St Kentigerns wins first match

Friday 17: A decent crowd of supporters braved the wet conditions on Wednesday to witness a good wet-weather rugby by the St Kentigerns College 1st XV in its victory over the Cook Islands Sports Academy team at Titikaveka.

The 20-0 score line was not a true indication as to how the match was played out, with the visitors only being ahead by three points at the break.

The technical ability of the St Kent’s pack came to the fore and they were able to apply constant pressure to the CISA line and score points once in range.

The fact that all three St Kent’s tries were scored by their forwards is a testament to their overall forward dominance especially at scrum and ruck and maul time. The CISA team, who were playing their first game together as a team were very competitive for the majority of the match but lacked continuity and combinations.

Best players for the Auckland college were local boy second 5/8 Mark Tuaati and replacement No.8 Albert Vete who replaced human dynamo Adam Tangata who suffered an injury.

For CISA their best players were strong-running centre Tai Joseph Jnr, and big-kicking fullback Bill Tangapiri.

St Kent’s will now fly out to Aitutaki where they will play their second tour match. The team then returns back to Rarotonga and will play their third and final tour match against CISA on Monday April 20 at 3.30pm at a venue still to be confirmed. - CIRU