Weekly Review Ories grind out win against Wellington
Ories have recorded a 24-3 bonus-point win against the Axeman in muddy conditions at Hataitai Park.
The key moment came early in the second-half when Ories lock Victor Groom split open the defence, showing impressive pace before brilliantly offloading to Paulo Aukuso, who in turn offloaded to charging winger Malachai Unasa. From this point onwards, Ories suffocated their opposition through a dominant scrum, strong running and pinpoint kicking.
However, it was the Axeman who made the better start. The home side controlled possession and territory early, forcing Ories into uncharacteristic mistakes. Wellington played positive rugby, led by openside Sam Tuala who ran strongly, although they could not convert pressure into points.
Late in the first-half, Ories scored an impressive try to winger Malo Tuitama. After strong interplay between the forwards, the left winger weaved his way through the defence to score. This gave Ories a slight 5-3 lead at the break which, given their lack of genuine scoring opportunities, was a decent outcome.
Ories tightened the screws early in the second-half. Shortly after Unasa's try, blindside Serge Hollis delivered the knock-out blow after charging onto an inside ball to score in the corner. This gave the away side an unassailable 17-3 lead.
By this stage, Ories were all over the Axeman. Their forwards destroyed the opposition scrum, allowing halfback Adam Deck and first-five Alex Ropati to control the game through accurate kicking. Ories ran strongly throughout, helped by impressive reserve Fidow who injected energy off the bench.
Ories secured the bonus-point after fullback Andy Ellis cleverly took an offload to score in the corner. This was a well-deserved victory for Ories who continue on their unbeaten season record.
In other results, Tawa have secured their second consecutive win against Norths 24-17; while HOBM have upset Poneke 17-13 in front of their home fans. Wainuiomata edged out the Rams in a thriller 27-24; and Petone gave competition leaders OBU a run for their money eventually losing 20-27. Finally, MSP beat Johnsonville 26-14 while Paremata-Plimmerton shared the points with Avalon in a 17-all draw.
In the Fleurs Trophy, OBU dominated HOBM winning 36-10; while Norths thrashed Wainuiomata 62-5. In Division Two action, MSP beat Poneke 26-15; while Poneke had a field day beating Tawa 82-0.
In Colts rugby action, OBU Green have taken out the Eric Connolly Cup beating the Upper Hutt Rams 25-14; while Oriental-Rongotai beat Norths 22-0 to take 5th place. In Division Two, Johnsonville tied with OBU Black 12-12.
