“Yeah, definitely feeling it now,” said Dolman-Tuhou, who had urged his team to use the elements to their advantage.
“We used the wind in the first half as best we could and the lineout drive worked well.
“We still have heaps to improve on, though, but good on the boys for their hard mahi.”
Pirates put on another spirited performance and Kiwara noted their commitment to the final whistle.
“They worked hard on Saturday,” Kiwara said. “It was a massive first half, especially from our forwards. Netani Seruwaqa (lock) was our man of the match, followed by captain Patriah Kaliopasi (No.8) and hooker Moui Paongo.
“They were outstanding . . . led from the front. New lock William Mafua and centre Isaiah Lemaua also had massive games.”
“We had a few opportunities to put points on the board, but just couldn’t execute,” said Kiwara, whose side’s eight points came from a try to flanker Viliami Mossati and a Levi Fakatava penalty.
“A good team like OBM, if you don’t execute your plays, they will punish you, but I’m still proud of the boys. We are making progress with each game and heading in the right direction.”
OBM got the maximum five points out of the game but would be the first to admit they were not perfect, and discipline cost them in the form of yellow cards to prop Myles Lardelli-Muir for a no-arms tackle and No.8 Terekia for repeated offences.
Halfback Braedyn Grant was OBM’s Most Valuable Player and there were also strong performances from lock Harawira Kahukura and openside flanker Keanu Taumata.
Waikohu made a Round 2 statement with a resurgent display against Ngatapa.
They ran in nine tries to three including an unanswered run of 41 points as they dominated possession and dictacted play.
Winger K C Wilson and midfield back Jacob Leaf scored two tries apiece.
Waikohu’s forward put together excellent phases of play, giving their backline go-forward ball which they finished off.
Territory was in the home team’s favour and they were able to regularly cross the advantage line.
Ngatapa showed glimpses of their potential — and were rewarded with three tries — but couldn’t capitalise enough on their opportunities.
Waikohu player-coach Tane McGuire gave the win his seal of approval but warned of complacency.
“I’m happy with the performance but the same again, we let the foot off the throat,” McGuire said.
“I’m happy with the boys getting rewarded for their good play. The forwards set a good platform and we’re finally spreading the ball and our draw and pass is clicking.”
Premier results —
OBM 34 (Rikki Terekia 2, Ngahiwi Manuel, Michael Fox, Braedyn Grant, Blake Crosby tries; Brian Whaitiri-White 2 con) PIRATES 8 (Viliami Mosaati try; Levi Fakatava pen).
WAIKOHU 55 (KC Wilson 2, Jacob Leaf 2, Kupu Lloyd, Latrell Walker, Tristen Morten, Te Pirihi Puke-Riki, Tane McGuire tries; Leaf 2 con, Jesse Flemming 3 con) NGATAPA 20 (Sam Hudson, Kairos Brooking-McClutchie, Ethan Angitoa tries; Ricardo Patricio con, pen).
Senior 1: OBM 12 Uawa 47, Tapuae 68 LVB Farm Services YMP 0, Horouta 7 Nuhaka 25, Harvest Matawhero Transport Ngatapa 10 Wairoa Athletic 31.
Ngati Porou East Coast Premier Men’s competition, Week 3: Waima 14 Tokarangi 69, Hikurangi 37 TVC 15, Ruatoria City 18 Hicks Bay 16.
NPEC women’s competition: Hikurangi 15 TVC 24, Ruatoria City 14 Hicks Bay 22.
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