Rugby: Tries flow freely at JMC finals day

JMC Finals Day under-13 winners Greerton Black celebrate their success.

Western Bay of Plenty Junior Rugby honours went to Papamoa Orange, Mount Marlins, Te Puna and Greerton Marist Black, on JMC Finals Day at Maramatanga Park on Saturday.

The four title deciders were played in superb winter conditions, in front of big crowds who made the trek to Te Puna Rugby Club to support their favourites.

Greerton Marist Black, who have appeared in the last three finals days, won their second title when they beat Mount Maunganui in a rousing contest in the under-13 grade.

The first half was a battle in both attack and defence, with Mount taking a 10-5 advantage into the break courtesy of two tries scored by the team's outside backs.

A change of tactics in the second spell saw Greerton kicking the ball behind the Mount Maunganui line and following up for four touchdowns. While the Mount narrowed the gap with their third try at the three-quarter stage, Greerton went on to post a solid 31-15 victory.

"A game of two halves" describes the under-12 final between Te Puna and Judea. Te Puna made all the running in the first spell to lead 15-0 at the break. Five minutes into the second half, the home side grabbed their fourth touchdown, before Judea stormed back into the game.

While Judea scored one try, repeated attacks on the Te Puna line were repelled by superb defence, Te Puna claiming a 20-5 win.

Mount Marlins got out to an early lead against Rangataua in the under-11 title decider, running the ball at every opportunity. Rangataua came back with a spirited performance in the second spell. However, the Mount Maunganui defence held firm and the side bagged a 26-12 victory.

Papamoa Orange and Arataki, who had dominated the two under-10 divisions all season, squared off in the first match of the day at Maramatanga Park. The lead changed several times before Papamoa prevailed in the high-scoring encounter, posting a 37-27 victory.

The four Western Bay of Plenty teams that emerged victorious on JMC Finals Day will step up for one further occasion this season. Next weekend, Mount Marlins, Te Puna and Greerton Black will travel to Rotorua to represent the region in the Bay of Plenty champion of champions tournament, while Papamoa will be at home at Gordon Spratt Reserve for the under-10 Baywide title decider.

Results:

Under 10: Papamoa Orange 37 Arataki 27

Under 11: Mount Marlins 26 Rangataua 12

Under 12: Te Puna 20 Judea 5

Under 13: Greerton Black 31 Mount Maunganui 15