Match Report: Carterton v Gladstone – 16 July 2022
Carterton v Gladstone – 16th July 2022
Carterton 22 (Siutaka Toamotu (2), Fiula Tameilau tries; Sam Morison 2 conversions, penalty) Gladstone 17
Carterton booked a place in the 2022 Moose Kapene Cup final for the second year in a row by beating Gladstone in a pulsating contest at Belvedere Road.
Gladstone made the better start on a bright and clear afternoon, holding the ball for the first three minutes and mounting several waves of attack that were rewarded with a penalty goal to lead 3-0. The visitors maintained possession well and scored again with a converted try after 21 minutes to stretch the margin to 10-0.
The home team came more into the game in the second quarter. Sam Morison kicked a 20-metre penalty then after 38 minutes a blindside move and quick transfer from Fiula Tameilau gave Aseri Waqa a clear run to the line. Although his try was disappointingly ruled out for an infringement seen only by the touch judge, it seemed to spur Carterton into action and after Inia Katia went close, Siutaka Toamotu was unstoppable from close range. Morison’s conversion levelled the score at 10-10 at the break.
Carterton dominated the third quarter. Sustained attack featuring several runs from Tupou Lea’aemanu led to Toamotu crashing over again after 48 minutes, then a big cut-out pass on the left gave Tameilau a clear run to the line for a 22-10 lead after 61 minutes. Gladstone fought back with an immediate converted try while playing with 14 men to ensure a grandstand finish, but Carterton held on for a worthy 22-17 victory despite a few alarms.
Angus McKinnon was a standout performer in his 50 minutes, making countless tackles and contributing well in the lineout. Lachie McFadzean led Carterton’s lineout dominance and illustrated his versatility moving to openside in the second half. Jack Loader and Tupou Lea’aemanu had huge games with ball in hand, Hone Vella worked hard for 80 minutes and Ngaiwa Marshall-Lobb was prominent in the early exchanges. In the backs Daryl Pickering controlled proceedings from halfback, Inia Katia sparked most of Carterton’s good backline moves and Siutaka Toamotu enjoyed his best match to date in the maroon jersey, dominating the midfield. Aseri Waqa saved Carterton several times with his tackling as he does every week.
All roads lead to Memorial Park next Saturday – let’s colour it Maroon: see you there.
3-2-1
1 point – Jack Loader
2 points – Inia Katia
3 points – Lachie McFadzean
Heming Family Supporters’ Vote Player of the Day -Siutaka Toamotu
#CTB AD