More than 300 supporters and spectators were treated as the future of Northland rugby was showcased at Moerewa's Simson Park on Saturday.
The final of the Northland-wide Under 18 Competition pitted the Bay Marlins at home against a strong Ninety Milers outfit. The Milers proved too strong, securing the title 22-13.
But
it was Marlins' stand-out Steven Pene who got the first points on the board through a penalty. They were the first of a 13-point first-half haul for the strong-running fullback, despite plenty of attention whenever he touched the ball.
"The talent on display from both teams was amazing," said Marlins' coach Peter Nock. He was disappointed in not winning, but proud of his side. "The Milers were big boys - massive - and too good today," he said.
Strong runs from locks John Butler and Rex Putter had Nock's side back-pedalling often, and the huge frame of No8 Manual Wara just added to the impact.
Milers' lock John Butler put Jordan Karena away to score in the corner and convert off the crossbar. Then centre Whiria Metzer broke through and struggled his way to the line, 14-6.
Pene struck back and converted to shave the margin to one point at half-time, 14-13.
But the Milers were quicker out of the blocks after the break, with first-five Danny Covich combining well with Meltzer and second-five Daryl Smith. The subsequent ruck saw hooker Hemena Wickcliffe sneak across to score, 19-14.
Catch-up rugby from the Bay side seemed to be thwarted on every occasion.
Covich was happy to clear deep when the visitors' felt the heat.
When Karena put it beyond seven points with a penalty from out in front for the Marlins not releasing the ball, the mountain was too big for the locals.
"The Marlins were up for it but I think it came down to better use of the second-half wind," Ninety Milers coach Mike Jurlina said.
He called upon only one of his bench players, putting plenty of onus on the starting 15.
"The boys dug deep. The pack kept it in tight and our defence led the way," he said.
For the Marlins, Nock singled out loosies Jake Wainwright and Marac Beckham, centre Bronson Young, Pene, and Kadin Te Nana at half-back as standouts.
