Strong defence proves key for Drummond-Limehills-Star

Drummond-Limehills-Star beat Riversdale 12-7 in their division one clash at Drummond on Saturday.

Riversdale dominated possession in this game and strung together phase after phase but the home defence was rock solid led by flanker Shane Erskine and halfback Ritchie Allison.

Allison is in fine

form

this (At Drummond) Riversdale 7, DLS 12. HT: Riversdale 7-5 (At Tokanui) Tokanui 18, Waikaka 5. (At Edendale) Edendale 21, Star 53. HT: Star 24-7 (At Nightcaps) Ohai-Nightcaps 7, Wyndham 38. season and scored the opening try after 30 minutes.

After being awarded a multitude of penalties Riversdale, eventually scored a converted try in the 46th minute of the first half.

Riversdale continued to recycle the ball with ease in the second half but they couldn’t break down the defence and add to their 7-5 lead.

With five minutes remaining, DLS first five-eighth Gray Gar- dener helped set up a good try for his cousin Ron (second fiveeighth).

After the restart, Riversdale went straight back on to attack and looked likely to score before midfielder Gerard Tree joined the rolling maul and fumbled the ball.

Riversdale coach Garth Lindsay was disappointed they could not grab the victory.

‘‘I thought we did enough to win but that’s the nature of this competition, a little frustrating really.’’

Riversdale locks Jamie Elliott and Logan McKee had strong games and provided a constant source of quality ball from the lineout.

First five-eighth Willy Tree and brother Gerard were also good contributors in the backline.

After three consecutive draws Waikaka were desperate to get a win down at Tokanui but the locals wanted it more on their club day and won 18-5.

Tokanui dominated up front, and a solid platform was set for the backs to work from.

Leading 18-5 at halftime, Tokanui then defended strongly throughout the scoreless second half.

Waikaka lamented their slow start and never fired up until five minutes before the break, by then the locals confidence and determination was too much to overcome.

Wyndham went over to OhaiNightcaps for the division two crossover game and comfortably won 38-7.

Lock Dean

Rabbage,

centre Phillip Norman and flanker Ray Munn all played well in the mud. Edendale had the unenviable assignment of facing up to Star, who currently lead the premier grade.

Star led 24-7 at halftime but the magpies did very well to still be in contention 24-21 after 60 minutes.

Star lifted the tempo in the final quarter to win 53-21.

Coach Mark Hourston reported, ‘‘the boys enjoyed the game, and prop Ziggy Marley was a standout performer’’.