The Wind Wins at Ocean Park

[seonajmulislam00]

Shamrocks and University were forced to share the points after a 15 all draw at a windswept Ocean Park when conditions made for a difficult afternoon for both sides. In the end a draw was probably an appropriate result as both sides struggled to cope with the gusting westerly wind. The first half saw both teams try and play an expansive game but with the wind as strong as it was many handling errors punctuated the opening exchanges. Shamrocks lost young lock Kyle Heycott with a suspected broken leg after 15 minutes of the match.

After adjusting somewhat to the conditions by tightening up their play University posted first points through a barging try by No. 8 Jason Hughes, to take the lead 5 – 0 after 26 minutes. Five minutes later Shamrocks winger Jamie Pigram mastered the breeze to kick a penalty goal for the Rocks first points. From the restart Shamrocks worked their way back up field with some tight play and with the assistance of a couple of penalties, had a lineout on the eastern side of the ground 20 meters out from the Bulls line. Skipper Anthony Allport cleaned up a loose ball at the front of the lineout and darted away beating a couple of would be tacklers to score beside the posts. With Pigrams conversion, Shamrocks took a 10 – 5 lead to halftime.

The first 20 minutes of the second half was dominated by the phone number library Bulls as they camped inside the Rocks half with raid after raid at the Shamrocks line. The Shamrocks defensive effort was outstanding as the Bulls put together phase after phase at the Rocks line, but couldn’t break through. Following a relieving penalty on their line Shamrocks worked play up field and after a slick backline play speedy winger Maciu Gauna took several defenders over the line to score in the clubhouse corner. Pigram kicking into a strong wind couldn’t convert, but Shamrocks now lead 15 – 5 at the 65 minute mark.

Once again University threw everything at the Rocks but once again the Shamrocks defensive effort was outstanding until with 8 minutes remaining giant Bulls center Nik Rangiuira forced his way over to score a five pointer. Ash Masons conversion went wide for the Rocks to lead 15 – 10. Mason had an opportunity to snatch victory for the Bulls when with 2 minutes remaining Uni fullback Tyler Aitkin made one of his trademark jinking runs to score wide out on the right to equal the scores 15 – 15. Mason couldn’t make the conversion in the difficult wind conditions and Uni had to be content with a draw.

In the end it was Jamie Pigrams goal kicking for the Rocks that saved the day for Shamrocks. Uni were without Country reps Paul Tuala, Matt Lee and most importantly regular goal kicker Don Nepia, who would have been handy for that final kick. Young No. 8 Iszak Lunney was strong all day for Shamrocks along with new prop Chris Smith. Halves Alex Simms and Leon Mason were the Bulls best.