[Hokianga Pioneers v Hikurangi Stags photographs courtesy of Robert O’Hara, Saranis Photography]
The RLN Scott Electrical Premiership Grand Final was played in spectacular fashion with the match winning try scored in double extra time. The large crowd, were in awe, as the game produced touches of class usually reserved at professional level. Whangarei was buzzing all week with everybody predicating a close affair between the Hikurangi Stags and the Takahiwai Warriors. The conditions were perfect at Toll Stadium as the light drizzle disappeared.
The game was a bruising encounter as both packs tested each other out. As the nerves settled, the Stags drew first blood with a nice try to Tyson Wihongi. The Warriors not to be outclassed, responded with two unanswered converted tries. Takahiwai were building good momentum until captain courageous Joe Rau crossed the line to take the halftime score to 12-10 to Takahiwai.
The second half was a game of chess with both team teams making valuable meters off the back of some solid forward play. Veteran Takahiwai forward, Nick Schuster and Hikurangi’s Steven Rau were locking horns and enforcing their presence defensively.
Penrith Panther’s new signing Caleb Aekins, showed his class in the number 6 with some silky skills and individual brilliance to cross the line. Hori Tuhoro was peppered with bombs all day and had some excellent kick returns that had the crowd on their feet.
It looked like the Warriors were going to have a stag do when Warrior’s player Joel Freeman put his side in front 16-14. With minutes remaining Hikurangi had a brain melt and gave away a penalty in front of the sticks.
Captain Joe Rau milked the time limit ensuring his successful kick would lead to extra time. Both teams were tested with fitness and defence as they charged up the paddock looking to set up for the drop goal.
Hikurangi got two, close, unsuccessful attempts, which had the crowd holding their breath. Takahiwai managed one fumbled attempt. After 2 stanzas with a minute remaining, Stag forward Eric Abraham crossed the line to win the game to a deafening roar from their supporters. Final score – Hikurangi Stags 20 v Takahiwai Warriors 16.
Click here to view full set of photographs from the game
Best Player Takahiwai Warriors – Hori Tuhoro – presented by Napo Henare, Refining NZ
Best Player Hikurangi Stags – Caleb Aekins – presented by Napo Henare, Refining NZ
Man of the Match – Eric Abraham
Winning Medal – Her Honour the Mayor, Sheryl Mai
Winning Trophy Presentation – John Cornwall, Joel Taylor – Scott Electrical
RLN Championship Grand Final
In the curtain raiser the championship Cup was won by the Otaua Valleys over the Pawarenga Broncos 28-12. It was an exciting game with the youthful brilliance of Otaua proving to be the catalyst. Final score Otaua Valleys 28 v Pawarenga Broncos 12. Otaua have now won promotion into the 2016 RLN Scott Electrical Premiership. Tamati Leach was named Man of the Match.
Click here to view a full set of photographs from the game.
