THAMES VALLEY SWAMPFOXES:
Buller arrived at Boyd Park Te Aroha on Saturday with no fear and no respect for reputations. Consequently, they provided stiff opposition for Thames Valley in their Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship match.
In the end Buller lost the game 15-30 but with a half time lead of 15-8 they were in with a chance to gain a much needed victory. Their full back, and Buller player of the match, Jesse Pitman-Joass kicked a total of five penalty goals – an indication of the time Buller spent in Thames Valley’s half and a lack of discipline by the home team. The Swamp Foxes rarely looked a threat in the first half but they did manage to take advantage of one attacking phase to put Cameron Dromgool over for a try in the corner. Soon afterwards Tiaontin Raoren, filling in for Todd Doolin at first five this week, kicked a penalty goal.
Harsh words were spoken by the coaches at half time and a more focused Thames Valley side took the field in the second half. They immediately went on the attack and were rewarded with a try to Raoren. There was no conversion and then Buller were unlucky not to add to their score when another penalty attempt by Pitman-Joass bounced off the post. Mid way through the half Raoren scored his second try after a good build up by the forwards. He converted his own try to give the Swamp Foxes the lead 20-15.
The kick off by Buller went out on the full and from the resulting scrum, on the half way line, Luke Masirewa picked up the ball and after a great solo effort scored a try. Once again there was no conversion and the game ended with Valley hot on attack and finally putting Trinity McQueen over for an unconverted try.
This was another bonus try victory and Thames Valley remain at the top of the points table equal with South Canterbury on 15 points. However South Canterbury have the better points differential which makes them the number 1 seed. Next Saturday Thames Valley meet West Coast in Greymouth.
For Buller: Jesse Pitman-Joass 5 penalty goals
For Thames Valley: Tiaontin Raoren (2) Luke Masirewa and Trinity McQueen tries. Raoren a conversion and a penalty.
Kelly Plummer (President & Historian)
To see the current points tables after Round 3, click on the link below:
https://thamesvalleyswampfoxes.co.nz/tvrfu/2021-heartland-championship/
This weekend the 'Swampfoxes' travel to John Sturgeon Park, Greymouth, taking on the dangerous West Coast in yet another must win match. This has been a traditionally tough place to travel for the Swampfoxes, only ever securing a draw as their best result in Greymouth since the start of the Heartland Championship in 2006. This result came in 2011 when they drew 17-17. They will look to put a stop to this weekend, however will be without a couple of key players who are stuck in Hamilton. This weeks match kicks off at 2.30pm this Saturday 9th October, of which there will be a livestream via the West Coast Rugby Union Facebook Page for people to tune in.
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