Rugby: Waipu continue to surprise rivals

Waipu's Ben Mathers crosses the line on Saturday only for the ball to escape during their surprise 32-7 win over Old Boys Marist. Photo/Ron Burgin

Waipu have continued their crusade in the Bayleys Southern Districts Premier Competition, scoring a surprising 32-7 victory.

Waipu backed up their tight win last week against the Western Sharks as Old Boys Marist were outplayed, leaving them with only one win from their first four games.

Meanwhile, Otamatea got their season back on track with a 30-25 win over the Western Sharks in Kaiwaka.

Otamatea coach Dean Kenney vented his frustration at having to start a hooker who was yet to train with the side.

With usual hooker, and Taniwha player, Matt Moulds sidelined due to All Blacks Sevens' orders, Kenney said it was ridiculous to have someone so fit and talented not playing any rugby.

"[Sir] Gordon Tietjens has pretty much laid down the hard law that Matt isn't allowed to play any hard rugby until he [Tietjens] gives the word, so he hasn't played for us.

"Because of his commitment with New Zealand Sevens he's warming the bench, not even the bench, but his bed at home, waiting for an injury to happen [within the All Blacks Sevens team]," Kenney, a former All Black halfback, said.

"I know for a fact if he'd made himself available he'd have been called up for the Blues [when Kevin Mealamu was sent home from South Africa with injury], but because of his contract [he can't]."

Talking of Saturday's match, Kenney said Cole Campbell, Dan Hawkins, Shane Neville and new hooker Pat Johnson were standouts for him.

"We were quite fortunate Dan Hawkins had his radar on, he slotted them from all over the place and even one from 50 yards out.

"Pat Johnson, I think - can't even remember his last name, he just turned up and went into hooker - he played really well."

Kenney also credited openside flanker Lance Nepia who played with popped ribs.

The Sharks are winless, along with Hikurangi, after suffering back-to-back close losses.

Sharks coach Brenden Nathan admitted it was frustrating, but it was always going to tough after being reduced to 12 men for the remaining 20 minutes of the game.

"[The sin binning] made things hard for us but the boys played well. We felt more strength in that than at the start of the game, in ways it gave the boys a bit more belief," he said.

"We're a new squad and finding each other out and getting used to each other, that's kind of the start of our season wrapped up. Over half of the squad has never played with each other."

Nathan said that despite the loss his team had enjoyed the game and knew they would be dangerous as the season went on.

"I don't think that our [having] no wins reflects how good our team will be this season, that's one thing I'm positive about."

Nathan gave credit to the experience of Gary Whippy who led from the front, while also crediting Tevita Tuipulotu for scoring the Sharks' two tries.

Good news for the Sharks, though, is next week they play Hikurangi in what will be a real battle - boosted by the return of Bronson Murray and Justin Davies for the Sharks.