Olson grabs limelight in Wairarapa's win

East Coast utility back Nick Olson grabbed the limelight as Wairarapa battled their way to an 8-3 win over Bush in the representative rugby match played in bitterly cold conditions at Memorial Park, Masterton yesterday.
Olson had the opportunity to demonstrate his versatility when after a lively enough game in his more accustomed position of wing in the first half he was switched to halfback early in the second spell as the replacement for his injured clubmate Zeb Aporo.
And he played like an old hand in the role, providing a swift and accurate service to his outsides as well as making three or four darting runs which had the Bush defence stretched to its limits.
Olson was not, however, the only individual to shine for a Wairarapa side which looked in trouble when they led by just 8-0 at halftime after having the strong wind in their favour.
At that stage you had to fancy the chances of Bush's rugged forwards attaining enough quality possession in the second 40 minutes for them to run out comfortable winners but, as it happened, it was the Wairarapa pack which had the edge then, and they deserved their narrow victory in the final analysis.
It was no coincidence that the improved form of the Wairarapa forwards came when experienced Pioneer loosie Nathan Rolls was introduced to the action after the halftime break.
He was always willing to run the ball back at the opposition and did so with an impressive mix of pace and elusiveness.
Seldom did he fail to get himself well and truly over the advantage line.
Gladstone lock Andrew McLean was good value in the lineouts for Wairarapa and also showed pleasing mobility and constructiveness in other facets of the forward game, tighties Kurt Simmonds, Willie Leota and Brett Rudman toiled away in an approved manner and both Jared Hawkins and Joe Feast had their moments in the loose.
Apart from Olson, the pick of the Wairarapa backs were Sam Mitchell and Jordan Watene. Mitchell was determined on the run and solid on defence in midfield while Watene didn't have many opportunities to show his attacking talents but was thoroughly reliable in defensive situations. There was a positive look too about the option taking of Zeb Aporo at halfback before he succumbed to injury.
Bush had two of the better forwards on the paddock in skipper Joss Tua-Davidson, who played on the flank, and lock Brandon Young.
Tua-Davidson was so active he probably had his hands on the ball more than any other player and he was always assertive in everything he did, whether it was leading from the front in short passing rushes or making tackles around the fringes of the rucks and mauls.
Young was arguably the best lineout forward on the paddock and backed his strong performance in that department with some equally effective play in the mauls.
There was a lot to like too about the persistent harassing of the Wairarapa inside backs by Eketahuna flanker Sully Alsop and the hard graft of Puketoi lock Jared Bambry.
In the backs Puketoi benefited often from the hefty punting of another Puketoi player in Jason Liverton and his all-round effort in that position was sound enough to suggest he could be the front runner for the No 10 jersey in the Wairarapa-Bush squad if he is available. Wing Greg Harding also took the eye with his speed off the mark and his willingness to look for work.
A Nick Olson try and a Jason Kjestrup penalty accounted for Wairarapa's points while Jason Liverton kicked a penalty for Bush.