Hawke's Bay maintain unbeaten run

7.00pm

HAWKE'S BAY 32 MANAWATU 10

Hawke's Bay received a minor shake-up on the way to maintaining their unbeaten run in the national second division rugby competition in Napier today.

For the first time this season the Magpies were trailing at halftime -- 7-5 against a gutsy Manawatu side in the McLean Park encounter.

However, an improved second half saw the Magpies romp away to win 32-10 and gain maximum competition points for the sixth consecutive week.

Against smaller opponents the Hawke's Bay forwards lacked the necessary commitment and cohesion in the first half and Manawatu were unlucky not to have a bigger lead at the interval. The second half saw the Magpies pack return to form.

Hooker Mo Schwalger scored two tries for the hosts in the second spell while player-of-the-day, lock Matt Bird, and flanker Michael Johnson were others to impress in the Magpies forward effort.

Captain and halfback Donovan Hall again impressed with his option taking in the Magpies backline where second five-eighth Davis Norman and wingers Ray Karauria and Sefulu Gaugau were others to impress. Karauria did a top defensive job on Manawatu danger man Lifeimi Mafi.

With their victory Hawke's Bay secured a home semifinal and retained the Colin Meads Challenge Cup and the KR Tremain Memorial Trophy which is contested annually between the two provinces.

All of their Manawatu forwards deserve praise for their first half effort. Fullback Esava Tiko was the pick of the Manawatu backs.

Hawke's Bay 32 (Mo Schwalger (2), Exham Wichman, Sefulu Gaugau, Michael Johnson tries; Tim Manawatu pen, con; Jacob Kennedy con)

Manawatu 10 (Esava Tiko try; Scott Leighton pen, con)

Halftime: Manawatu 7-5.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY