A jubilant Hastings Rugby & Sports have taken out the 2020 premier Maddison Trophy club rugby final, beating Taradale 22-16.
The tight final was played before about 800 supporters, seated appropriately at McLean Park according to Covid 19 Level 2 regulations, under clear skies with some swirling wind in Napier.
In a see-saw match, Hastings was first to cross the chalk with a try in the 11th minute, with Taradale later dotting down in the 27th minute. Both were converted, with both teams also slotting a penalty to make for an even 10-10 at half time.
![Hastings' Danny Toala had some surges before leaving the field injured in the 28th minute of the first half. Photo Paul Taylor](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/4RCKSWL6BF7ZXWA3FCTNL32KNU.jpg?auth=b9b893d7d58a6e8ab47e3503eb426b5292aa8d3659f99fad5241540dc088a200&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Taradale dominated the first 20 minutes of the second half, nailing an early penalty and another at the 23rd minute - deserving their slim lead, higher possession and ascendancy.