Rugby: Boot brings shield to Rotoiti

Running rugby was restricted because of rain on Saturday at Puarenga Park. Pictured is new Rotoiti player Chanse Perham. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotoiti have taken the Tai Mitchell Shield off Whakarewarewa during a tryless encounter at Puarenga Park.

A penalty from Curtis Van Der Heyden and three more from former Steamers captain Willie Ripia helped Rotoiti win 12-3 on Saturday.

While the match was the equivalent of a pre-season game, it was apparent from the outset neither side was treating it that way. Both forward packs battled hard in the awful conditions and, in the end, the two sides were only separated by a couple of penalties.

The encounter was part of the Central Bay of Plenty local round which is being held this year ahead of the Baywide premier and first division competitions starting on May 2.

New Rotoiti coach Dave McLean said it was a great result for the club to beat rivals Whaka and win back the prestigious Tai Mitchell Shield, which is a historic trophy contested between Rotorua rugby clubs.

"The club will be very happy about that. I think it has been a couple of years since they have had it."

He said it would have suited his side to play in dry conditions on Saturday, but both teams had to adapt.

"The weather conditions did not suit our backs at all. We were hoping for a dry track but it ended up being a forward's game," he said. "I thought our front three, our front row, played really well today. It always starts up front and they lay the platform."

He said Ripia also showed his experience and class with the boot.

Ripia's three penalties, including the last one from 50m, proved the difference.

New Whaka coach Kopae Irihei, who was assistant coach at the club last year, said the intensity was what you would expect from a Whaka-Rotoiti derby.

"It was always going to be a big derby, there is a lot of history between these two clubs," he said.

He said the big difference was Rotoiti took their chances to get points on the board when Whaka didn't although they came close to scoring.

He said their main focus now was the Baywide competition in two weeks time.

Whaka were missing star fullback from last year Whaimotu Craft-Chemis, who is expected to return to the club in time for the Baywide competition.

Whaka fans will be delighted to see they have held on to two of their Steamers, Te Rangi Fraser and Doug Edwards.

Meanwhile, their third Steamer from last year Siegfried Fisiihoi has gone back to Rotoiti this season, but was not playing on Saturday. Winger Chanse Perham has also made the switch from Whaka to Rotoiti.

- Whakarewarewa 3 (Ryubyn Vaipo pen) Rotoiti 12 (Curtis Van Der Heyden pen, Willie Ripia 3 pen)