Hawkes Bay Homes and O’Briens Plumbing & Bathroom Hastings Development took on Pōrangahau away at White Domain. We knew we would be in for a hard game playing down there on their club day and with one of their players playing his 100th and a lot of local support surrounding the field.
Travelling on the bus out to play a country team was a first for many of the team and with rain threatening through the day, a bit of travel lag, saw some handling errors throughout the game. Both teams scored early and after twenty minutes both teams had two tries. The second half saw Pōrangahau take the lead and run away with the game to take the win 40-14. A hard-fought game with some big hits and hard running rugby. Congratulations go to Pōrangahau for the great game and their hospitality.
HRS player of the day went to Peter Moeke who scored one for the team in the player of the day race in the club rooms against Pōranghau’s player of the day.
The bus ride home was a great way for the team to bond and reflect. We need to come back strong for the rest of the games to try secure a spot in the semis. With Pirates at home this week on club day the team will have to dig deep to seek some pay back after the narrow loss in round one.
POD Points: Pete Moeke 3, Romeo Rosita 2, Taylor Walton-Sexton 1 point