Rugby: Rangataua celebrate last-gasp win

Rangataua's Kanin Clancy sprints away to score a crucial try in his team's 28-26 win over Whakarewarewa at Te Puna on Saturday.

The width of the upright was all that separated Rangataua and Whakarewarewa at the end of the Vaughan Kuka Memorial 10-aside rugby tournament on Saturday.

Both teams scored four tries in the final played in gut-busting 15 minute halves in scorching temperatures but a perfect kicking record by Jacob Cross enabled Rangataua to sneak home 28-26.

The annual tournament has been organised by the Te Puna club since 1998 and pitched together 13 teams in one of the few remaining 10-aside tournaments. It is the main fundraiser for Te Puna and attracted around 1000 people to the picturesque setting of Maramatanga Park.

Tournament organiser Henare Kuka says the club had strong support from teams outside the district and he was "rapt with how things had gone".

"Vaughan was my older brother and he meant so much to the club as a player and off the field as well. It is great to see everyone here help supporting our trophy," he said.

Rangataua, warming up to defend their Middlesex Sevens national club title at home this weekend, trailed 7-0 after a slick try to Masiu Vainikolo and struggled to get their hands on the ball early. But when they did, Alex Jessop flipped a magic ball for John Ririnui to score and Rangataua were soon leading 14-7 when Kemble Frost crashed over after a clever counterattack sparked by Daiyu Ishimori.

Right on halftime Whakarewarewa flyer Loni Fisiihoi sprinted 50m to score in the corner. The conversion missed, which ended up being the difference in the final outcome.

Rangataua went ahead 21-12 after Kanin Clancy scored the try of the match from a 65m run but Whakarewarewa closed the gap with a try to Liam Coleman. Jason Tamanui dotted down from close range to stretch Rangataua's lead to 28-19 before Fisiihoi's second try cut the deficit to just two points but Rangataua held on.

Earlier, Rangataua knocked out Te Puna 1 22-17 in the game of the tournament in one semifinal, while Whakarewarewa had too many guns in beating a well-performed Arataki team 17-5.

Rangataua coach Matua Parkinson says the tournament was beneficial for his team ahead of the Middlesex Sevens.

"We put as many of our sevens boys in there as possible with the heat and physicality of playing the game. It was good for the contact side of the game and we are happy with it."