Rugby: Waipu pull up socks for win

Waipu's Sam Abraham clears the ball during his side's 37-15 win over Otamatea. Photo / Tania Whyte

The bagpipes were ringing loud across Caledonian Park as Waipu strode toward a 37-15 victory over Otamatea.

Sitting seventh on the ladder entering the match, Waipu outplayed Otamatea in many facets during a game that brought a lift in performance for the ailing side.

Waipu coach Mark Wells said his side expected a tough challenge in the match touted as the Battle of the Brynderwyns.

"They certainly came out firing but we got on top in the forwards, our backs executed really well and we just built the score up from there," Wells said.

With both sides hoping to be in playoff contention entering the back half of the season, the round seven clash saw Waipu pull up their socks to claim just their third win of the year.

Wells said his team set out "to dominate up front, minimise mistakes and play the game in the right area of the field" against Otamatea, who were coming in hot after a tight win against Old Boys Marist in the previous round.

Otamatea coach Dean Kenny said a lack of accuracy let his side down.

"In the first half we tried to play an expansive game too soon. A couple of unforced errors there allowed [Waipu] to turn them into points."

The loss of Super Rugby player Matt Moulds was hard on Otamatea.

"He's stabilised a lot of our efforts," Kenny said of Moulds' influence as captain. "In saying that, we had our opportunities."

Waipu flyhalf Ben Mathers played a commanding role at pivot to outshine Otamatea's Dan Hawkins at times.

"He's classy all right," Wells said of Mathers. With a backline starting to fire, a late resurgence could be on the cards for Waipu.

"Our backs hadn't really clicked into gear so far this year but I think they took a big step forward."