Rugby: Grizzlies phenomenal in Taniwha Shield final

The Whangarei Grizzlies perform a post-match haka. Photo / Francis Malley

The Whangarei Grizzlies have made it back-to-back wins in the Dave Culham Taniwha Shield competition after downing Bay of Islands, 17-10, in a closely contested final at Kerikeri Sports Complex.

Victorious in 2014, the Grizzlies ground out some impressive defence in the last quarter of their final to safeguard the Taniwha Shield as theirs for another year.

"Going into it, it was a really big tournament, so we went in with our hopes held high," Whangarei Grizzlies coach Trent Bocock said.

"We knew Bay of Islands were a good structured team. We played them in the pre-season and knew they were going to be a lot stronger in this one."

The Grizzlies got to work early with a good head-start in the first half but Bay of Islands came back with vigour in the second half.

"In that last 10 minutes it could have gone down to any team at all. They struck back really hard and we just had to defend for our lives really," Bocock said.

"Our defence was awesome in that last 10 minutes but full credit to both teams really."

On the day preceding the finals, Bay of Islands played a tight match against Manganui which ended in a 10-all draw.

The pressure was on the home team [Bay of Islands] heading into the final versus the Grizzlies. Standout players in the Grizzlies successful Taniwha Shield defence were Tanei More-Thompson, Cody Haika and Shane Job.

Dave Culham Taniwha Shield Finals:

* Whangarei Grizzlies 17 Bay of Islands 10 (for 1st/2nd);

* Mangonui 76 Rodney/Otamatea 5 (for 3rd/4th);

* Whangarei Bears 46 Northern Wairoa 5 (for 5th/6th);

* Hokianga 45 Pres XV 10 (for 7th/8th).