Match Report: Carterton vs Gladstone

By Andrew Dunford

Carterton 54 (Isireli Biumaiwai (2), Inia Katia (3), Aseri Waqa, Zach Wakefield, Terongo Tekii, Ben Brooking, Ben Alvis tries; Ben Brooking 2 conversions) Gladstone 0.

Carterton made the short trip to Gladstone knowing victory would guarantee top spot in the round robin and a home semi-final next week.

Gladstone started strongly, but once Carterton gained some possession Hone Vella made a big midfield run with Isireli Biumaiwai in support to open the scoring after eight minutes. Inia Katia doubled the lead on 21 minutes folowing a long Zach Wakefield run off the back of the scrum.

In the second quarter Carterton spent a long period on attack and were rewarded when Aseri Waqa crossed wide on the right from a backline move to give the visitors a 15-0 lead at half time.

Carterton was quickly into action in the second half, a Malakai Biumaiwai break creating field position for Zach Wakefield to force his way over for the bonus point try after 44 minutes. Ben Brooking’s first successful conversion stretched the margin to 22-0. Tupou Lea’aemanu made a defence-scattering run on 53 minutes to create Inia Katia’s second try from a quick lineout, then Logan Wakefield charged down a clearing kick which was regathered by Terongo Tekii who scored after 58 minutes: 34-0.

With victory now assured, Carterton cut loose in the final quarter. Fiula Tameilau and Aseri Waqa created a try for Ben Brooking on the short side, then a superb passing movement involving Tupou Lea’aemanu and Inia Katia set up Isireli Biumaiwai’s second try. Inia Katia ran from halfway after 66 minutes to score a superb solo effort, then the scoring was completed by Ben Alvis who touched down on the blindside after 77 minutes, at which point the referee blew full time three minutes early at 54-0.

Logan Wakefield had a fine all-round match, especially in the lineout, and his brother Zach was also very strong off the back of the scrum and when fielding kickoffs. The Biumaiwai brothers both ran hard up the middle and Inia Katia was almost impossible to tackle as ever. Ben Alvis distributed well at ten, Fiula Tameilau tackled tirelessly in the midfield and broke often with the ball, Aseri Waqa looked sharp at centre and Ben Brooking directed play well from fullback.

Carterton now hosts Pioneer in the semi-finals on 8 July.