Rugby: Silverware back at Pirate

Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports celebrate their first taste of Maddison Trophy glory since 2011.

Pirate 19 Havelock 16 Maddison Trophy final

Sometimes takes a loss to bring out the best in a team, says Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports captain David Neilson.

"One of the keys to [Saturday's] win was our last loss five weeks ago when Hastings beat us 16-6. We were so disappointed because we had dedicated that game to Luke [club stalwart and the father of halfback Jonathan Ruru who had died that week] but that loss brought us closer together. Today's win is for Luke," Neilson said after Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports pipped defending champions Progressive Meats Havelock North 19-16 in Saturday's Tui Maddison Trophy final at Napier's McLean Park.

As expected the close encounter, in which both teams scored one try, was decided by a kicking duel between Neilson and Havelock North first five-eighth Dan Snee. Neilson, who succeeded with five of his eight attempts, had the final say with an 80th-minute penalty from 16 metres out.

"I missed the previous two during the last quarter because I didn't hit them well. It was good to make amends with the last one," Neilson said.

"I'm sure the bulk of the squad will be back to try and retain the trophy next year. We don't want to wait another four years," he said referring to Pirate's last win of the Bay's most illustrious club rugby trophy in 2011.

With his partner Claire McGettigan a member of the Otane premier netball team that will take on HHSOG Huias in the Bay's premier netball final on August 21, there could be winner's medals from both major winter codes in the province in their house by the end of the month.

"Otane always win so that shouldn't be a problem for them," Neilson added before entering a jubilant Pirate dressing room.

Snee, who slotted four of his six attempts at goal, was unlucky to have a penalty attempt from 49m out bounce off an upright in the 74th minute of a clash well controlled by referee Stu Catley. Both teams fronted with the necessary intensity and urgency levels.

Pirate's props Kelsey Miller, Conrad Rieter and substitute Sean Morrison had the edge over their counterparts from the village. While Morrison collected his first winner's medal, his father Johnny, a non-playing member of Saturday's squad, received his fourth.

Pirate flanker Lloyd Foote was again a workaholic in the winning pack.

Havelock North flanker Zane Rangi impressed with his endeavour. Both backlines virtually cancelled each other out apart from when the villagers player-coach and fullback Adam Bradey and Pirate winger Matt Murtha scored their respective tries.

Pirate centre Hayden Hann enhanced his reputation as one of the big improvers in the comp this season.

Pirate coach Andy Lord was a relieved man at the final whistle.

"Havelock brought all the attack I expected from a team with their finals experience. When you consider they were without two of their stalwarts [Luke Ottley and Emmanuel Maui who were ruled ineligible] they played well and we did well to hang on.

"Now we're in for a long weekend of celebrating ... and there could be a mad Monday as well."

Havelock North captain Isaac Paewai agreed his team did well to reach the final after finishing seventh in the Nash Cup round.

"But Pirates were too good on the day. Finals come down to small moments which turn the game and they benefited from one of those moments," Paewai said referring to the last-minute penalty.

"I knew we were capable without Luke and Emmanuel but we weren't quite good enough."