A huge defensive effort from Whangamata was rewarded with the red and whites first win of the season on Saturday.  The clash with Thames, in Thames is always a tough encounter, and this match proved to be no different from the norm.

The match was played in warm conditions, and both sides defended stoutly throughout, with Whangamata managing the only try of the match through Pete Maisey, playing at first five in his Whangamata debut.  Thames did manage to cross the line twice, but the superb Whangamata defence held the ball carrier up, denying the home side at least ten points.

Halftime saw Whangamata leading 10-5, after conceding an early try when the Thames backline worked a smart move that saw them with a three on one and ove for the five pointer.  The easy conversion was missed.

Whangamata replied to the Thames try with a converted try and a penalty, also from the boot from Maisey, who contributed all 13 of Whangamata's points, with Whangamata's last points in the match being a penalty early in the second spell.

Whangamata 13 (P Maisey try, conversion, 2 penalties)

Thames 8 (try, penalty).

the match in photos