Rotoiti retain Tai Mitchell Shield with hard-fought win

Whenever Rotoiti play Whakarewarewa you can throw the form book out the window and todaywas no exception as the two local rivals produced an Anzac Day special at Emery Park.

They had to fight tooth and nail for it, but Rotoiti emerged victorious, securing a 25-17 win and retaining the Tai Mitchell Shield.

Whakarewarewa were able to put the home side under pressure early on and five minutes into the match they had a three-point lead and a one-man advantage after Rotoiti flanker Kaipo Brown was penalised and sin binned for a dangerous tackle.

Rotoiti hit back with a penalty goal of their own to tie it up at 3-all, but minutes later invited pressure with a knock-on in their own 22m. Whakarewarewa made the most of it as experienced second five Kelly Haimona raced through a gap off the back of a ruck to score under the posts. They converted from right in front to lead 10-3.

Twenty-five minutes into the first half the game was flowing nicely and Rotoiti were starting to enjoy some time deep inside opposition territory. They turned the pressure into points when, having been awarded a penalty, fullback Te Hata Wilbore reacted quickest, taking a quick tap and scoring to reduce the deficit to 8-10.

Wilbore and Rotoiti first five Pryor Collier used their expert kicking game to ensure they were playing at the right end of the field and after several phases inside the Whakarewarewa 22m, hooker Raniera Whakataka scored Rotoiti's second try to give them a 13-10 lead.

Rotoiti captain Baden Wardlaw takes a hit-up against Whakarewarewa. Photo / Ben Fraser

Seconds before halftime Whakarewarewa were awarded a very kickable penalty, but decided instead to kick for touch and go for the try. It paid off when they scored a converted try to lead 17-13 at halftime.

The 20-minute period after the break was effectively the winning of the game for Rotoiti. They were under immense pressure on their own try line, on the back of their own errors, but held out wave after wave of Whakarewarewa attack with some inspired defence.

As the classiest rugby sides do, after absorbing that pressure, Rotoiti went to the other end and Wilbore scored his second try, which he converted to give his side a 20-17 lead.

Whakarewarewa continued to throw everything at Rotoiti, looking for a way back into the game. With just a couple of minutes left on the clock they received a penalty near halfway and found touch inside the Rotoiti 22m. They launched an attack, but Haimona, who had been so impressive throughout the match, coughed up the ball in a solid tackle.

Rotoiti shifted the ball to the right wing where Shilo Cullen was at his elusive best, leaving his opposite number for dead before showing great speed to race away and seal a memorable victory with a try in the corner.

Rotoiti's Matt Hansen evades defenders during his side's win over Whakarewarewa. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotoiti coach Richard Francis said, in rugby, wins were built on defensive efforts.

"It was a good second-half effort, Whaka came to play today and it was a good arm wrestle, as usual. They brought the passion and the mana.

"[Retaining the Tai Mitchell Shield] means a lot, as you can see with the crowd here, that's what they come out for," Francis said.

Results

Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Premier
Rotoiti 25 v Whakarewarewa 17
Greerton Marist 31 v Tauranga Sports 24
Paroa 20 v Whakatane Marist 5
Te Puna 80 v Ngongotaha 12
Te Puke Sports 80 v Arataki 0

Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Premier Development
Rotoiti 33 v Whakarewarewa 14
Tauranga Sport 54 v Greerton Marist 27
Paroa 27 v Whakatane Marist 14
Te Puna 50 v Ngongotaha 15
Te Puke Sports 69 v Arataki 19

Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Division One
Kahukura 24 v Judea 15
Te Teko 45 v Murupara 31
Waikite 39 v Ruatoki 21
Marist St Michael's 18 v Opotiki 18
Poroporo 38 v Papamoa 14

Central Bay of Plenty Senior Reserves
Eastern Pirates 20 v Taupo 12
Marist St Michael's 24 v Reporoa 13
Waikite v Reporoa - Waikite win by default

Eastern Bay of Plenty Senior Reserves
Edgecumbe 34 v Te Teko 20
Opotiki 60 v Ruatoki 17
Matata - Bye