Following a moment of silence, Waima first five Te Aranga Hakiwai kicked off with a gentle southerly breeze at his back, and an arm wrestle ensued.
Hakiwai’s two penalty goals from in front of the posts were the only points of the half.
City went short with the kick-off to start the second half, got the ball back and attacked down the right flank. Winger KC Wilson was heaved into touch, but City lock Nathaniel Fox won the ball against the throw and scored 15m in from touch.
Fox converted for a 7-6 lead to the home team.
Hakiwai kicked a third penalty in the 43rd minute to take back the lead.
City took their next opportunity to score with aplomb. Waima, given a free kick just inside their own 22, opted to tap, went wide but turned the ball over. Five phases of play later, Wilson dotted down in the corner for a 12-9 advantage.
In the 54th minute, City took a goal-line drop kick but were penalised by referee Matt Richards for having players in front of the kicker.
From close range, Waima tapped and went left through captain Te Peehi Fairlie, reserve loosehead prop Trevor Ngerengere and then tighthead prop Hakarangi Tichborne before burly lock Troy Wharepapa got the ball down.
Hakiwai’s conversion made it 16-12 to the visitors.
After 73 minutes, opportunity knocked for City and skipper Jack Richardson responded.
The home team packed a goal-line scrum on attack 15m from the right corner. Waima moved forward prior to the feed, the ball went loose and Richardson scored next to the posts.
They failed to convert but led 17-16.
Hakiwai landed his fourth penalty in the 75th minute to put Waima back in front, 19-17, as the tension mounted
The game deserved a grandstand finish, and got it.
In the 78th minute, Fox found touch after City received a penalty. City won the lineout, hammered the ball up for four phases until a long pass was sent right ... an all-or-nothing-ball that landed in the hands of Waima reserve left wing Iziah Castle, who flew 90m to score what could be referred to as “a 14-point try”.
Hakiwai converted for a six-from-six record and 26-17 win.
“Both teams were hungry, which brought the best out of everyone, and it was an amazing game to be part of,” Hakiwai said.
“We talked about effort for the full 80 ... Te Peehi [Fairlie] talked about the importance of Anzac weekend and about honouring those who came before us.
“On a personal note, it was special for me to play against City, with my whānau history there, and to come away with the Robert Tuari Memorial Trophy for the first time.”
Hakiwai was named Waima’s Player of the Day, while a superb game from No 8 Tuterangi Ngarimu earned City’s equivalent.
