Rugby: Two out of two for Hora Hora

A dominant performance from Hora Hora's forward pack and a well-drilled backline saw the Southern Districts Premier side to a 31-10 win over Old Boys.

Hora Hora made it two wins from two rounds on Saturday, after beating Otamatea last weekend, signalling they mean business early in the season, despite missing their full complement of players.

"We still have quite a few guys to come back ... but we should have the majority of last year's squad back. There hasn't been too many changes from last year," coach Mark Wati said.

Hora Hora were without injured centre Warren Dunn (shoulder), as well as Robbie Murray who has recently returned from overseas. They also were without loose forward Rukawai Waata, who ruptured his Achilles while playing representative rugby, and will be out for the rest of the season, Wati said. Prop Stephen Nisbet had a gutting start to his campaign, breaking his ankle during his first game back for the club after several seasons not playing rugby.

However, wing Troy Woodman rejoined his side after playing for Ohaeawai last season, boosting the backline, which is coming together nicely. Prop Jamie Wati has made his comeback this season, while Brent Dunn joined the club this year, along with a number of youths fresh out of high school, adding some future depth.

Saturday's game at Hora Hora was a big improvement from last week, with the squad executing their set patterns well, Wati said.

Hora Hora scored first in the clash against Old Boys, with second-five Luke Boss running in an unconverted try, backed up by a second unconverted try from lock Mark Bennett.

By halftime, Old Boys had equalised with a converted try of their own, and a successful penalty kick, making it 10-10.

But the hosts were too strong for Old Boys, who drew with Kamo last weekend. Hora Hora blew the score out in the second half, with Boss scoring his second try for the game, along with first five-eighthsfirst-five Karl Milne and halfback Logan Wendt all scoring converted tries.

"We expected them to be a bit tougher after their draw with Kamo, but our forwards dominated throughout the whole game and played really well," Hora Hora first five-eighths first-five Karl Milne said.

Fullback Jared Wendt, and utility back Aaron Baigent, who played at centre, had exceptional games, with Baigent earning the player of the day accolade.

In other second round premier matches, Mid Northern beat Otamatea 24-10, Mid Western were too strong for Hikurangi winning 37-14, Marist had a 52-8 win over Western Sharks, while Wellsford beat Kamo 19-12.