The Imperial Trading Ltd Otumoetai Eels rugby league premiers dug deep to withstand a final 10-minute onslaught on their line by the previously unbeaten Taniwharau Taniwha at Huntly's Davies Park on Saturday to win 8-4.
The win finally broke the hoodoo off their backs by beating the only team intheir short eight-year history who had denied them that satisfaction.
The whole game came down to defence on top of defence by both teams and with the game tied at 4-4 at halftime, it came down to who wanted the win the most. After left centre Poms Parai scoring the winning try in the 65th minute, it was then a do or die effort to repel that hugely proud Taniwharau side who have produced the likes of Wairangi Koopu and Lance Hohaia into the NRL.
With tension rising, leading to ill discipline resulting in the sin bin for Taniwharau's lock Patara Berryman after an all-in brawl, it cost Taniwharau dearly with Parai dotting down while he was cooling off on the bench.
Taniwharau then threw everything but the kitchen sink to remain unbeaten in the last 10 minutes, three times held up over the line, but when the final whistle blew for full-time, there were jubilant scenes around the park by the Eels team and supporters.
It has taken over a full round for co-coaches Doc Murray and Jock Nicholson to get the mix right and this win along with their decisive one over Hukanui the previous week has set them up for a big drive towards the play-offs next month.
Outstanding for the Eels was huge prop Tarquin Court, along with recently returned from Australia Ryan (Flash) Gordon on the wing.Player of the day Lance Rolleston at fullback was outstanding on defence and attack to repel the Taniwharau attacks time and time again.
In other matches, Ngaruawahia Panthers kept their play-off hopes alive with a 38-12 win over hapless Hamilton Hornets and Hukanui scored a remarkable three tries in the last six minutes to come from 10 points behind to steal victory off the unlucky Turangawaewae from Ngaruawahia 38-28.
This weekend the Eels have the bye, Hamilton City Tigers host Turangawaewae, Ngaruawahia travel to Taniwharau and Hamilton Hornets and Hukanui meet in a local derby.
