TAINUI WAKA RUGBY UPSET HOME TEAM.
22nd March 2010 01:17PM
On the 5th of March the Tainui Waka Rugby Teams left Hamilton for Whangarei to play in the Northern Region Maori Rugby Tournament to be played on Saturday 6th.
The Senior TWR team were playing for 3rd and 4rth against North Harbour and the Colts playing Northland for the Final. The day started off with a hearty breakfast at the Marae then the teams made their way to the Venue for two games. The seniors did it hard in the first half with Harbour leading 24-7; however, the second half was a battle with TWR coming up trumps to take the win 28-27.
Stand out players for Seniors were Jorden Smiler, Karne Hesketh, Noel Galloway, Lukus Quinn, Shanon Soloman.
The Colts were fired up with plenty to play for. The game was physical, fast and demanding with a lot of talent being displayed by both sides. Northland edged out to a healthy half time score 13-5 after making the most of their opportunities. Second half was a true indicator that these two teams were meant for the final.
TWR snatched the lead by two try’s then with 5mins on the clock Northland charged down a clearance kick and scored in the corner. With time almost up the ball was shifted wide to Jorell Mapi to run in a 35 metre try to take the win 27-20.
Stand out players for Colts were Tahi Ruru, Chubb Hale, Shey Luke Ellis, Tane Mita, Aaron Kelly, Todd Doolan. All these players represented Northern Region and won the colts division.Tahi Ruru, Chubb Hale and Shey Luke Ellis also made the New Zealand Maori Colts Team.
