In an electrifying finale to the Under 21 Colts competition, Hamilton Marist secured a historic fourth consecutive championship victory, edging out Hautapu in a riveting encounter taking home the Elliot Shield 25-17. The match, held at Hautapu's home ground, showcased the top two teams from pool play - both only having the sole loss to their name in the regular season. 

The game commenced under the oversight of young referee Josh Waller, marking his first senior club final after making the step up to Colt's rugby earlier in the season. From the outset, the teams were neck-and-neck, delivering a thrilling display of rugby that captivated the substantial crowd. The first half saw numerous missed opportunities from both sides, Hamilton Marist’s powerful midfielder Ben Gordon losing the ball in the act of scoring after a dazzling break, and Hautapu losing the ball twice with an open tryline during aggressive offensive plays.

The score was locked at nil all for much of the first half despite the game’s fast pace, until Hamilton Marist’s live wire Halfback Halen King executed a strategic 50:20 kick. This set up a lineout close to Hautapu’s try line, leading to a powerful drive that allowed young hooker Marshal Sheehan to score, although the subsequent conversion was missed by the usually reliable Levi Cressy-Baggott - the competitions leading points scorer.

Hautapu not to be outdone responded with persistent attacks, earning a penalty which fullback Matthew Christensen converted, making it 5-3 to Hamilton Marist. The seesaw battle continued, with Cressy-Baggott landing a penalty to bring the halftime score to 8-3 to the visting side. 

The second half mirrored the intensity of the first. Early penalties against Hautapu for ruck infringements allowed Cressy-Baggott to extend Hamilton Marist’s lead to 11-3. However, Hautapu’s resolve shone through, with Beau Wallis scoring a crucial try and Christenson adding the extras to narrow the gap to 11-10.

The match saw further alternating scores, with Marist's Wesley Curulala breaking through for a spectacular long-range try, again converted by Cressy-Baggott. Hautapu wasn’t finished yet, as captain Jeroslav Tamala powered over the line from close range from a nice pop ball from Hautapu Halfback Te Taiwhanga, with Christenson’s conversion bringing them within a point at 18-17.

Both coaching teams would be forgiven for having no fingernails in this epic contest but as the final minutes ticked down, Marist solidified their lead with a brilliant team effort, culminating in a match-sealing try by Captain Halen King from a great inside support line, after a fine break from live wire winger Taine Cantwell, with Cressy-Baggott’s conversion bringing the score to 25-17.

This victory not only affirmed Marist’s dominance in the Colts competition but also provided a classic final that both teams and spectators will remember for its sheer competitive spirit and high-quality rugby.

Hamilton Marist's Levi Cressy-Baggott wrapped up a succesful 2024 season ending the year as the competitions leading points scorer with 157points while Pirongia's Jason Hill finished the season as the competitions leading try scorer with 16 five pointers to his credit. 

Article added: Sunday 14 July 2024