a friendly match against the Te Awamutu College 1st XV.