Discipline proves costly for Pirates

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A WELL-structured OBM proved too good for an enthusiastic Pirates in their Poverty Bay premier club season-opener on Saturday.

OBM surged to a 45-17 win at the Tiny White Opening Day at Paddy’s Park in Patutahi.

Pirates coach Anthony Kiwara said his side took a lot of positives from the match but discipline was a major issue — two players were red-carded in the first half and another got a yellow card.

“The boys held on for the 80 minutes even when we were down to 13 players,” Kiwara said. “I’m very proud of them, It was a massive day for our boys to step up to this level. It’s all about keeping our club alive and that’s what we are doing at the moment.

“Our stand out was Siope Puikana, our No.8, . . . and our captain (lock) Pat Kaliopasi, he was bloody outstanding.”

Discipline was also a concern for OBM coach Dillon Dolman-Tuhou.

“The first 20 minutes was scrappy and all over the show. The penalty count was way too high for us so we have got to do a little work on discipline,” he said.

“To leave our refs alone is the main one. He marched us a few times there. Other than that I am pretty happy.”

OBM went into the game prepared for plenty of physicality

“Pirates are a really aggressive, physical team,” Dolman-Tuhou said.

“You can see why they got those reds and yellow because their aggression is so high.”

An early penalty kick from Mosese Bulicakau put Pirates in front but they were soon on the back foot when a player was sent off in the eighth minute for a head-high tackle.

OBM quickly had them back-pedalling and in the 15th minute, prop Lance Dickson crashed over for the opening try.

The OBM offensive continued and a minute later, after prop Blake Beard gave them momentum with a dash up the middle of the field, second five George Hooper scored their second five-pointer.

Despite the disadvantage numbers-wise Pirates fought hard and from a penalty five minutes out, Pukana dived at the line to score in the 30th minute.

OBM No.8 and captain Rikki Terekia extended their lead at the 35-minute mark with a try, and two minutes later Pirates were relegated to 13 men following a red card for a dangerous tackle.

From there OBM put the squeeze on them and ran in tries to fullback Braedyn Grant, wingers Tuks Dee and Josaia Tikicidre and No.8 Gabe Te Kani.

Pirates kept trying and were rewarded with a try to replacement Paula Talafu.

Centre Solomoni Rasari converted five of OBM’s seven tries.

OBM 45 (Lance Dickson, George Hooper, Riki Terekia, Braedyn Grant, Tuks Dee, Josaia Tikicdre, Gabe Te Kani tries; Solomoni Rasari 5 con)

Pirates 17 (Siope Piukana, Paula Talafu tries; Mosese Bulicakau 2 con, pen)