Eastern 17 Kaitaia 16 (ht 9-10): A thrilling 2012 Mangonui senior club rugby final was decided by a last-minute penalty about 15m in from touch. Remarkably composed considering the immense pressure, fullback Josh Robson kicked the goal which gave Eastern victory in the Bell Shield by only one point.
When asked how he felt about taking such a crucial kick, Robson, 19, grinned, "I like pressure." He had landed three penalties in the first half in reply to Kaitaia's try by Matt Tuatagaloa. Jordan Karena had converted and also added a penalty, allowing Kaitaia to resume after the break 10-9 ahead.
The homeside moved to a 16-9 lead through two more Karena penalties.
Seven points eventually proved a dangerous margin, allowing the visitors to get their hackles up and slowly fight their way back into the game with grim intent. Kaitaia's lethal backline began running straight into a wall of green brick while Eastern got a little bit closer to the tryline.
Halfback Nick Jurlina, No.8 Garrett Henderson, prop Mark Kelly were notable as they reeled away off ruck and maul; the only way Kaitaia seemed able to disrupt the inexorable advance of the rampaging Eastern hordes was through constant infringements.
The relentless pressure took its toll; Garret Henderson brushing off half-hearted tackles as he stormed up the sideline to set up Eastern's breakthrough try to be scored by captain and lock Tohe Kleskovic with five minutes to play. Robson missed the conversion from out wide, which, had it gone over, would have likely forced the match into extra time. Kaitaia restarted with a 16-14 lead but Eastern had, by now sniffed blood, and again surged at the blue ranks.
With two minutes left, referee Boris Jurlina was left with little choice but to award another penalty after a Kaitaia forward had interfered with an Eastern player trying to release the ball from a ruck. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Robson stepped up and calmly slotted the winning points between the uprights. Eastern took the ball in from the restart and only needed to hold on for a short time until the full time whistle blew to signal the battle for the Bell was over.
A dramatic finale to the Mangonui domestic season and one which no one will forget in a hurry. Two standouts for Eastern were Robson, this son of Kent, undaunted at launching devastating attacking raids from deep in his own half. As well, having 21-year-old prop John Butler later named as the Mangonui player of the year and awarded the EJ Thompson Taiaha in a packed Kaitaia clubrooms put the icing on the cake for the Taipa club.
Eastern coach Mike Jurlina was delighted and noted a hunger and attack-to-the-end attitude had set up the win while key players delivered when it mattered.
"We started the season very shaky on numbers and to finish on a high like this is in no small way due to guys like veterans Eric Williams, Benji Phillips and Rac Daniella who in addition to helping run the team were always ready to jump back on the paddock when required."
Jurlina added a big thank you to the team's notorious band of supporters for bringing a real sense of occasion and heaps of noise to push the side home on the day. He also wanted to thank Age columnist Mat Radich for his comments in last week's Mat Talks, specifically his "Kaitaia to splatter Eastern" prediction.
"That was a big help," Jurlina grinned.
Many commentators felt the homeside had butchered its opportunities to win, particularly in the first half. Kaitaia coach Joe Pomare agreed. "We lost it. It was there for us to win. Don't take anything away from Eastern, they came to play."
Pomare singled out his veteran forwards, prop Reno Leef, and lock Brett Tracey for their play on the day and throughout the season: "The old guys played really well." He also said club rugby was the winner on the day with both teams putting on a "brilliant" display in the final. But the most significant aspect of the season for Kaitaia had been "getting the committee right" which saw the club establishing a blueprint which should see the town team remain in good stead for future rugby campaigns.
"Getting that was a massive achievement," said Pomare. "The team getting where it did was a bonus."
Bottom four
Ngati Kuri 14 Aupouri 7: The bottom four title was as hard fought as expected between the two northern tribes and parochial enemies. After some initial controversy when officials prevented this game from taking place on the No.1 field, the team from Te Hapua eventually powered to victory albeit with a player sent off and another two marched off to the sin bin during the game.
Ngati Kuri Dwayne Golley was pleased to have something to show for the season.
"Good for us," he said of the result, adding it had been "a bit of a struggle getting players to commit" this year. Ngati Kuri try by Jordan Brown with three penalties added by first five Joshua Clark. The latter named as a standout alongside No.8 Karl Christensen and lock Ken Palmer.
Aupouri's John Pereira noted fitness had played a part in the game, allowing Ngati Kuri to establish the upper hand. "First half was pretty tough, pretty physical." Aupouri try by Aron Munro.
It's not over for either team, apparently. Aupouri have captain John Oneroa and 2nd five Willy Nelesini selected to represent Mangonui in this coming Saturday's Harding Shield clash against Bay of Islands.
Ngati Kuri are preparing to host an under-21 side from Waitemata RFC, enjoying an end-of-season trip to Waitaki Landing, on August 18. This will be a good hit out for the younger, more energetic players from Ngati Kuri and Aupouri who have been invited to take part.