CMP Contracting Whangamata in finals

Hayden 'Skippy' Newman attacks the line again. Photo / Jason Bartley

CMP Contracting Whangamata will play Te Aroha Cobras in the McClinchy Cup final on Saturday at Rhodes Park, Thames.

They cruised past Mercury Bay by 37-22 at Whitianga in their knock out semifinal match. This victory maintains their unbeaten run which now stands at five games.

It was a truly disciplined and focused effort from the Red n White side that duly earned them this final spot.

Halfback Kirtis McNaughten makes a tryscoring break. Photo / Jason Bartley

Two converted tries mid way through the first half gave Whangamata the 14-0 lead. Never were they headed as they closed out the match against a strong finishing Mercury Bay side. Halftime Whangamata 21 v Mercury Bay 0.

The second half saw Mercury Bay have the majority of possession and probed down both left and right flanks searching for the try line. Yet a near faultless display of defence with few missed tackles helped Whangamata preciously guard their lead throughout.

Inside back Tiaontin Raoren excelled with astute tactical direction coupled with long range defence clearing kicks. Two tries to Mercury Bay in the final 10 minutes could not change the final result.

Te Aroha Cobras beat Hauraki North 36-16 in the other semifinal.

Life member Richard Laurenson and injured 100 game veteran Paki Solomon are all smiles. Photo / Jason Bartley

Can Whangamata go that final extra step and win the McClinchy Cup for the Thames Valley Senior A club rugby title? It was back in 2006 that Whangamata last reached the final when they lost 27-6 against Waihou.

There will be expected Covid level 2 conditions at the finals day at Rhodes Park, Thames.

The Patron Cup final will see Waihou play Waihi Athletic. In the Senior B competition Tairua beat Te Aroha Cobras 33-3 to make the final against Coromandel with venue and kick off time to be confirmed.