Rugby: Dannevirke thank Doc after win

Referee Ian Reisma, right, awards a try to Dannevirke prop Jahnique Whaitiri during their 12-10 win against Central. Photo / Duncan Brown

Dannevirke co-coach and manager Blair Taylor was heaping praise on the team doctor after recording their first win at the Hawke's Bay Ross Shield rugby tournament in Waipukurau yesterday.

"We had a couple of injuries after Tuesday's play but the Doc [Dr Michael Short] did a fantastic job getting everybody on the paddock again," Taylor said.

Scanpower Dannevirke needed all 22 of their players on deck on Day 2 of the Wattie's-sponsored 112th annual tournament at Central Park to produce a nailbiting 12-10 win against Affco Wairoa. As the score indicates it was a hard fought battle.

Dannevirke centre Piritia McGuire was the player-of-the-match. Dannevirke's halfback-first five-eighth combination of Kian Gray and Sean Monaghan functioned well.

Captain and No8 Jacob Lawson led the winning pack by example.

Wairoa's co-manager Mason Birrell was thrilled with the improvement his troops displayed following the previous day's 66-0 loss to Wairoa. Wingers Dayton Tuhi, who weighs in at 37kg, and Jeziah Lafiaki worked hard and deserved their tries. Halfback D'Shay Tanirau and first five-eighth Isaac NiaNia impressed with their option taking and distribution.

Blindside flanker Richmond Ereatara was again the best of the Wairoa forwards.

Second five-eighth Leo Thompson was player-of-the-match as his Napier team remained unbeaten with a 60-0 walloping of Silver Fern Farms Central. Fullback Kurtis Weeks again impressed with his vision and option taking. Hooker Patrick Muldowney and No8 Morehu Tamaiva-Eria shone with their phase play in the Napier pack. Central's midfield combination of Joevahn Baker and George Kilmister was cohesive. Hayden Saunders had shone at halfback and first five-eighth. Prop Taine White was the pick of the Central forwards.

IMS Payroll Hastings West reclaimed the Bill Mathewson Trophy with a thrilling 17-15 win against defending champions Hastings East. First five-eighth Fred Gibson kicked the winning conversion with a minute remaining for a side which trailed 15-5 at halftime.

"The boys lifted their tempo in the second half and our supporters almost lifted the roof off the grandstand with their cheering when the conversion went over," West coach Ross McLeod said.

West fullback Gideon Kautai was outstanding during their second half comeback. Gibson and his second five-eighth Tristan Hohipa were also constructive.

Busy West No8 Reuben Saunders was the player-of-the-match. He was well supported by flankers Chas Gilles and Jon Karlson.

Hooker Tait Wylie, No8 Ethan Dorward and blindside flanker Charlie Varcoe were tireless workers in the East pack. Halfback Ngatai McClutchie, first five-eighth Jordan Thompson-Dunn and fullback Latrell Ah Kiong stood out in the East backline.