Fullback Sam Henry celebrates as he scores a second-half try for the Ōtāngarei Knights. Photo / Peter de Graaf
Waipapakauri Bombers v Ōtāngarei Knights
The Far North's Waipapakauri Bombers have been awarded the 2022 Taitokerau Rugby League title after one of the most thrilling, closely fought and controversial grand finals in living memory.
The home side, declared last year's joint winners with the Ōtāngarei Knights after the 2021 final
was derailed by Covid, dominated the first half at Waipapakauri Domain on Saturday and looked to be heading for a comfortable win.
The second half, however, saw a gutsy comeback by the Knights — unbeaten all season and playing only their second year in the TRL — who fought their way back to 24-24 at full-time.
The Whangārei-based team missed two penalty attempts in extra time so, with the score still deadlocked, the title was awarded to the team that had scored the first try of the match.
