Bay end losing streak to keep Lochore Cup hopes alive

Poverty Bay No.8 Stuart Leach gets tackled by a North Otago defender during a Heartland match. Leach scored the opening try in the Bay’s 31-17 win over Horowhenua Kapiti in Levin on Saturday.Picture by Paul Rickard

Away from home, on the brink of being out of Lochore Cup contention and on a five-game losing streak . . . Poverty Bay were up against a lot of factors in

Week 7 of the Heartland Championship.

They responded with a 31-17 win over Horowhenua Kapiti to keep alive their hopes of making the Lochore Cup semifinals (for teams placed fifth to eighth).

The bonus point win lifted the Civil Project Solutions Poverty Bay Wekas to eighth position on the table with one round-robin game to go.

Having lost five matches in a row — four of those by close margins — the Bay needed to make a statement not just for their supporters but for themselves as well because falling just short of winning is more frustrating than being beaten by a lot.

Bay head coach Miah Nikora said this win was “long overdue”.

“It was really pleasing to go down there and get the five points that we needed to keep us in it,” Nikora said. “For us, there was a big emphasis on the start — particularly after last weekend  (a 50-43 loss to North Otago).

“We got the start we wanted with a try after a couple of minutes . . . that got us going in the right direction.”

Lock Morgan Reedy made a break through the middle from the 10-metre line and was caught 10m out from the try line. After another hit-up, the ball was spun right to No.8 Stuart Leach who went over for the try.

Fullback Ricardo Patricio, sharing kicking duties with first-five Jonty Stewart, knocked over the conversion.

Minutes later, Patricio added a penalty kick  for 10-0 but Horowhenua  responded with a penalty from first five Aidan Champion (10-3).

In the 19th minute, Bay prop Jarryd Broughton crashed over for a try for 15-3.

Horowhenua replied with a try to fullback Leighton Ralph and Champion’s conversion closed the deficit  to 15-10.

Flanker Keanu Taumata’s try in the 29th minute pushed the  lead out to 20-10 but a try to  Horowhenua winger Willie Paia’aua in the 36th minute, converted by Champion,  made it 20-17 at halftime.

The Bay had to withstand an attacking onslaught in the opening minutes of the second half.

The visitors were resolute including try-saving defence from lock Jordan Kingi which held the ball up over the line.

Having staved off the home side’s assaults, the Bay launched their own attack and  Patricio went over in the 48th minute for 25-17. The pressure on Horowhenua told in their discipline. They gave away penalties in the 60th and 64th minutes which Patricio turned to points.

The opening period of the second half influenced the rest of the game and Nikora knew that as it was unfolding.

“They had us under the pump,” Nikora said. “They came out really strong and we had to defend our line for a good period of time.”

Kingi’s defensive effort was huge as they were able to clear the ball.

“It was a feeling of ‘this is a big moment in the game; if we can hold them out here, it will set us in good stead’.

“To show a bit of heart there and keep them out and then to go up the other end and score points . . .  was a real positive.”

The five points they got from the match keeps the Bay in contention for the Lochore Cup but a long-time-coming-victory has given the team more.

“At the final whistle it was good to see the smiles and a bit of jubilation from the boys after so long.

“I think our morale is in a good place and  the win was definitely needed. The losses have been close but when you grab one (win), it’s amazing how much of a boost it can give.”

Poverty Bay 31 (Stuart Leach, Jarryd Broughton, Keanu Taumata, Ricardo Patricio tries; Patricio con, 3 pens).

Horowhenua Kapiti 17 (Leighton Ralph, Willie Paia’aua tries; Aidan Champion 2 cons, pen).

Week 7 Heartland results —

Ngāti Porou East Coast 29 King Country 11; South Canterbury 50 Mid Canterbury 35; North Otago 34 Thames Valley 33; Wairarapa Bush 18 Whanganui 36; Buller 29 West Coast 11.