LEADING FROM THE FRONT: OBM captain Ngahiwi Manuel performs a pick-and-go from the base of the ruck during the semifinal match against YMP last season. Manuel scored a try and led his team to a 31-7 victory in a pre-season match against Uawa on Saturday. Picture by Paul Rickard

WINGER Joe Tikicidre scored a hat-trick in a stand-out performance as OBM defeated Uawa 31-7 in a pre-season club match at Tolaga Bay on Saturday.

OBM captain and hooker Ngahiwi Manuel and fullback Reefthan Brown-Terekia scored a try apiece and first five Jake Holmes sent three conversion attempts between the sticks.

Josh Deardan scored a try put the home side on the board and added the conversion.

OBM’s new coach Dillon Dolman-Tuhou was particularly impressed by his team’s discipline.

Both teams struggled for traction in the first half as rain made the surface slippery, he said.

“In the second half, the weather began to fine up and fitness showed, and we were able to score a few tries.”

Tikicidre was the stand-out, scoring three tries and having another disallowed.

Dolman-Tuhou made special mention of referee Aaron Brown, who he said reffed a fair game and was “the hero of the day”.

Brown was called in at the last minute and both teams were grateful as the game would not otherwise have gone ahead.

Uawa coach BJ Sidney said he had a young team but was excited for the season ahead.

Uawa are competing in the Poverty Bay premier club season this year due to the Coast highway issues caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

“It was good to get some minutes on the field as we have a young team,” Sidney said.

“We are excited and grateful to Poverty Bay for allowing us into the club competition.

“The team are ready to go but we still have lots to work on. It is a young team but showing some good signs.”

OBM have another pre-season hit-out against Paroa in Whakatāne on Saturday (2.30pm).

Published March 21, 2023 3:59PM
https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/local-sport/20230321/hat-trick-for-tikicidre/