Young buck does job for Inglewood

Will Johnston

Photo: LDV Photography

Talented Inglewood first-five eighth Josh Jacomb kicked his side to victory over defending champions Tukapa.

In a blockbusting top-of-the-table match in the CMK premier club rugby competition, Jacomb slotted a last-minute penalty to claim a 25-24 win.

The former Spotswood United pivot slotted the kick five meters in from touch on his favoured side. He managed to use a stiff breeze at Sanders Park to guide the ball through the uprights.

The win means Inglewood continues to lead the competition by four points after 12 weeks. Despite the loss, Tukapa holds onto second place.

Inglewood’s win also means its serious title contenders with two regular season rounds to play.

The maroons scored three tries compared to Tukapa’s four. There was nothing much between the teams during the game, evident with a 12-all halftime score.

Leading up to Inglewood’s tries, the side kept play tight, while Tukapa used the backs to its advantage.

Tukapa midfielder Pomare Samupo played in his 150^th match for the club.

The match was just one crucial game in the context of the competition.

New Plymouth Old Boys’ semi-final hopes dangle by a thread.

It was upset 31-29 by Clifton at Vogeltown Park.

Both teams scored four tries, including a penalty try to Clifton after a scrum infringement close to the line. 

But it was the kicking off the tee that proved vital for Clifton, who bagged its fourth win of the season.

Old Boys drop down to fifth spot and Stratford/Eltham took fourth place – the two teams will play each other next week.

The wet conditions at Victoria Park suited Stratford/Eltham, who beat Southern 25-11.

Both teams scored a try in the first half, but it was three second half tries to Stratford/Eltham that kept the score out of reach of Southern.

Coastal pivot Rick McKenna’s accuracy off the tee was impressive in his side’s 49-0 win against Spotswood United.

The former Taranaki rep slotted six out of six conversions at the Rahotu Domain.

It wasn’t easy for McKenna, who had a strong breeze to contend with. 

The Division 1 game made the ground extremely muddy and difficult for the players to express themselves.

Coastal is now third after the win.

The points table after 12 weeks is: Inglewood 35, Tukapa 31, Coastal 28, Stratford/Eltham 27, New Plymouth Old Boys 24, Clifton 19, Spotswood United 9, Southern 7.