Big change in fortunes for Waiapu

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The year 2022 is one that Waiapu will not soon forget.

Ten years after the Tripoli Poi-coached men's team won the Rangiora Keelan Memorial Shield, the women's team under Hugh Tibble beat the Hikurangi Mountain Maidens 36-5 to claim the Hamo Te Rangi Cup at the weekend.

That the Waiapu men's and women's teams should both make their finals in this year's Enterprise Cars Ngati Porou East Coast club championship a year after not fielding a side in the men's competition — and only two years since the passing of the last of the East Coast cowboys, former NPEC president Big John Manuel — represents a remarkable change in fortunes for an iconic club.

Campbell Dewes, Bailey Mackey's successor as president, said: “It was a great rugby occasion with a big crowd in at Rangitukia. At George Nepia Memorial Park, Waiapu were too good for the Hikurangi Mountain Maidens and posted a big score indicative of their dominance.

“It was a privilege to be at both finals . . . the epitome of what Ngati Porou East Coast rugby is all about — whanaungatanga, manaakitanga.”

Hikurangi, under co-captains fetcher Jade Tangaere-Tuhua and first five-eighth Katerina Ngarimu, won the toss and chose an end. Waiapu opted to kick off.

Waiapu MVP (most valuable player) centre Cheyenne Babbington-Ngerengere scored a hat-trick of tries in an outstanding performance as the hosts produced their dream final with 300 on hand.

Tibble estimated that Ngerengere would have made 200 metres with the ball in hand on the day, while right wing Whai Bishop might have made 120m, and left wing Bobbi Jo Hina and Waiapu captain No.8 Sensamelia Hina were in for 100m apiece.

Hikurangi coach Doone Harrison said: “We exceeded our own expectations by making the final but we were outplayed by a very enthusiastic and committed Waiapu team. I don't think anyone could have stopped the Awa (river) in that final — they were too fast and too strong on the day.

“Our team weren't able to reach the emotional level needed, as they had the week before against Tihirau Victory Club.

“I'm very proud and humble to have been a part of this group. To make a final in only our second year was an achievement, and the experience gained will set this team up for the future. We've a lot of new players who, with time, will grow in the saddle.”

Waiapu led 19-5 at the break with Hikurangi halfback Jody Waru scoring the first-half try for the Maunga (mountain). Waru was the visitors' MVP.