League: Bridge Pa stage late comeback to secure final berth

Talented Dannevirke Tigers utility Tama Petera is smashed by a Bridge Pa defender during their semifinal on Saturday. Photo/Paul Taylor

Fullback Jarome Mareikura was the hero as defending champions Bridge Pa booked a final berth in Hawke's Bay's premier club rugby league competition on Saturday.

Mareikura scored a try with 12 minutes remaining to give Bridge Pa a 20-16 lead in their thrilling semifinal against Dannevirke Tigers at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park and then another with two minutes left on the clock to secure their 24-22 victory. Bridge Pa did well to recover from a 16-6 deficit at halftime.

"We knew the boys would start slow," jubilant Bridge Pa co-coach George Hokianga said afterwards. "We were all up until midnight last night preparing a hangi for our club day fundraiser. We told the boys to be patient and things would come right in the second half ... fortunately we were right.

"And what a day for the club. All three of our senior teams, premiers, reserves and women will be back here next week to play in finals."

Mareikura and centre Nathan Ramsay were elusive attackers in the Bridge Pa backline which relished quality distribution from former Magpies rugby halfback Isaac Paewai. Hooker Colin Hokianga and backrower Ramiha Smiler impressed with their composure and direction in the winning pack.

The Tigers deserve praise for the manner in which they dominated the first half. However, they were guilty of rushing things under pressure in the second spell.

Waka Petera, who had stints at fullback, standoff and as a backrower, was the Tigers' player-of-the-match. His brother Tama, who also played in several positions, standoff Kris Alexander, centre Jacob Stephenson, who played alongside his father and former Magpies fullback Jearrad Stephenson, and prop Sean Watson were all prominent for the Tigers outfit who can be proud of their first season back in the Bay comp after a lengthy absence.

"It was a good learning curve for our young players and we will definitely be back next year," Tigers manager Aaron Karena said.

Kahuranaki have the opportunity to win the premier title a year after winning the reserve grade title after beating Tamatea 44-26 in their semifinal.

"We've been gradually improving each week and after drawing 34-all with Bridge Pa last week we're not discounting our chances in the final," delighted Kahuranaki player-coach and prop Boy Waaka jnr said.

His son Titiana Araia-Waaka made the most of his opportunities on the wing. He had some classy backs inside him including former Magpies winger Shannan Chase who switched between halfbackand first five-eighth, former Hawks basketball guard Czebalos Smiler and Otane rugby stalwart Kelly Graham.

"We made a slow start to the game but finished strong. Our forwards set a good foundation for the backs and we've set a good tone for the final," Waaka added.

Centre Jimi Harris scored three tries for Tamatea and was the best of their backs. Secondrowers Terira and Hamiora Rowlands were again workaholics in the Tamatea pack.

This weekend's reserve grade final will see the unbeaten Waka Leonard-coached Maraenui side take on Bridge Pa while in the women's grade Bridge Pa will meet Tamatea.