Rugby: Jackson stays cool to kick the winner

Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports No8 Lynard Hall attempts to fend off Clive winger Ray Karauria as Clive midfielder Taniela Ofa goes low at Park Island on Saturday. Photo/Duncan Brown

Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports midfielder Jackson Neilson's post-match swagger told the story on Saturday.

Like his older brother and first five-eighth David Neilson, Neilson, 20, knows how to kick match-winning penalties under pressure.

With eight minutes remaining and his side trailing 25-23, Neilson succeeded with a penalty attempt to give Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports a 26-25 Tui Maddison Trophy first-round victory against Clive at Napier's Park Island.

"I'm stoked to get the win, especially on our club day. As far as the goalkicking goes we try to share the load and sometimes it's an on-the-day thing. Today it went well for me," Neilson, who landed four of his six attempts at goal, explained.

"Close games like today's are the best ones to win. That will give us confidence for the rest of the Maddison Trophy rounds," Neilson said.

A former Hawke's Bay under-20s representative who is eyeing a berth in the Hawke's Bay Development team this season, Neilson also made a crucial tackle during the final seconds as Clive were attempting a late comeback.

Clive deserve praise for the pressure they put on their more fancied opponents.

Their scrum was dominant for long periods, their defensive work outstanding and their counter attacks enterprising. The only aspect of play where the hosts had the edge was getting the necessary numbers to the breakdown when it counted.

Pirate openside flanker Aaron McPhee was inspirational. Pirate wingers Brynn Uriarau and Kris Canterbury made the most of their limited opportunities.

Clive's halfback-first five combination of Dan Montaperto and Kyle Beakey operated well. Beakey scored two tries and made two key intercepts. Veteran winger Ray Karauria was also impressive for the visitors.

Tech 42 MAC 17

Defending champions Tech Group of Companies Napier Technical gained revenge for their Nash Cup round loss to MAC with this convincing Flaxmere Park victory.

"It was a top team effort from our boys," Tech manager Cyril Whitburn said.

Halfback Scott Mogford had his best game of the season for the visitors. In his second outing for the season, Jamie Muir was an admirable replacement for injured captain and openside flanker Hugh Reed, while prop Mark Braidwood was a powerful figure.

"Tech capitalised on early mistakes from us. We spilt the ball too many times and because of injury issues had guys playing out of position," MAC head coach Anthony Morley said.

"The fact we finished well and won the second half will give us confidence," he added, referring to the fact his troops trailed 34-7 at halftime.

First five-eighth Tianua Poto, fullback Caelym Box and hooker Teremoana Joel were MAC's best.

Taradale 32 Hastings 16

Carters Frame and Truss Taradale handed IMS Payroll Hastings Rugby and Sports their first home loss of the season with this Elwood Park win.

"We beat them up up front during the first 20 minutes and then outscored them six tries to one with their's coming with the last play of the game ... I'm rapt," Taradale co-coach Blair Cross said.

Openside flanker Tom Stanley was again dynamic for the unbeaten Mighty Maroons and received accurate support from fellow loosies Mark Atkins and captain Andrew Gardner. Lock Angelo Mufana was another to shine in the winning pack while winger Nick Biss, who scored two tries, again highlighted his enormous potential.

"We were on the back foot for long periods," Hastings co-coach Karl Jones said before singling out fullback James Rosenberg and first five-eighth Neil Burns as the best of his team.

Havelock Nth 60 Tamatea 8

This Progressive Meats Havelock North walloping at Anderson Park fails to reflect Tamatea's commendable first half.

"We trailed 15-8 at halftime and had a good 45 minutes. We had good structures against a quality Havelock North side," Tamatea's technical adviser and former All Black hooker Hika Elliot explained.

Once his former club clicked in the second half, the villagers were dominant. Havelock North fullback Ryan Tongia scored four tries in a player-of-the-match performance. Halfback Isaac Paewai and substitute hooker Matt Phillips were other valuable contributors in the win.

Halfback Wayne Nikora and second five-eighth Jason Robinson were the pick of the Tamatea backs and Vasa Taivale the best of the visiting forwards.

NOBM 46 Central 21

Northfuels Central were also toasting a competitive first half after this loss at Waipukurau's Central Park.

The hosts trailed 15-14 at halftime but failed to keep the pressure up in the second half as Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist played to their potential.

Fullback Liam Edwards grabbed a hat-trick for the visitors and flanker William Benson, No8 Joseph Penitito and lock Andrew Robertson had high workrates as the winning pack gained the upperhand in the second half.

Wingers Harry de Lautour and Karl Lepelaars were thirsty for work in the Central backline. Experienced loosie Nigel Walshe was a workaholic in the host pack.