Rugby: Clifton surge to the top of the table

Photo: Clifton No. 8 Suli Pahulu attempts to get through the Coastal defence in their premier match at Tikorangi on Friday. 

Clifton coach Jackson Ormond says his side’s depth and execution were key in a 61-14 drubbing of Coastal to make it two from two in Taranaki premier club rugby.

The match at Tikorangi was the only premier game played on Saturday, after the other three were held on Good Friday.

Ormond, a former Taranaki and Southern back, said the performance was built on work done up front before his side were able to open the game up in the second half to eventually score 10 tries to two, including a double to Korrbin Skelton.

Juan Tantrum kicked eight conversions.

“The boys played really well,” Ormond said.

“We knew they were going to come at us up front and they showed us that in the first half, but I felt like we played possession and territory well in the second half to take that away from them.”

Coastal, who were last year’s finalists, were in the game at halftime as they trailed 21-14.

Ropata Taylor and Olly Lawson scored Coastal’s only two tries, which were converted by Jackson Sinclair.

Clifton’s performance was highlighted by an impressive second half as they played with speed and showed the ability to spread the ball wide.

Ormond said the team’s balance across the park started to show.

“We had plenty of depth in our backline to really show our skill, even in this type of weather.

“We felt like we had a pretty complete team. It was only week two, but there was plenty to work on.”

While he did not single out any standout players from the match, he said the impact of the bench, which lifted the intensity in the second half, was a highlight.

Despite the scoreline, he said there was plenty to work on, with discipline a key focus next weekend when the side hosts defending champions Stratford-Eltham.

On Friday, Stratford-Eltham slumped to a second straight loss, beaten 18-14 by Inglewood at Victoria Park.

The home side looked in control early, as Blake Christie scored before he set up Josh Howatson for a second, which helped Stratford-Eltham to a 14-3 halftime lead.

But Inglewood turned the match after the break. William Johnston crossed soon after halftime and Cody Chilcott added a penalty to close the gap.

The visitors then edged ahead with another penalty and a late try, with Chilcott able to land a sideline conversion to seal the win with about 20 minutes remaining.

New Plymouth Old Boys rebounded from their opening-round defeat with a dominant 39-0 win over Tukapa in front of a packed Sanders Park.

Tukapa held firm early but were undone by a string of errors, which Old Boys punished by running in seven tries, including a double to Jack Parker.

The win also saw Old Boys reclaim the Ibbotson Cup, contested between the sides since 1951.

At Stadium Taranaki, Southern proved too strong for United, winning 55-14.

Southern were always in control of the match after they led 24-14 at halftime.

The Hāwera-based side ran in nine tries to two to secure the win and bounced back from their first-round loss to Tukapa.

Week three on Saturday sees Inglewood host United at TET Stadium, Coastal take on Tukapa in Rāhotu, Clifton at home to Stratford-Eltham and Southern travel to Vogeltown Park to play Old Boys.

Kick-off is at 2.45pm.

Points after week two: Clifton 10, Southern 6, New Plymouth Old Boys 6, Inglewood 5, United 5, Coastal 5, Tukapa 4, Stratford-Eltham 3.