Stags stay in the hunt
Sat, 16 Aug 2008 10:45
The unfancied Southland Stags stayed in the Air New Zealand Cup hunt with a hard-earned 20-16 win over Hawke's Bay at McLean Park, Napier, on Saturday.
The two-tries-to-one win saw the Stags move up to third place in the standings and while it could change later in the weekend, they are certain to be in the top four at the end of Round Three.
In a Air NZ Cup season already marked by upsets and controversy - such as the culling of Tasman and Northland - Southland's latest win will add spice to an already intriguing competition.
While the game in Napier failed reach any spectacular heights, especially in a try-less first half dominated by the boots of Matt Berquist and Blair Stewart, any win away from home is gold.
Of course, for Hawke's Bay this is a huge blow to their aspirations of repeating last year's heroics - when they were beaten in the semifinals by eventual champions Auckland.
The first half produced just five penalties - three by Hawke's Bay No.10 Berquist and two from his counterpart, Stewart.
The tries finally came when the match opened up midway through the second half.
Southland kept the ball closer to their imposing pack in the early stages, with scrumhalf Scott Cowan impressive around the fringes.
Hawke's Bay were made to defend for long periods, but they held firm and secured a number of crucial turnovers inside their own 22.
Sloppy handling on both sides also contributed to the lack of tries before the half-time break.
The first try eventually came in the 49th minute, a contentious call by match officials - with Hawke's Bay protesting that Tim Boys had failed to ground the ball after charging down an attempted Danny Lee clearance. However, the try stood and Stewart converted for a 13-9 lead to the Stags.
The match finally opened up after the controversial try, with the Magpies responding with a five-pointer after an outstanding burst from Karl Lowe. Berquist converted to put Hawke's Bay ahead at 16-13.
Both coaches turned to their benches as the pace of the game finally started to pick up, including the impressive Cowan being taken from the field.
Southland poured the pressure on as the game moved into the final 10 minutes, but again a lack of accuracy saw them falter.
However, the reward eventually came, with Kawau being set free and diving over in the corner. Stewart converted for a 20-16 win.
The Magpies went on a late charge as the final four minutes of the game begun, but the Southland defence saw them force the turnover.
Scorers:
For Hawke's Bay:
Try: Lowe
Con: Berquist
Pens: Berquist 3
For Southland:
Tries: Boys, Kawau
Cons: Stewart 2
Pens: Stewart 2
Teams:
Hawke's
Bay: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Jason Kupa, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Daniel Waenga, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Matt Berquist, 9 Danny Lee (captain), 8 George Naoupu, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Michael Johnson, 5 Bryn Evans, 4 Matt Egan, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Hikawera Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Josh Keys, 18 Johan Snyman, 19 Adam Bradey, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Sam Giddens, 22 Mark Jackman.
Southland: 15 Mark Wells, 14 Matt Saunders, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Jason Kawau, 11 Pehi Te Whare, 10 Blair Stewart, 9 Scott Cowan, 8 Hua Tamariki, 7 Tim Boys, 6 Dion Bates, 5 Hoani Macdonald, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Chris King, 2 David Hall, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (captain).
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Fai Mika, 18 Daniel Ramsay, 19 John Hardie, 20 Dane Shelford, 21 Willie Rickards, 22 Robbie Robinson.
Referee: Steve Walsh
TMO: Glenn Newman
