Missed penalty attempt costs Coasters dearly

A missed penalty attempt from close range early in the second half cost East Coast more than just three points in their 29-12 loss to Marist in the Wairarapa-Bush senior first division championship rugby match played at Memorial Park, Masterton on Saturday.
It couldn't have come at a worse time for the Coasters who were in the process of mounting a spirited comeback after trailing 17-5 at the break.
Just minutes beforehand they had reduced Marist's lead to just five points with a converted try scored after lock James Balfour had taken down clean lineout ball and the forwards had driven probably 15 metres before prop Chris Starling crashed over the Marist line.
It was clear then that the key to an East Coast victory was the sustaining of momentum and had fullback Nick Olson taken advantage of that penalty attempt the further boost to confidence might well have been enough for them to grab the ascendancy over a Marist side showing definite signs of lethargy.
The missing of that scoring opportunity had an important two fold effect.
For East Coast it meant a royal chance to keep their opposition on the ropes went begging.
And for Marist it served as a telling reminder that they were in grave danger of defeat unless they reignited the spark which had seen them run in two good tries earlier in the game.
To Marist's credit their response to what was a timely wake-up call was outstanding. From the resultant 22m drop out they mounted an attack which swept deep into Coast territory and from that point on they called the tune.
Their forwards, who had been struggling to combat the intensity and hunger of the East Coast eight, suddenly found a new lease of life and the wealth of quality ball they obtained was astutely used by a backline who also upped the tempo off their play several notches.
Two further tries were scored, one of them converted, and a brave East Coast challenge had been snuffed out by a margin much more comfortable than had seemed possible in those early stages of the second half.
Three of the better performers for Marist up front were loosies Rhys Severn, Ben Couch and Joe Nuku, all of whom got through a power of work on attack and defence while Patrick Rimene and Nathan Couch were typically inventive in the five-eighths. But of all their players it was fullback Matthew Gleeson who most impressed, positioning himself cleverly on defence and running strongly on the counter attack. He has also served the team well at halfback and on the wing this season so no one can doubt his versatility.
East Coast had a clear edge over Marist in the scrums, a situation which proved the effectiveness of front rowers Chris Starling, Nick Taylor and Darren Walker, and Craig Stuart was busy in the loose. Their best back was undoubtedly second-five Te Maika Mason who made several penetrating runs while fullback Nick Olson was always a threat when given space in which to move.
Gladstone's depth was put to the test in their top-of-the-table clash with Carterton at Carterton and it came through with flying colours in their surprisingly comfortable 24-8 win.
With Dean Grant and Mike Shaw not able to play a new combination of Kingi Kaiwai and Russell Tamihana were paired in the five-eighths and they both played a key role in the victory, choosing their options well on attack and showing commendable coolness on defence. Gladstone also benefited immensely from the diligence in the tight of front rowers Kurt Simmonds and Richard Puddy and the high workrate of No.8 Steve Wilkinson in the loose. As expected Carterton more than held their own in the lineouts, thanks to the skills of Tomasi Kedrabuka, but they were overshadowed by Gladstone in most other departments. Martinborough and Eketahuna had the anticipated battle royal with Martinborough sneaking home by 11-8. This game featured a torrid forward battle with honours finishing about even there. The return of the experienced Matt O'Neale was a big plus for Martinborough up front as was the constructiveness of Jared Hawkins in the loose. Fullback Greg Wilson was the pick of their backs. Eketahuna's pack was typically rugged with Brendan Walker a leading light there and Chris Terry was always looking for work in midfield.
Seven tries were scored when Pioneer and Puketoi met at the Park Sportsground with Pioneer scoring five to their opposition's two and winning by 31-10. Puketoi kept Pioneer honest in the forward exchanges but once play loosened up the greater speed and flair of Pioneer in attacking situations was patently obvious. Nathan Rolls had a big game for them as did other try scorers in Cliff Graham and Lee Ewe. Puketoi's best was James Bellshaw.