Bellona tops pool B

By Taromane Martin

Rennell forwards on the attack as Makira defense lead by team captain Philemon Campbell looks to contain the pressure. Rennell won 24-12…Photo Taromane Martin

DAY three of competition from the 2017 Solrice Inter Islands rugby challenge yesterday sees Bellona rugby team leading Pool B.

Bellona climb to the top of the table after destroying Isabel, 72-7 in their final pool match of the competition, to bag their second win after defeating Malaita Subi 30-20 in their opening match last Sunday.

Despite the huge defeat Isabel Head Coach Trevor Manemahaga said their team is young development side and believes they still have a chance of progressing on to the semi-finals.

“It’s a very disappointing result however Isabel is not a province well known for playing rugby union,” he said.

“But out of passion we decided to join this year’s Inter-Islands. The score line does not matter to us. Fielding a team for the competition and promoting this game in our province and country is more important to us.

“This is our first game. I believe we can win our next game and get through the semi-final. Again the score line does not matter and I believe we still have a chance of making it into the semis.

“Hopefully we can secure the services of some of our players at Selwyn College once we get permission from our principle for Saturday’s game,” Mr Manemahaga said.

Meanwhile in the Pool A clash between Makira and competition defending champions, Rennell, it sees both sitting at the table summit with three points each, after Rennell claimed their first win yesterday.

Makira who defeated Western They defeated Makira 24-12 at the Town Ground Rugby Stadium yesterday.

Roger Tepai, Castro Teaheniu, Simon Tepuke, Eugene Tekobi, Solly Seuka and Tony Kaipua socred a try each for Rennell while Jack Akao and Junior Samani scores a try each for Makira.

Chris Saru converted one conversion from two attempts while Simon Tepuke and Eugene Tekobi both converted a try each for Rennell.

Makira Team Captain Philemon Campbell gave credit to Rennell for the win but said some of their boys were in a relaxed mood after their 17-6 win over Western.

“It’s been good for team Makira. However the result today was unfortunate. I think after coming off our win some of us boys were in a relaxed mood,” he said.

“We’ll need to work on a lot of things. However the main area will be on our set pieces which always let us down during our scrums, line-outs and really moved us back three steps.

“We’ve completed our pool matches now and will wait for the final pool match on Saturday to see where we lie on the table.

“We have one week now to prepare and turn around our game and prepare for the semi-finals,” Campbell said.

Pool matches for this Saturday will see Western taking on Rennell at 2pm followed by Pool B action at 4pm as Malaita Subi meets Isable at the Town Ground rugby stadium.

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