Kaiwai king in Greytown win

Kingi Kaiwai put on a right royal performance as Greytown beat Carterton 23-18 in the penultimate round of Tui Cup rugby this afternoon.

The Greytown pivot was all class, in particular his ability to put players into space. Two of Greytown’s tries were a direct result of Kaiwai’s deft passing.

Although outscoring Carterton three tries to two, Greytown had to work hard for their win, defending stoutly and making better use of their opportunities. Their ability to punch holes in the Carterton defence was a big factor, with full-back Nick Olson and right-wing AJ Manley proving a handful. Both benefited from Kaiwai’s magician-like passing.

Carterton feasted on territory and possession in the first half, but never seriously threatened Greytown’s try-line. Their only reward was from a Daryl Pickering penalty kick.

Greytown, on the other hand, made it count when they had the chance. A good passage of play, five minutes before the half-time break, saw them string together several phases, and quick passing of the ball like it was a hot potato ended with Manley finishing off in the corner.

It set the tone for an entertaining second half. Greytown hit it at full pace with more quick plays of the ball catching Carterton on the hop. Twice Kaiwai sleight of hand put a full-speed Olson into space, and from the second over the try-line. Greytown 13-3 ahead.
Ten minutes later, and it was centre Ray Oakley to benefit from more Kaiwai passing wizardry dotting down near the posts.

At risk of the game getting away on them, Carterton hit back. First through a converted try by centre Lance Stevenson and then another Pickering penalty. But from the kick-off the maroons conceded a penalty, which was slotted by Southey, giving Greytown a ten-point cushion.

Carterton didn’t give up the fight, scoring a try on the stroke of full-time through hooker Hone Vella.

Despite losing Carterton are still in the mix for a semi-final spot. Greytown, the defending champions, remain on second and will have a home semi-final, irrespective of next weekend’s result.
In other matches, Pioneer bagged a valuable bonus point beating Eketahuna 29-12. Marist dropped out of the race for the top four, thrashed 56-7 to top of the table Gladstone.

And late result in , Martinborough beat East Coast 72-05 .