After 10 years of trying, the Patuharakeke team have finally won the marae-based section of the NZ Maori Rugby League Tournament in Rotorua. The Takahiwai side won four games in two days, with the toughest game a bruising encounter against Taranaki. They came through that with a 18-6 win and alsobeat Te Arawa 44-4, Raukawa 24-10 and Whanganui 45-16 to take out the marae-based, round-robin contest. "We've been competing in this tournament for 10 years and it's the first time we've won the section, so we're pretty stoked," manager Dave Milner said. If the win was a long time coming, it certainly wasn't the biggest focus of the weekend. "Most of the players are related, it's like a family team, so it's a bit of a fun weekend away as well," he said. The half-dozen or so "guest" players, such as Bartercard players Dylan Were and Joel Freeman, certainly helped when the effects of four games in two days began to be felt. The squad comprised 25 players, from which a team of 20 were named for each game, with rolling subs allowed. However, a high injury toll meant everyone in the squad played games - even those who weren't expecting to. The tournament was held in two divisions: the regional competition, eventually won by Taranaki; and the waka section, a marae-based competition, won by Patuharakeke. Milner said the team couldn't have done it without the help of their sponsors, or the support of Takahiwai Marae trustees and the Takahiwai Rugby League Club. Picture Details: Back row, from left: Frank Watson, Eban Nesbit, Dylan Were, Courtney Donaldson, Joel Freeman, Jonathan Tavinor, Moses Tali, Wiki Record, James Record, Patrick Poutama. Middle row: Grenville Gregory, Tui-joe Thompson, Patrick Paki, Leon Kereopa, Jason Maera, Phillip Pirihi, Corey Smith, Samuel Murray, Adam Donaldson, Jacob Pitman-Smith, Dean Tuhoro, Tahau Thompson, Paraire Pirihi, Jermaine Rewha. Front: George Hammon, Bevan Watson (Manager) David Milner (Trainer) Mervyn Clyde, Brent Poutama (Coach), Francis Poutama, Paki Pirihi.
