Two of the most talented sides in a very competitive Open Mens Grade played out an entertaining clash in the second round of matches today.
The sun had just began to emerge from a chilly morning but wind remained as the home side started play. Doug Hemara scored in their first raid of the five metre line following a well constructed long ball play that drew all of the opposition savers.
Manawatu almost doubled their advantage on the Bay's restarting set through an intercept. Tawhaio Morrison showed great pace and determination to chop down the home player right on the goal line. The importance of this play as a momentum turner was evident when Zane Welsh went over in the corner to make the scores level at 1-1.
Kodie Albert completed another well performed long ball move to nudge the home side ahead before the poor weather of the morning set back in and mistakes began to creep into the game. The wind especially was not helping with passing accuracy.
There was a moment of controversy when Manawatu were awarded a penalty try following an illegal substitution to stop a runaway following an intercept. Both teams stated their cases but the referees ruled in favour of Manawatu and the score moved to 3-1.
The Bay seemed fired up by this decision and in quick succession Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and Welsh scored to level the scores at 3-3 right before half time.
Despite sending a man to the sin-bin on the five, the Bay couldn't make the advantage count, but this didn't matter as they were the next to score minutes later through Tahuriorangi converting a scoop through.
Rain began to fall more heavily at this point but in an odd twist, more touchdowns were scored in this late, wet period than the rest of the match. Shaquille Stone dived over to extend the visitors advantage to two touchdowns. This followed more committed defence from Morrison who made a second trysaver in the right hand corner in their last defensive set.
Albert was an effective finisher on the wing and picked up a second touchdown to close the score to 5-4 with only minutes remaining. Welsh was much the same for the opposition, scoring his third out wide to once again give the Bay a two touchdown advantage. In this late flurry, Ben Binstead replied from the restart to give Manawatu hope but then immediately after Jazz Inia-McGarvey went in to extend the score to 7-5. Simon Binstead scored a late consolation and the sixth try in five minutes but it was too late for the home side as Bay of Plenty ran out 7-6 winners.
Last Modified on 02/03/2012 05:17