Rugby: Whaka win a thriller in Rotorua derby match

240514sp25 Rotoiti's Matt Landers, with ball, playing against Whaka

Whakarewarewa have snatched a one-point victory in their second Rotorua derby match of the season.

Rotoiti looked most likely to win the match at Puarenga Park today until Whaka player John Ririnui kicked the winning conversion to help his team to a 22-21 victory.

Such was the drama today, the winning try and conversion was not scored until after the 80 minutes was up.

Whaka hold onto the Tai Mitchell Shield with the victory. The match was played in wet and cold conditions today.