Staunch defence earns Ories thrilling win
Wainui have nearby pulled off another almighty second-half comeback, only to fall short in the dying stages with Ories holding on to win 29-26.
With only minutes on the clock, trailing by 6 points, centre Mike Lealava'a sliced through the defence to score- only for the conversion to hit the posts. Shortly after, Ories converted a penalty and staunchly defended their line to win a breathtaking game.
The home side made a promising start, dominated possession and territory. Impressive No.8 Ben Tupuola crashed over after concerted pressure to give the home side an early 7-0 advantage.
Wainui continued to pile on the pressure, until Ories scored a try against the run of play. Ories left winger Malo Tuitama showed an impressive fend to evade defenders before scoring in the corner.
An ensuing Wainui penalty made the score 10-5 although their lead was short-lived. Ories scored again after spilled ball gave centre Aukuso Tuitama a free run to the line. All of a sudden, it was 12-10 to the away side.
Wainui proved their own worst enemy again, this time a misplaced kick fell straight into the hands of flanker Purcell who sliced straight through the defence to give Ories a 19-10 halftime lead.
The second half didn't start any better for the home side. Ories Hayden Whelan ran through a gaping hole near the ruck to score near the posts. Wainui seemed dead and buried down 10-26.
However, as we have seen before, this Wainui team have got big hearts and love a good fightback. The comeback started when winger-come-flanker Tasi Masoe crashed into the corner to make it 15-26.
All of a sudden, Wainui's hard-running exposed holes in the defence. Masoe again showed pace and strength to rumble forward, before a sublime offload allowed John Monu to score setting up a thrilling finish.
Ories deserved this win, they took all their opportunities and were staunch on defence. Wainui will be disappointed not to have capitalised on their first half dominance.
On other big results, OBU have beaten MSP 28-20 to maintain their unbeaten record. The home side will be delighted to win considering Tomasi Palu's yellow card. Tawa are nearing the best after a comfortable 47-24 bonus-win against Petone. Poneke are climbing the ladder with a high-scoring 59-26 bonus-point win against Wellington. Norths thrashed Avalon 38-0 to secure 5 points. The Eagles comfortably beat Johnsonville, eventually winning 47-22 to gain another bonus-point victory. Finally, the Rams comfortably beat Paremata-Plimmerton 52-8 to also secure the full 5 points.
In Fleurs Trophy action, Wainui gained a bonus-point win against HOBM 41-12 and Ories continue their run of big scores with a resounding 71-3 bonus-point win against OBU. In Division Two, MSP secured a 38-17 bonus-point win against Petone; while Poneke beat Paremata-Plimmerton 22-17.
In Colts rugby, Ories beat Norths 46-22; while OBU Green comfortably beat MSP 36-12. Petone also beat Tawa 29-7 and Poneke snuck home against Upper Hutt 21-16. In the JRD Cup, Johnsonville beat HOBM 51-29; Paremata-Plimmerton beat Kapiti 27-15. Finally, Wainuiomata beat Avalon 48-26.
