“Fatigue affected us”: Matangi

 

HEAD coach for Islanders rugby team Eric Matangi said the lack of recovery time had affected his side performance yesterday.

Islanders lost 43-5 to defending Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) champions Avaiki at the Town Ground rugby stadium.

“Last week we played games on Wednesday, Saturday and again today. So yes the lack of time for recovery is a factor in our loss today,” Mr Matangi said.

“Fatigue was clear in some of the players but it’s not an excuse. This is a competition we decided to join, so we have to move on and get ready for our next match on Wednesday”.

Jonathan Mataki grabbed two early tries for Avaiki 10 minutes into the first half after cracking the Islanders defense on the right and left side to lead 13-0.

Islanders responded with an unconverted try five minutes later but saw their defense line cracked again Avaiki scoring two more tries to extend their lead to 26-5 before the break.

Islanders threatened to cut the score margin when second half resumed but could not break the refreshed Avaiki defense that had plenty time to rest in the week.

Two more tries in the second half for Avaiki saw the defending HRUA champions picking up their third win of the competition and also keeping their hopes of retaining the title alive.

Head Coach for Avaiki Douglas Hatigeva told SunSPORTS after the match it was a pleasing result but will be keeping his eye for their international friendly match against Nauru this Easter break.

“I’m really happy with our win today (yesterday) because our match last Wednesday, we underestimated Matangiki.

“But for today’s game I told the boys, no we have to perform and show how we play. So yes I’m very happy with our win today,” he said.

“Although we are playing in the Taina Challenge and the HRUA league our main aim is for Nauru. This is an important match for the club.

“It is a huge honor for our club and most importantly we do not want to spoil our country’s rugby 15s reputation.

“Regarding our HRUA title defense yes we are prepared. Our team this year is very motivated to defend our title,” Mr Hatigeva adds.

Meanwhile, the 2017 Low Price HRUA rugby 15s competition continues this weekend with one match as the Henderson Hammerhead Sharks take on Diesel Service at 3pm, Saturday.