Rugby: Taieri too good for Alhambra-Union

Left wing Tom Davie was in electrifying form when he scored three tries to help Taieri outclass Alhambra-Union 33-0 at the North Ground.

His two first-half tries tore the heart out of the Alhambra-Union defence and gave Taieri a 21-0 lead at the break. His first try after 12 minutes came after a 49m run in which he beat four defenders with sheer speed.

In the 35th minute, first five-eighth Andrew Reid kicked a high up-and-under that bounced into Davie's chest at halfway. He took off like a startled rabbit and five defenders were left grabbing at thin air as he sped past.

There was no score for the first 20 minutes of the second spell before Davie again weaved his magic. The movement was started by halfback Ryan Hammer when he darted down the blindside and linked with Davie who took off beside the touchline for his third try.

The other key player in the Taieri backline was first five-eighth Andrew Reid who kept the score moving along with five goals.

His long punting gained large hunks of territory for Taieri and kept Alhambra-Union pinned in its own half for most of the second spell.

Taieri had the edge in a hard-fought battle up front, with locks Matt Larson and Steve Green and No 8 Charlie O'Connell supplying good ball from the lineout.

Larson made four clean takes in the first spell.

Loose forwards O'Connell and Nathan Young made life difficult for the Alhambra-Union backs.

Alhambra-Union lock Matt Kissick had a strong game in the tight and was the best of the Alhambra-Union forwards and hooker Liam Coltman always looked dangerous on the charge and with the pick and go.

Taieri 33 (Tom Davie 3, Kori Rupene tries; Andrew Reid 2 con, 3 pen), Alhambra-Union 0. Halftime: Taieri 21-0. Referee: Adam Morrison.

 

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