Fullback Nathaniel Fox played a superb hand. He scored two tries, one in each half, and kicked four penalty goals and one conversion.
City’s first try came against the run of play, when a 22-metre restart from Waiapu first five-eighth Slade Tiopira slid sideways off the boot and Cody Ellis, on the left wing for City, scrambled to score in the corner.
The visitors had to withstand a tremendous first-half effort from Waiapu, whose two first-half tries — the first to right-wing Tihei Turei, the second to big centre Wayne Kahaki — were thrilling scores.
Turei received a super pass from lock Manu Papuni-Isles down the blindside to dot down in the corner, while Tiopira’s sleight of hand on the other side of the ground saw Kahaki home 10 minutes later.
City did extremely well to hang on during this period, and went into the second half knowing that they were well in the game.
Just as Tiopira was a key figure all-round for Waiapu, prop Pera Bishop, No.8 Teira Maxwell and first-five Graham Walker excelled for City — Bishop with his mobility and skills in general play, Maxwell with his powerful running with the ball in hand, and Walker with his experience and generalship of the backline under pressure.
Fox was the most influential player in either team on the day but also impressive was Waiapu blindside flanker Perrin Manuel, who defines the term “80-minute man”. He was involved in everything.
Referee Chris Wanoa and assistant referee Troy Para had their hands full in a hard-fought game but both teams’ discipline was such that no cards were issued, and on only two occasions did teams concede 10 further metres after a penalty award.
Referee Wanoa said that the officials received “excellent support” from both captains.
“It was a tough game,” said first-year Ruatoria City man and captain, openside flanker Patrick Allen, who in a fortnight will lead his team in their first semifinals appearance since 2004.
“Waiapu threw everything at us in the second half, but we managed to hang on.
“Now we want consistency in terms of holding on to the ball — possession — so that we can apply pressure.”
Allen’s opposite, Waiapu captain Tripoli Poi: “We’re family off the field, but it’s always a real battle on the field against City. We developed some young promising young players — Tihei (Turei) and Alazaye (Koia-Willis) — this season. It’s been a tough season, yet — although I live in Gisborne — it’s always an honour to come home and play for Waiapu. We’ve got one more game to go, and we’re looking forward to that.”
City will look to avenge their 24-21 Week 9 loss to Uawa when they meet at Uawa Domain this Saturday, while Waiapu will bow out against Hikurangi (64 points) at Whakarua Park.
Irrespective of that result, Hikurangi will (as first qualifier) host semifinal No.1 against — most likely — either City (54 pts) or Uawa (50 pts).
The aim of Tihirau Victory Club (58 points) will be to qualify second, which will require them to beat Tawhiti (5pts) at Hatea-a-Rangi in Week 18. If TVC can do that and score four tries in the process, they will host either City or Uawa in Whangaparaoa.
