Big Dan Farani leads for Wainui
It was a day for the veterans, as Wainuiomata beat Hutt Old Boys Marist 31-26 on Saturday.
The large crowd at William Jones Park was treated to an entertaining game of club rugby and clearly enjoyed watching the home side record its second win of the season.
Played in perfect conditions, both sides ran the ball with purpose.
The opening try went to HOBM winger Fereti Soloa who was always dangerous with the ball in hand.
Mid-fielder Izzy Foai and prop Rei Mania were prominent for HOBM early but as the game wore on, the two sides evened up.
The crucial play came late in the second half from an unlikely source, former Samoan international Dan Farani.
Last year, Farani was coaching at Petone but this season he has teamed with Justin Wilson to coach Wainuiomata.
Farani showed he was still in top shape when he was subbed on late in the second half. He immediately took control and featured prominently in a rolling maul that resulted in the match winning try.
Although HOBM rallied to score a late try and have a final chance of grabbing the win, Wainui held on.
The best of the Wainui forwards was number eight Ben Tupuola and veteran prop Justin Va’a.
Tupuola was a monster with the ball in hand and Va’a was a big part of their dominant scrum.
Samoan sevens legend Uale Mai played well at first five, as did halfback Frae Wilson. Veteran HOBM lock Polonga Pedro was the best of their forwards.
Number eight Jordan Gillies was tireless on defence and ran the ball with vigor.
The second half featured a long delay when HOBM substitute Lorenzo Pili suffered a sickening ankle injury.
With two losses to their name, HOBM will be keen to find some form against Paremata Plimmerton on Saturday. In other games, Petone recorded a good 24-20 win over Marist St Pats. Lock Jack Ross was prominent for the Villagers.
Avalon pushed Oriental Rongotai before going down 30-22. The feature Hutt game this week sees Petone take on Avalon at the Petone Rec.