Referee Becs Mahoney awards a penalty for offside to Eketāhuna.
The Cowan Cup has a long and proud history of being played for between Bush and Eketahuna.
It is looked forward to every year and always brings out the best in the players. The rivalry is strong and nothing is left on the field.
This year's game took place on Wednesday evening July 11 at the Eketahuna Rugby Grounds with Eketahuna the current holders of the cup.
The conditions were miserable, with a heavy track and rain coming in sideways. The backs were going to be cold for much of the game.
This didn't stop the supporters though. The grounds were packed and the fire place in the club rooms was cranking.
Bush set the pace early and were attempting to throw it around to try and keep Eke on the back foot. They were basically camped in the Eke 22 for much of the first half with Jack Buckley finally crossing over in the corner for a well-deserved try.
This gave Eke the wakeup call they needed and on their home paddock they knew what style of rugby was required.
They held it close and drove their way up the field scoring two well worked try's to Daniel Gray and Sam Gammie with Robbie Anderson nailing both conversions. The ever young Daniel Udy was strong at the front of the line out not missing a thing and Eke went into the break leading 14 to 5 over Bush.
The second half was a slog fest with both teams hammering the line, There were some huge hits with both teams not wanting to give an inch. Scotty Neil at flanker for Bush was strong and Sam Arends stood out at full back but it wasn't enough with a penalty the only points in the second half for Eke.
International ref Becs Mahoney was all class with her performance and the game was played in good spirit.
The Eketahuna players and supporters were overjoyed with the outcome but the Bush players will have to wait another year for redemption.
It is a great occasion and one already being looked forward to for next year.
