Rotorua Maroon's victorious Tai Mitchell Shield side is full of potential.
Rotorua Maroon's victorious Tai Mitchell Shield side is full of potential.
The Rotorua Maroon side has "potential superstars" for the future according to manager Rawiri Wihapi, after winning the Tai Mitchell Shield for the first time in four years.
The team of talented primary school players won 38-20 against Tauranga East in a hard-fought final this week after being underdogs going into the annual Bay of Plenty tournament.
Prop Whareporera Hare-Herbert, No8 Julius Waldron and first-five Miles Tapsell were named in the tournament team.
Wihapi said the success was down to commitment and mental toughness within the team, introduced in the pre-tournament 10-week training programme.
"It's a huge honour for us to finally take home the trophy after being pipped in the semifinals for the last few years," he said.
"Every game saw outstanding team performances and it was clear that all the players have so much strength both mentally and physically.
"We made sure each boy was fully prepared going into the tournament. They learnt important life lessons and developed key skills that showed on the pitch.
"To win we needed dedication and organisation. If the boys keep practising these they have a very positive future ahead of them and there is real talent in the side."
In the final, Rotorua Maroon slid over for a total of six tries with Waldron, centre Riley Miller, fullback Tikitere Patu-Ngataiawhio, second-five-eighth Carlos Allen, prop Rimoni Apo and Tapsell all sliding over with Patu-Ngataiawhio also kicking four conversions.
"It was a very intense match but we understood our opposition - they had very dangerous rucks and mauls and a kicking game," said Wihapi. "So we were very tactical and were able to dominate with some brilliant individual tries.
To reach the final Rotorua Maroon drew with Rangitaiki in the opening game, then beat Te Puke, Galatea, Tauranga North and Rotorua Gold.
Wihapi said the most impressive performances were in the side's 10-5 victory over Te Puke and 21-15 win against rivals and tournament favourites Rotorua Gold, who finished fourth.
"We racked up huge scores over Galatea and Tauranga but champions have to be able to compete in the close contests," he said.
"The boys showed what great composure and mental strength they have in the close games.
Rotorua Maroon celebrate winning the Tai Mitchell Shield.
"Also it was great to get one over Rotorua Gold. They have been on top in the area for a few years but we want to change that for the future."
Wihapi also said that Rotorua Maroon's leadership was a cut above the other sides in the tournament - with the side being captained by Tapsell and Hare-Herbert.
"You need to have strong leaders in a side and we certainly had that throughout," he said.
"Communication was outstanding and even when we were in difficult situations we never let our heads drop."
The team, who stayed at the Waioweka Marae during the tournament, was made up of players aged 11-13 and Wihapi believes the future is bright for the champions.
"If the boys carry on working hard and focus then New Zealand rugby could have some real quality players coming through," he said. 'To be the best in rugby it takes a lot of grit and determination from a young age and I see a lot of this in the Maroon side."
