Rugby league: Kahuranaki first-time premier champions

Kahuranaki players and supporters celebrate after their 20-18 win against Bridge Pa in Saturday's Hawke's Bay premier rugby league grand final. Photo/Duncan Brown

As he struggled to regain a steady breathing rhythm Kahuranaki premier rugby league winger Titiana Araia-Waaka looked over at his father and captain Boy Waaka jnr.

"That try was for him. Dad deserved a title in his last game."

At St John's College Year 11 student who is in his first season of league, Araia-Waaka, 16, scored a try in the final minute to give Kahuranaki a 20-18 victory over defending champions Bridge Pa in Saturday's grand final at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park. It was Kahuranaki's first taste of premiership glory at this level and it came a year after they won the reserve grade title.

Prop and player-coach Waaka jnr, 37, announced before the final it will be his last appearance as a player as he wanted to make coaching his priority. His team trailed 10-0 at halftime and 14-6 six minutes into the second half.

Former Hawks basketballer Czebalos Smiler, who played at scrumhalf for the winners, was at the top of their list of their heroes with a hattrick. Close behind him was Waaka's brother and hooker Sironen Waaka, who shone with his darts from dummy half and huge defensive workrate.

Former Magpies speedster Shannan Chase, who played fullback, was safe under the high ball and produced some quality offloads in the slippery conditions. Central rugby player Kody Lancaster, like Otane rugby player Joe Phillips, operated well in the centres.

Waaka and fellow prop Wes Rapana were powerful on the carry. Prop Ramiha Smiler was the best of the Bridge Pa forwards and deserved his two tries. Secondrower Ivan Bellamy had some memorable patches.

Fullback Jarome Mareikura and winger Harris Solomon made the most of their limited opportunities. Mareikura, who scored two late tries the previous week in their semifinal win against Dannevirke Tigers, scored a late try on Saturday to put Bridge Pa ahead 18-16.

Bridge Pa fans thought that was enough - until Araia-Walker had the final say. Former Magpies halfback Isaac Paewai was a busy substitute for Bridge Pa and did well to put Solomon away for his 34th-minute try.

Bridge Pa co-coach George Hokianga agreed Kahuranaki deserved their title.

"We made a few mistakes and Kahuranaki came to play. But we will be back next year."
Hokianga also heaped kudos on the Waka Leonard-coached Maraenui team who beat his Bridge Pa reserves 30-12 in their grand final. Bridge Pa beat Tamatea 24-6 in the women's grand final.