Unbeaten Tairua remained that way after last weekends clash with Whangamata, but by the slimmest of margins, one point, and with gift wrapped opportunities from the boys in red and white.  The final score, 17-18 to the bad guys, with 12 points handed to Tairua on a platter.

The most basic of basic errors let the Tairua number eight amble over for a try from a scrum, and the even more basic, turning your back on a penalty, and then said penalty being tapped and a try scored.  Ten points, add the conversion, make it 12, and you've cut your right leg off before play even begins.  Add in the referee error in allowing the Tairau kicker about two hours to take his conversion kick (the successful one), with the ball toppling twice and being replaces, it just getsw worse really.

A scoreline of 17-6 (or 17-16 if you just take out the Ref 'blunder') sounds much better, and at this stage of the season, there are a few games that could have been turned around like that, and the seasons 3 wins, 4 losses should read much better.  But it doesn't, so lets move on, you make your own luck in this game, and it's time Whangamata started making a bit of luck for themselves, and turning the small losses into wins!

An absorbing match, with the score changing hands often, both teams having periods of domination, and both teams not using the wind to their advantage.  In fact, all three tries in the match were scored into the breeze, the two above mentioned gifts to Tairua, and the Whangamata five pointer to prop Harding Howe.  Howe was driven over from a close quarter pick and drive, with the twin towers of Gene Waller and Mick Cunningham driving him through the close in defence - text book stuff.

Strong performances from many this week, with the forward effort led by the the big boys up front, with Harding Howe and Kurt Jacobs both in storming form, anchoring a dominant scrum and also getting about the field with ball in hand.  They were joined there by lock Brad Laurenson who continues his fine form with ball in hand.  IT was also good to see veterans Ryan Tohaia and Mike Cunningham also rejoined the fray adding a harder edge to the forward pack. with their hard driving no nonsense close quarters play.

Shining lights in the back division were many, but probably the best game this season from fullback Steve Walton, and the midfield pairing of Bunyan and Brien were strong again, Bunyan making yards constantly.  Pete Maisey was a little quieter than usual at first five, although he continued to rack up the points, slotting the goals as the opportunities cam along.

All in all, a match that could have been, and should have been won, despite the gifted points.  Second round, at home, look out Tairua!

Whangamata 17 (H Howe try; P Maisey 4 conversions).
Tairua 18 (2 tries; conversion; 2 penalties).

the match in photos