Tupapa back on track

Friday 31: The Tupapa A grade rugby team are back in business after just managing to edge out Avatiu 18-17 during their catch up game on Wednesday at Victoria Park.

Tupapa posted the first points through a penalty and soon after the same opportunity arose at the other end of the field for Avatiu. The kick was astray and could have made the difference for Avatiu at the end of the game.

Avatiu appeared to be in a ‘laid back’ mood and were caught napping when Tupapa’s Turori Matutu dotted down in the for the team’s first try.

Leading 18-3 at the 70 minute mark Tupapa probably though their day in the office was over. But someone forgot to tell Avatiu that as they finally came alive and clicked into comeback-mode.

Avatiu managed to claw their way back to within one point of Tupapa and despite two late converted tries Avatiu fell short of pulling off another victory.

The second half introduction of Avatiu’s strong-running number 8 Lui Nicholas generated more go forward for Avatiu and were able to return to their natural 15-man game but they just left their run too late.

Best for Avatiu were busy hooker Tony Moeauri Jnr and centre Duane Gukisuva while lively first-five eighth Turori Matutu and utility forward Tupou Faireka Jnr were the stand out players for Tupapa.

‘Mr Consistency’ loose forward Kore Herman, who has been abroad, also enhanced the Tupapa forward effort.

After a horror season start and now with three wins on the trot, Tupapa are definitely back in business.

Round eight of the competition this week sees Avatiu host Titikaveka at the Swamp while Takuvaine will host Arorangi.

The main match of the week will be between Ngatangiia-Matavera and Tupapa at Victoria Park in Tupapa.

Meanwhile last weekend’s senior match between Avatiu and Arorangi has been scored at 20-all.

The final match score was recorded and reported by the match officials as being 22-20 in favour of Avatiu.

However Arorangi protested and after an investigation the score has been settled at 20-all. - Matariki Wilson