‘Our best so far’ as Pirates give Ngatapa a Prem fright

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

It is building and the “W” is coming.

Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates remain in sixth and bottom position on the Civil Project Solutions Premier club rugby table, but not before giving fourth-placed Larsawn Ngatapa a fright on Saturday.

Ngatapa, kept scoreless in the first half, surged back in the second stanza for a hard-earned 17-13 victory at Paddy’s Park, Patutahi.

A delighted Pirates coach Anthony Kiwara said there had been “a positive shift” from his team and that was evident on the paddock on Saturday.

“That game was our best so far and I’m very proud of the boys,” Kiwara said.

“Our first half was awesome. To have the lead (10-0)  going into the break was very uplifting.

“We were without a lot of our players last week due to injuries and family events, but we managed to field a team.”

Kiwara also gave credit to Ngatapa who fought to the bitter end to secure victory.

“Although Ngatapa scored a few tries in the second half, I thought our boys had their best second half of the year so far,” Kiwara said.

“Our backs were outstanding, in particular second five Ale Paulo, who was our player of the day, followed closely by (fullback) Isaiah Lemaua.

“Their defence and attack was awesome. Also credit to our forwards, as they laid the platform with their go-forward for our backs and allowed them space to do what they do.”

“We are looking to keep that momentum going and hopefully do one better and get that W (win).”

Ngatapa were put on the back foot from the start.

Pirates fullback Mosese Bulicakau scored  a try in the opening minutes and first five Levi Fakatava kicked the conversion.

Ngatapa launched a barrage of attacks but the Pirates defence stayed strong and they kept their composure.

Pirates increased the lead when awarded a penalty from out in front on the Ngatapa 22 line.

Fakatava slotted the kick to make it 10-0.

Back came Ngatapa, throwing everything they could at their opponents but Pirates would not budge.

Momentum swang the home team’s way in  the  second half.

Prop James Higgins, in his first Premier game of the season, has become famous for his charges and went over in the 50th minute to start the Ngatapa revival.

Replacement James Law crossed about 10 minutes later to tie it and second five and Ngatapa’s Most Valuable Player, Alex Bristow, knocked over the conversion  to put them ahead for the first time in the match.

It didn’t last long as Fakatava sent over a second successful penalty kick  in the 62nd minute for a 13-12 lead.

But Bristow proved the saviour, grabbing a late try for a four-point win over a side they beat 44-17 in Round 1.

Pirates’ efforts earned them a losing bonus point.

NGATAPA 17 (James Higgins, James Law, Alex Bristow tries; Bristow con)

PIRATES 13 (Mosese Bulicakau try; Levi Fakatava con, 2 pen)