Sean Fitzpatrick coined the 'game of two halves' phrase  during his after test match speeches.  This game would make the dictionary as a definition of the game of two halves, perfectly.  Whangamata up 31-0 at halftime, winning 34-19 at fulltime, with a penalty at the final whistle to end proceedings.

The first half saw a well drilled red and white machine doing most things right, taking the correct options, players passing early and running at gaps, putting their support players into space, playing good basic rugby.  And it worked with five tries, some nice direct running, and pressure just mounting on the Mercury Bay side as time pushed on.

The second spell however saw the team pattern disintegrate, players start confronting the defenders and trying to get passes away in the tackle, as opposed to passing early and backing up.  It was ugly rugby, and Mercury Bay tackled like demons, got turnover ball, and scored three nice tries of their own down the right hand flank.

There were some strong performances through the days play, and some not so strong.  But standing out up front were tireless flanker Jerry Cox, ably supported by try scoring lock Jarrod Joslin and fellow tryscorer Ryan Tohaia at hooker.  Transplaneted flanker Kevin TeHuia at second five had a storming game with some strong straight running, and his combination with centre Adam Brien looked built over seasons, not two trainings.  Eli Byles from the wing continued his strong run of form too, cutting the Mercury Bay backline to shreds from one set piece move that saw him dot down under the posts untouched from 45 metres.

Second round starts this coming Saturday - at home to Paeroa West, who will be thirsting for revenge after a first round defeat at the hands of the red and whites.

Whangamata 34 (P Maisey, R Tohaia, K TeHuia, J Joslin, E Byles tries; Maisey 3 conversions, penalty)
Mercury Bay 19 (3 tries, 2 conversions)

the match in photos