Kaiapoi’s big forwards in dominant form

• Published date: 13 May 2021
• Publication title: North Canterbury News

It was Glenmark-Cheviot’s first loss in nearly three years.

Meanwhile, Saracens strengthened its position at the top of the table, beating Hurunui. However, the side has to contend with Glenmark-Cheviot and Oxford before the job is done.

Dominant display

Kaiapoi scored first against Glenmark-Cheviot and appeared to be holding the upper hand throughout, especially at scrum time.

Kaiapoi lock Connor Smith had an outstanding match in all aspects of the game, and the rest of the forward pack was not far behind him.

The most notable feature in the win was the superior scrummaging effort by Kaiapoi.

The depth of Kaiapoi’s front-row stocks was a salient factor here.

All five front rowers used in the match showed their ability. In particular, Luka Tootoo proved that not only is he a powerful runner with the ball in hand, but also a strong scrummager.

When Glenmark-Cheviot lost two of its front rowers, Kaiapoi’s greater depth in the front row really came to the fore.

From that point, a Kaiapoi unit that had always had the upper hand at scrum time became completely dominant, and spectators were treated to the rare sight of a Glenmark-Cheviot scrum being completely demolished on virtually every occasion.

This visibly raised the spirits of the Kaiapoi side, especially after Glenmark-Cheviot closed to 13-17 in the last quarter.

In the Kaiapoi backline, its two try scorers both impressed. On the left wing, Reuben Tiweka showed blistering speed as well as a real determination when the tryline was in sight, while centre Robert Dods-Samson always looked dangerous.

Five-eighth Taine Jacobs-Lawson displayed his growing maturity, directing play expertly from the pivot position, as well as adding two penalties and two conversions from his trusty boot.

Scoreboard: Kaiapoi 20 (Reuben Tiweka, Robert Dods-Samson tries, Tame Jacobs-Lawson 2 penalties, 2 conversions) beat Glenmark-Cheviot 13 (Richard Taylor a try, Brook Retallick 1 conversion, 2 penalties).

Unbeaten run

Saracens kept its unbeaten record intact with a 33-12 away victory against Hurunui.

True to form, Hurunui remained in the hunt until the second half, only for Saracens to pull away in the last quarter.

With a half time score of 12-7, Hurunui’s fate was sealed after Brett Hancox scored a skilful individual try and the advantage for Saracens went out to 19-7.

Saracens went on to score two more tries before Hurunui scored its second try late in the game.

The trusty boot of Ricky Allin again helped Saracens’ cause.

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