Waikohu close out tight game

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

Waikohu and Ngatapa went to the wire at the weekend as the teams fought hard to the final minute.

It was a wet-weather affair with GT Shearing Waikohu coming out victorious against Larsawn Ngatapa 22-20 in the Civil Project Solutions Premier League.

Ngatapa coach Stephen Hickey said his team played a good game of footy.

“Everyone stepped up to the mark and put their hand up.”

Waikohu opened the scoring 10 minutes into the game with a kick behind the line, capitalising on Ngatapa having no one back, with the ball toed on several times before Ngatapa's defence was outpaced for an easy try to first-five Kelvin Smith. Set up from the forwards, then a good break from Triston Morton that gave the front foot for Smith to finish to off.

Ricardo Patricio stepped up in his first game at first-five, controlling the game well once he warmed into the role, said Hickey. He had previously been playing fullback.

Todd Harris opened Ngatapa's scoring with a try off a series of pick-and-goes from a lineout in the Waikohu half after a penalty. The try was converted and scores levelled.

It was a brutal affair upfront as both teams have big forward packs and wanted to use them.

The Ngatapa scrum was strong, which gave them a good base to attack.

Waikohu scored a second converted try off a tap-and-go five metres out to prop Jarryd Broughton, who is an unstoppable force close to the line.

Ngatapa took the points on offer from a penalty kick to end the half down 14-10.

Hickey said his team came back strong in the second half, after a slow start.

Waikohu extended their lead with a strong unconverted try to winger, Leroy Taiapa.

It was a team try, set up by the forwards and finished with good combinations through the backs, two minutes after the restart to lead by nine points.

A converted try from Ngatapa off a lineout drive lowered the difference back to two before Waikohu's Jessie Fleming was yellow-carded 15 minutes into the second stanza for a dangerous tackle.

Ngatapa capitalised and kicked a penalty 20 minutes through the second half to go up by one point.

The rest of the game was largely played in the Waikohu end of the field, but with only five minutes to go they put the pedal to the metal and pushed for the win — Waikohu managing to work the ball within kicking range and securing a penalty.

The kick was converted by fullback Ethan Reeves and Waikohu closed out the game 22-20.

Hickey said his team kept possession and territory for large parts of the second half but were unable to crack the strong Waikohu defence.

He was proud of his team and both sides put up an excellent performance, with Hickey commending Waikohu for their strong play.

Ngatapa played a relatively fresh team, including James Marr having a run in his first game back after a shoulder injury.

Waikohu's manager Frank Ngatoro said Ngatapa turned up to play and his side had to “live with limited amounts of possession and field territory”.

“We had to defend really well to stay in the game.”