The old general, Sam Williams, got the winning farewell he was after when Napier Old Boys Marist won Hawke's Bay's premier reserve grade rugby final on Saturday.
"That's the trophy we wanted and that's it for me ... my body has told me it's time," Williams, 42, said shortly after his team received the Jack Swain Cup following a 29-25 win against favourites Taradale at Carters Arms Park. First five-eighth Williams, who has also played for his club's third and prems over the years, directed play well and said his forwards made his job easier. Captain and flanker Kurt Chambers and lock Tom Hayton stood out.
"We were flat ... not up for it," Taradale manager Greg Zachan said. His troops trailed 29-8 before they started playing to their potential but it was too late by then. Substitute hooker Willie Tran and substitute prop Hoki Ward shone with their impact and second five-eighth Kieran Murphy was the best of the Taradale backs.
Onga Tiko won the Hawke's Bay Colts final for the second time in four years with a convincing 40-18 win against Napier Old Boys Marist at Mathews Memorial Park. After trailing 6-0 early Onga Tiko led 28-6 at halftime.
Former New Zealand rowing representative Edwin Laver was an inspirational lock for the winners. Frontrower Max Fryatt and flankers George McPherson and Joe Whitelock were others to shine in the winning pack.
