Match Report - Wainuiomata withstand late HOBM onslaught

Wainuiomata held on desperately to win a physical encounter against Hutt Old Boys Marist 31-26.

HOBM threw everything at the home side in the dying stages of the game after impressive left winger Fereti Soloa scored his second try in the 39th minute to give his team a fighting chance. Only desperate defending from Wainuiomata allowed them to win their second consecutive game.

The critical moment came midway through the second half. With the game tied 19-19, HOBM missed a long range penalty followed by a yellow card to Sheridan Rangihuwa. Shortly after, Wainuiomata scored a controversial try after pushing a rolling maul over the line to make it 26-19. Some spectators argued it appeared a Wainuiomata player illegally disengaged then re-engaged into the maul.

The game started with a lot of physicality and enterprise from home side. However, it was Marist who opening the scoring with a try to Soloa to lead 5-0 in the 12th minute.

However, the next 20 minutes belonged to Wainuiomata. In the 17th minute, impressive number-eight Ben Tupuola went on a barnstorming run before quick ruck ball allowed centre Lealava'a to break the line and set up Frae Wilson for a try.

After a couple of missed opportunities, Wainuiomata kept hammering away at the line before centre Lealava'a scored after impressive interplay. Again, HOBM struggled to handle Tupuola who was running rampant.

HOBM fought their way back into the game minutes before halftime after some poor tackling from the home side allowed Brandyn Laursen to score.

The game was in danger of slipping away from Wainuiomata after Lealava'a was sinbinned for high tackle. However, a missed penalty by Laursen ensured Wainuiomata went into the sheds with a slight 14-12 lead.

Whatever it was- an impressive coach team talk or the halftime oranges- it certainly worked. Wainuiomata brought intensity and accuracy to the second half. After impressive mauling, the home side scored another try to lock Bevan Clark to lead 19-12.

However, Marist were not done with yet. After a long injury break, the away side battered away at a committed defence. Finally, HOBM scored under the bar to make it 19-19 before the home side showed composure to score two further tries to win the game.

Despite the drama and controversies, the home side deserved to win. Their kicking and accuracy at the lineout allowed them to control the game. Their big pack outmuscled their opposition particularly in scrums and mauls.

Man of the Match:

This has to go to huge Wainuiomata number-eight Ben Tupuola. He was a constant threat on attack- frequently bashing his way through the heart of the Marist defence. He played a key role in at least two tries and was strong on defence.

In other games, OBU beat Tawa in a high-scoring match 45-28; Johnsonville edged Paremata-Plimmerton 25-19, Norths beat Poneke 32-25, Petone upset MSP 24-20 and Upper Hutt comfortably beat Wellington 50-24.

Finally, Oriental-Rongatai beat Avalon 30-22. In a slightly quirky result, only players with their first name starting with 'A' scored for Ories today!

A more in-depth review covering all Swindale Shield matches will follow shortly!