WASPS secure win at Blake Park

The WASPS took on New Zealand Universities at Blake Park on ANZAC day. Photo: Rick Moran.

The Bay of Plenty WASPS secured a 38 – 21 win over the New Zealand Universities side at Blake Park on ANZAC afternoon.

Teams paid their respects for the ANZAC's with a moments silence before the WASPS kicked the match off in front of a supportive crowd.

Following an unsettled first twenty minutes, New Zealand Universities opened the scoring through their blindside flanker Sam Godwin.

A successful conversion from Sam Malcolm saw the visitors hold an early 7-0 lead.

Moments later Whakarewarewa's Matt Garland cleanly intercepted a lofty pass from the Universities backline to score under the post, allowing Arataki's Reece MacDonald to convert with ease.

For the remainder of the first half the visitors held possession successfully scoring two consecutive tries; the first to full back Sam Healy and second to second five eight Hamish Northcott.

Malcolm again clinical with the boot successfully converting both tries to give the New Zealand Universities side a 21-7 lead at the break.

In a game of two halves the second half was dominated by the WASPS.

Te Puke's number eight Chulainn Mabbett-Stowerby powered down the side line to open the scoring of the second half. MacDonald converted with ease.

The WASPS dominating possession continued to increase the tempo of the match. As the tempo increased the visitors discipline wavered.

Following a series of set piece plays the WASPS forwards were rewarded through Greerton Marist's hooker Joe Key.

The WASPS were reduced to fourteen men after Paroa's Mone Funaki was yellow carded for a high tackle.

However, this didn't hinder the WASPS attack with two consecutive converted tries to Greerton Marist's Luke Masirewa extending their lead to 35-21.

The WASPS had the final word; quick hands from the WASPS backline placed Garland in the corner to conclude the scoring on the final whistle.

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