Hutt Old Boys Marist fierce defence earns tight victory
Hutt Old Boys Marist have held on desperately to beat MSP 31-28 in a high-scoring encounter.
The home side's accurate kicking and staunch defence allowed them to hold on, after leading 25-23 at the break.
However, it was MSP who got off to the better start in this game. Firstly, a clever grubber kick from Fa'atonu Fili setup a try to fullback Andrew Wells. Shortly after, the away side scored again after Wells sliced through the defence to score. An ensuing penalty gave MSP a 15-0 margin midway through the first half.
HOBM responded quickly when Sheridan Rangihuna burrowed under to score near the ruck. The home side were at it again, this time a botched kick return allowed Joe Apikatoa to scamper in for a try.
The key moment came prior to halftime, when HOBM fullback Matt Poole hoisted the ball high in the air, before skilfully regathering his own kick and passing to a support player to score. All of a sudden, after converted a couple of penalties and Poole's brilliant effort, HOBM led 25-15.
However, MSP refused to give in. They responded with a penalty before quick passing allowed Isaac O'Conner to score setting up a 25-23 halftime score line.
The second-half was a tight battle, dominated by defence and a bit of force back. HOBM deserved this victory, they defended accurately and their box kicks put pressure on the opposition.
Halfback Rangihuna played a key role with his crisp passing and accurate kicking, while Apikatoa was destructive with ball in hand.
The other big result on Anzac Day was a 30-all draw between Ories and Poneke, which allows Ories to retain the Jimmy Grbich Memorial Shield.
Ories appeared to have won the game after impressive halfback Adam Deck scootered out of the ruck to score near the posts. However, he failed to convert his own try which would have given Ories a 2-point lead. Poneke also missed a chance to win, after Hilton Gibbon's penalty shot sailed wide of the posts.
Ironically, both Deck and Gibbons had played exceptionally well throughout. As we have seen, The Jimmy Grbich Memorial Shield games continue to be as epic as usual, with a single point determined the outcome over the past couple of years.
In other results; Upper Hutt, Norths, OBU and Tawa have all secured bonus-point wins. Upper Hutt defeated Avalon 72-6; Norths defeated Paremata-Plimmerton 53-8; OBU defeated Wellington 47-10 while Tawa beat Johnsonville 40-10. Finally, Wainuiomata proved too much for Petone winning 28-17.
