Ruatoki take out Baywide Division 1 rugby title in home final

Ruatoki took out the Baywide Division 1 rugby title. Photo/File

Last year's beaten finalists Ruatoki took out the Baywide Division 1 rugby title with a 47-17 home victory over Kahukura on Saturday.

Kahukura have consistently made semifinals during the past seven years, but this year finally made it one step further, while Ruatoki were hosting a final for the first time in their history.

It was a fiercely contested match with Kahukura trailing 25-17 after halftime.

"We scored first in the second half, then we missed a couple of opportunities and they got away with it," Kahukura coach Ron Preston said.

The final score was 47-17 to Ruatoki.

Preston said they didn't want to disappoint anyone and his team certainly hadn't done that.

"We really embraced the final and had a great day.

"We all came together for team breakfast and then took it easy travelling over for the game."

He said Ruatoki made good use of the wings, and their fullback was one of the star players of the game.

Despite the loss, Preston said making the final had been their goal for the season and they'd be back to win it next year.

"It was a really good team effort, from all the backline to the boys up front.

"I just want to thank all the supporters who came over and unfortunately we just couldn't get the result."

Ruatoki coach Mark Pouwhare said he had a lot of respect for Kahukura and their team had "caused him a lot of problems over the years".

"We were lucky were able to take their forwards out of the equation and that helped us."

He said he was nervous going into the final and thought it had been a great game.

"We stuck to the game plan and we scored some good tries.

"It was special for us being a small country club. To win a final at home in front of whānau was awesome."

He said his team played to the game plan and were able to put Kahukura under pressurem, and that's what led to the win.

Farmlands Co-operative Baywide finals results
Premier 1
Te Puke Sports 27 Te Puna 13

Premier 1 Development
Te Puke Sports 27 Te Puna 22

Premier 2
Rangiuru 36 Te Teko 32 (after extra time)

Premier 2 Development
Ngongotahā 45 Ōpōtiki 7

Division 1
Ruatoki 47 Kahukura 17

Senior Reserves
Ruatoki 20 Te Puna 13