Late Takulua try wins it for Mid Northern

A Tane Takelua try two minutes from full-time has given Mid Northern the title of the Bayleys Southern Districts premier champions, beating Hora Hora 16-12 at Toll Stadium.

In a forward orientated match played in pouring rain, Hora Hora could not put Mid Northern to bed despite having large periods on attack which left the door open for Mid Northern to stay in touch. Cue Northland ITM Cup halfback Takelua.

With the score 12-11 in Hora Hora's favor, thanks to a Mid Northern penalty goal 20 minutes from time, Takelua showed why he has been picked in the Northland side as he made a darting run from the ruck to surge 10m and crash over for the match winner last night.

Takelua's try was his second for the night as he put all of his 176cm, 95kg frame to work.

Meanwhile, in the premier reserve final, it was much the same style of game as Kamo made Mid Northern pay for their poor discipline in the first half to take the title 16-10.

The game could have gone either way but Kamo took their finals footy to another level as they consistently chose the points, even going for goal from penalties which were about 55m from goal.

For more information and comment on last night's matches, see Monday's Northern Advocate.