Rugby: Injuries offer stark reminder

Otamatea player Shane Neville has been a big part of the premier team's resurgence. Photo / Tania Whyte

Otamatea's premier and reserve grade rugby teams had plenty to play for in round 10 of the Bayleys Southern Districts after two junior players suffered injuries in on-field incidents during earlier matches held at Maungaturoto.

The injuries came almost a year after the death of Otamatea Hawks player Jordan Kemp. The 17-year-old died in hospital after he was knocked out during a match.

With it being just over a year since the loss of Kemp, Saturday's event was a stark reminder of what can go wrong on the rugby field.

"Anytime you see that you don't have to say a hell of a lot," Otamatea premier coach Dean Kenny said of Saturday's incidents.

"To hear that there wasn't anything serious was relieving."

Spurred on by the memory of Kemp, who gave Otamatea everything on the rugby field, the Otamatea reserve team have won nine games so far this season to put them on top of the ladder.

Looking to replicate the form of their reserve team, the Otamatea premiers caused one of the biggest upsets so far this year when they defeated Wellsford, 39-23, in round 10.

Both Otamatea teams have produced some convincing results in the last few rounds, just in time for the playoffs which will take place next month.

"The boys are slowly gaining a bit of confidence [and are] now showing a bit of composure and resolve," Kenny said.

Both Otamatea sides will face tough assignments tomorrow when they travel to Hukerenui to take on Mid Northern's premier team and reserve team.