Play-Off Matches Provide Plenty Of On-Field Passion
The three Under 16 Tournament Consolation Final matches played at the Somme Road Stadium this morning, offered those spectators hardy enough to brave the sleety conditions, plenty of action, as the six teams not contesting the Grand Finals played their last matches of the 2022 Tournament.
In the play-off for 5th and 6th place in Division B, Horowhenua Kapiti RFU secured their first win of the 2022 Tournament, by defeating Whanganui RFU by 27 points to nil, after a tight first-half during which the winners were able to score two unconverted tries, to lead by 10 points to nil at half-time.
On the adjoining field, Hawkes Bay RFU Development were able to secure 3rd place in Division B with a 24 points to 18 victory over a determined and much improved Ngati Porou East Coast RFU team.
Ngati Porou East were competitive in all areas of the game and will be pleased with their performance at the 2022 Tournament, including their first victory, in at least 7 years.
The Division A Hawkes Bay team experienced a succession of narrow losses throughout their four-game campaign, securing three bonus competition points overall. Today, they encountered the Wellington RFU Black side in the play-off for third place in Division A, narrowly losing by 10 points to 15, despite having a dominant role in the game for significant periods.
Reflecting their collective team camaraderie, positive attitude and co-operation throughout the Tournament, Hawkes Bay RFU were awarded the Manaaki Tangata Trophy for 2022.
The Council's Executive Board would like to acknowledge the excellent service provided by the Tournament's volunteer Match Officials and the work of the Council's referee selectors in ensuring that all fixtures were officiated to very high standards.
(Published: 06/10/22)