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News
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11.08.2008 - Wizards win in New Zealand
Article & photo from the Southland Times about Waikaka,
where Chris Morgans and Ricky Thomas have been playing this
summer...
Waikaka keeps it tight to tame flashy Mataura
Waikaka convincingly beat Mataura 28-5 at Tulloch Park to become division one champion on Saturday.
Top qualifier Mataura was slightly favoured to win but Waikaka was confident Mataura could not handle its rock-solid set play and intensity in defence.
Mataura continued playing the expansive style that has served it so well this season. This may have been a mistake but it is unlikely that it could have gone toe to toe with Waikaka in a slugfest anyway.
The ground was in good order and calm pleasant conditions greeted the biggest crowd of the season.
After 10 minutes Waikaka started to take control by turning pressure into points. Welsh fullback Ricky Thomas scored a try, compatriot halfback Chris
Morgans kicked the conversion and added two penalties in quick succession.
Waikaka was getting stuck into its work, while Mataura appeared shell-shocked for the opening quarter and was giving away too many penalties.
Mataura openside flanker Chris Mantell scored a try that momentarily closed the gap before
Morgans kicked another penalty goal to make it 16-5 at halftime.
Mataura had enough possession in the scoreless third quarter but was smothered in a green blanket of defence. The game was turning into a dour struggle — something the visitors relished as their slick rolling mauls sapped Mataura's energy level.
Chris Morgans was having a great game and scored a try and converted it. A late try to left wing Keith Eade completed the day's scoring.
The whole Waikaka team contributed to the win, and lock Michael Collins was a plentiful source of ball from the lineout. Reserves Richard Copeland and Clint Robinson slotted into the Waikaka forward pack without costing the team momentum.
Waikaka coach Brenton Taylor was very proud of his troops.
"To beat Mataura at home in a final is very satisfying. The boys played basic, hard finals footy, the forwards dominated set play, our defence was outstanding and so was our discipline. We kept their supporters quiet and took our shots at goal, everything went to plan." Waikaka celebrated its complete performance at an end-of-season cabaret at the Waikaka Hall.
Mataura coach Wiluke Pewhairangi said his side was full of admiration for the Waikaka performance.
"They didn't let us in the match and we had to chance our arm and made mistakes. They fed off our mistakes — maybe we should have played a tighter game in hindsight.
Our flamboyant style can look very good but can look equally bad when met with stifling defence." The front row tried hard, hooker Richard Burr and lock Harry Swain having big games. Halfback Jodie Heaps played well, as he has done all season.
Pewhairangi thanked the supporters and said everyone at the club enjoyed the season, the performances and the style of play.
(Click here for earlier news)
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