Kaierau’s long, hard road to Hunterville
By Jared Smith
It requires travelling 45km further than they originally thought, but Gemini Pepper Construction Kaierau must show up convinced to their bone marrow they can cause the upset in Tasman Tanning Senior’s semifinals on Saturday.
As the highest placed team which didn’t make the Top 2 final in last year’s Covid-19 disrupted campaign, Kaierau have stayed consistent in 2021 in that it is still Harvey Round Motors Ratana and Ali Arc Logistics-DNA Kennels Marist Celtic occupying the spots above them.
The difference is they all sit one spot lower due to the re-emergence of perennial powerhouse Kelso Hunterville, able to marshal full resources again with talent returning to the Rangitikei hinterland, and represent a massive test for a Whanganui club desperate to have a presence in the championship games on WRFU Finals Day.
Due to the nature of their draw, Kaierau usually had to travel to meet their fellow playoff contenders this season – losing twice at Spriggens Park – while their previous trip to Hunterville was a 42-19 defeat in mid-May.
They were dominant at the Country Club until last Saturday when Ratana got away on them in the first half, with a strong second stanza not enough to prevent a 24-7 loss, which seemed at that point to mean a return semifinal in the Pa, until Celtic upended Hunterville at Spriggens to change the itineraries.
“We just didn’t execute really. Dropped ball, loose carries,” said coach Brendon Lawrence.
“Second half was good, just couldn’t break through their line.
“I would have liked to go back to Ratana, I thought we gave them a good crack that second half, but it’s Hunterville, so over to Hunterville we go.
“Both would be tough games, but to win [the title], you’ve got to beat anyone.
“What we learned last time – we’re more than capable to catch them.”
In May, Kaierau had been in the game until the last 20 minutes when Hunterville stepped up a gear.
“Normally, we’re finishing strong, so that’s the lesson for us,” said Lawrence.
What did not aid their cause was by then the Senior squad was already having to provide multiple players to their injury-wracked Premier side, who have lost an entire XV at different stages this campaign.
“The Prem’s are our ultimate team, so our goal is to feed guys into that team.
“Anyone who steps up and comes in is more than capable.”
Outside backs Matt Murphy and Justin Baty have had their baptism at top level, while standout lock-loose forward Mason Johnson, a MRU Colts title winner with Metro, moved up and has stayed there.
Lawrence has full praise for flanker Reuben Kellow – who has been a Senior standout and also given reliable service to the Premiers.
The injury curse has not been restricted to the top side, however, as Johnson’s former Metro teammate Coultin Wilson got hurt against Ratana, and captain Joel Martin is doubtful for Saturday.
The battle tested veterans in prop Jarrod Hook, Johnny Prince and experienced fullback Carlwyne Riddles will have to find a way to lift their team mates against the club which has won nine championships in 12 years.
