Tohis on top again

They’ve done it again.

The Waitohi senior A rugby side completed their second consecutive unbeaten season with victory in a thrilling final at Picton’s Endeavour Park today.

The Tohis prevailed 34-32 in a traditionally-tight arm wrestle with Moutere, who had pushed them mighty close in their two previous encounters this season.

However, in the opening quarter it seemed the home side were determined to shut the Magpies out of the contest completely this time around. They preyed on any Moutere errors, building multi-phase attacks, using big ball-carriers such as Campbell Hart, Dylan Burns and Tiare Tautari, their continuity proving too much for Moutere’s defence.

Tries to flanker Arlyn Roberts-Bull, first five Dylan McManaway, fullback Couper Robinson and winger Tokito Koji, two converted by McManaway, saw them quickly surge to a 24-3 lead, Moutere’s only reply coming through a penalty to fullback Hugh Robinson.

As halftime approached the visitors knew they had to be the next to score and they did, twice.

Firstly, skipper Kaleb Avery dotted down from close range then, on the stroke of halftime, replacement Brigham Hart also forced his way over. Robinson’s two conversions made for a 24-17 scoreline, healthier viewing for the large contingent of Moutere supporters who were part of the 500+ crowd ringing the field.

Buoyed by their recent resurgence the Magpies came out hot after oranges, immediately applying pressure to the Tohis’ line. Playmakers Robinson, first five Tom Sutherland, midfielder Clyde Paewai, plus loosies Esafe Moli and Charles Tupouto’a were to the fore as Moutere set about hushing the vocal home support.

However, the home side’s defence held fast and play see-sawed back and forth for the first part of the second stanza.

The seven-point margin remained until the 60^th minute when Moutere struck, Johnny Tahuri scoring a spectacular try down the right flank. Although Robinson’s conversion missed, the gap was two and the match was well and truly in the balance.

As good sides do though, the defending champs struck back almost immediately, replacement winger Isaac Briggs weaving his way down the right touchline before dotting down under the posts. McManaway’s conversion meant the Tohis were nine points ahead with 12 minutes to play.

A Robinson penalty made it a one-score game, then the Magpies took the lead for the first time with five minutes remaining, replacement Haven Walsh scoring from a pick-and-go then Robinson’s conversion giving the visitors a single point advantage.

The home side mounted a determined final attack, going close in the corner before referee Tony Alexander, who controlled proceedings astutely, signalled a penalty under the sticks, which McManaway duly converted.

Ahead by just two, and with the sharp-shooting Robinson in the opposition, Waitohi could not afford a late penalty, meaning the final stages were frantic. Moutere bagged a rare tighthead at a midfield scrum and ran through the phases, attacking left and right before a wayward pass spilled into touch and the final whistle sounded, sending a roar of home town delight around the Picton park.

Waitohi skipper Dylan Burns said, “we always knew Moutere were going to bring it. Twice this year it took until the last minutes of each game to get over them and it was a repeat today, credit to a good Moutere side.

“Although we went out to an early lead, they brought it back so we just had to stick to our guns and keep working hard for each other, that’s been our approach all year. The boys just dig in every Tuesday and Thursday and then bring it together on Saturday.”

Dylan said the senior A competition was a big plus for the Picton community.

“It is all local players, I don’t think there are any imports … the standard of the competition is definitely improving each season. It is called senior A but it’s not very far off premier I believe, and it is our competition.”

Moutere skipper Kaleb said he was “massively proud” of the way his charges played.

“We turned up here believing we could win, we weren’t playing for second. They came out of the gates strongly, as we would expect them to. They put us under a lot of pressure, but for us to come back and absorb that, regain momentum leading into the halftime, then eventually get the lead, I’m really proud of that effort.

“But they are a class outfit and know how to close out a game. Full credit to them.”

Kaleb also acknowledged the large crowd.

“There has been a resurgence in Marlborough rugby this year. Both semis had big crowds and there is big support in the club rooms. There is a real buzz around local rugby again, which is a positive,” he added.