By Tasman Rugby League
Week 6 of the Tasman Rugby League competition saw Motueka Tigers host Victory Phoenix at Cooks Reserve in Riwaka.
Isaiah Edmonds opened the scoring for Victory where he ran off a short ball from Freedom Walker on the left edge. In damp conditions the game turned into a closely fought tussle with play mainly confined to outside the 20 metre areas.
This changed all of a sudden, when the Motueka Tigers scored two long range tries in the space of two sets of six. The first one was a solo effort from Sam Hedges. The second one was a team effort which was finished off rather professionally by Soul Emery. Both tries were converted by Mitchell Duncan-Jonas to give the Motueka Tigers the half time lead of 12-4.
Motueka kicked the ball for the commencement of the second half which just went over the required 10 metres, and was regathered by the Tigers who from the ensuring set of six Jone Selesitino scored to extend the lead to 16-4.
The Victory Phoenix mounted a comeback with tries to Troy Wilson who crashed over dummy-half & Hoani Tauwhare who scored after a long period of attack by the Phoenix. Freedom Walker added one conversion to bring the score to 16-14 and a grand stand finish.
Motueka Tigers sealed the game in the last minute with a try from an intercept where the Phoenix managed to chase down the Motueka player but with the disorganised defensive line, Selesitino scored his second try of the half to make the final score 20-14 to the Motueka Tigers.
The game was uncompromising and the sideline looked more like a casualty ward than sports field. Victory Phoenix will be rueing their missed chances throughout the game but we still have a few more games left in the competition to turn this around.
Again thank you to the volunteers who make the game possible some of whom have a four hour return car ride to make it possible. We are very lucky and really appreciate having so many wonderful dedicated people associated with our game.
Next weeks game see Victory Phoenix host Wairau Taniwha at Lower Ngawahutu on Saturday 19th May. Kick off is at 2:30pm. See you there.
