Rugby: Clifton continues lead after a one-sided weekend

Photo by Spinna Photography

Clifton have continued their lead in the CMK Taranaki premier club rugby competition after a 38-31 win over Coastal.

The match, played in Rahotu, was the tightest across the weekend in a round which featured many one-sided results, for the first time this season.

Because of the loss and despite Ben Dufficy’s hat-trick of tries, Coastal dropped from second to fifth because of the other results.

Clifton was bolstered by the return of Chiefs prop Jared Profitt, who started in his first club game of the year.

Clifton’s ability to run the ball out of their own half was evident in the match, which was played in front of a large, vocal crowd.

Midfield paring of Paul Faoagali and Kobi Heurea helped their cause.

The visitors rocketed out to a 31-0 lead inside the opening half hour before Ben Dufficy crossed for two consecutive tries to trail 31-12 at the break.

Coastal started strongly in the second half and drew the score back to 31-24 as they used their rugged forward play to their advantage.

At this stage they were back in the game. Experienced number eight Jeremy Newell eventually scored two tries for Coastal.

Clifton scored a quick-thinking try set up by fullback Liam Blyde, which put Coastal on the back foot again before they scored again to narrow the margin.

A late gasp at the line was not enough as Coastal spoilt their own line out throw right on fulltime.

Tukapa continued their quick, try-scoring reputation when they beat Inglewood 55-24 at Sanders Park.

The home team scored nine tries to three, including two to promising midfielder Larenz Tupaea-Thomsen.

Tukapa’s speed out wide was a feature of their game so far this year and that continued on Saturday.

They took every opportunity to exploit holes in the Inglewood defence.

Despite the loss, Inglewood’s Josefa Namosimalua and Haiden Bedwell-Curtis played well and both scored a try.

Stratford-Eltham fullback Brendan Coupe continued his try-scoring in his team’s 40-10 win against United at Victoria Park.

Coupe had scored six tries so far this season and dotted down twice in the match to propel Stratford-Eltham into third place.

Despite an early penalty kick to United’s Ethan Reti, Stratford-Eltham dominated the match to allow the visiting team to score once late in the game by centre Tutewhenua Taylor-Tupaea.

Again, United showed signs of improvement but need to be consistent on defence.

It was a try fest at Vogeltown Park as New Plymouth Old Boys beat last year’s runners up 71-10.

Played on “old timer’s day”, Old Boys wore their mid-1990s uniform as they ran in 11 tries to two. Jack Parker slotted eight conversions.  

The scoreline would have surprised many because of Southern’s experienced team and strong forward pack.

Old Boys have found late first round form after losing two early matches to secure three consecutive wins.

In the women’s competition, Inglewood beat Tukapa 35-14 and Okaiawa and Southern drew 27-all. Patea had the bye.

Next week, Southern host Stratford-Eltham, Clifton plays Old Boys, United welcome Tukapa and Coastal travel to Inglewood.

The points table after six weeks is; Clifton 23, Tukapa 22, Stratford-Eltham 21, NPOB 20, Coastal 19, Inglewood 9, Southern 6, United 6.