Whangamata Red n White Rugby report for July 11

Pedro Garceres Carzon. Photo / Jason Bartley

The Red n Whites took the one-hour journey to Waitakaruru to face unbeaten Senior A league leaders Hauraki North on Saturday. And the home side prevailed by 12-0.

Obviously disappointed with their second loss in a row, Whangamata captain Zac Clarke stoically found some positives for his side. Firstly for a long period Whangamata scrapped and competed on level terms only to find it very difficult to turn into points.

In the opening minute of the game Norths rocked Whangamata with a try which was converted from wide out. A hesitant Whangamata defence blinded somewhat by the dazzling sun was quickly punished by the opportunistic North's right winger.

The scoreboard operator was nearly made redundant as the next scoring moment happened in the last five minutes of the game with another Norths' try.

The slight but significant forward dominance that Norths held limited Whangamata's attacking ideas. First-five and assistant coach Brendon Mckewon was often on the back foot, but skilfully used the scarce possession to set up Whangamata raids.

Other Red n White players to shine were second-five Tiaontin Raoren for steadfast defence and Pedro Caceres Garzon who added some second half vim and zest to the backline. Thanks to Rod Carter for match report details.

Tight head prop Jordan Maurice Cordice will return to the Whangamata forward pack for this week's game which is away at Boyd Park, Te Aroha 2pm against the not to be underrated Waihou side. Local derby action is at Paeroa domain for the classic Paeroa v Waihi Athletic match.

Tairua travel to Hauraki North for their 12.25pm kick-off. Thames Valley Rugby results Saturday, July 11 Senior A Hauraki North 12 v Whangamata 0, Mercury Bay 21 v Te Aroha Cobras 27, Thames 55 v Paeroa 22. Senior B Tairua 28 v Paeroa 0, Coromandel 60 v Hauraki North 5, Mercury Bay 38 v Ngatea 0, Thames 28 v Te Aroha Cobras 48.