Match Report: Carterton v Gladstone – 25 June 2022 Old Timers’ Day

Carterton 24 (Fiula Tameilau, Aseri Waqa, Jack Loader tries; penalty try; Sam Morison 1 conversion) Gladstone 36.

 

Carterton celebrated Old Timers’ and Sponsors’ Day at Belvedere Road but were well beaten on the field by an impressive Gladstone side.

 

Carterton took its only lead in the match after ten minutes when a left-wing attack and well-placed chip kick from Daryl Pickering was followed up by Fiula Tameilau, who touched down in the corner. Gladstone responded with a converted try and penalty goal to lead 10-5 after 15 minutes.

After 30 minutes Aseri Waqa fielded a partially charged-down Gladstone kick five metres inside his own half and set off on a mazy 60-metre run to score in the left corner and level at 10-10, but Gladstone scored again just before half-time to lead 15-10 at the break.

Hopes of a Carterton second-half comeback were not realized as Gladstone scored a brilliant team try from the kickoff, and then twice more in the next 15 minutes to lead 30-10. Carterton fought to the end, being awarded a penalty try for Gladstone ruck offences near their own line and then Jack Loader forcing his way over from close range, but Gladstone kicked a penalty and a drop goal to always remain at least two scores in front.

Carterton camped on attack for the last few minutes but were unable to convert territory into points and Gladstone recorded a deserved 36-24 victory to retain the Nunn Shield. The visitors quickly realized they could expose frailties in the Carterton backline defensive system on the outside and exploited this to the full; they were also superior in ball retention and tactical kicking.

Logan Wakefield playing at lock work tirelessly in the pack, Tupou Lea’aemanu made regular ground on the pick-and-go, Gus McKinnon shone both in the lineouts and a stint filling in at hooker, and the ageless prop Errol Weston enjoyed a lively ten-minute cameo debut. In the backs Aseri Waqa evaded defenders at will and pulled off two try-saving tackles, and replacement Taka Toamotu injected power into the midfield in the last 20 minutes.

3-2-1

3 points – Aseri Waqa

2 points – Jack Loader

1 point – Mike Kloeg

Heming Family Supporters’ Vote – Aseri Waqa

#CTB AD