Waikaia outclassed Mataura on Saturday, scoring 34 unanswered points in the second half to win 51-5 in a Rugby Southland Go Bus Presidents B game.
Switzers Valley Transport Waikaia is co-coached by Marty Sloane and Allan Bain.
Sloane said he was pleased with the way his team played, especially in the second half.
“[In the second half players were] starting to run with the ball, drawing and passing, throwing it around .. having a bit of fun,” he said.
Three weeks earlier, the team had lost to Mataura, 39-21.
“It’s nice to have a home advantage and get one up on them,” Sloane said.
There were plenty of players on the bench, which helped.
“We struggle with numbers week in, week out – it’s nice to see good numbers here today.”
Lock Anthony Krawczyk had a strong game.
“[Krawczyk was] mobile around the paddock, good carry with the ball.”
Mataura player coach Darren Matahiki said the game was played at a quicker pace than his team was used to.
“It was one of the faster games we have had to play this season because the Waikaia team was a pretty young team.”
“We didn’t disgrace ourselves,” Matahiki said.
He was pleased with the way his players persevered to the end.
“I thought our defence was pretty good – the heart that the boys showed, the guts and determination to keep going and not give up.”
In the backs, Ihaka Edwards played well.
“[He] had a great game on both defence and attack.”
Also new recruit Mitchell McLeary had a good game.
In the forwards, Naylor Browne stood out.
