Napier Technical Old Boys edged out Taradale 36-34 in the Hawke's Bay Rugby Premier final at McLean Park in Napier.
Napier Tech have won a Maddison Trophy epic at McLean Park, with a converted try in the 82nd minute, breaking Taradale hearts.
It finished 36-34 and the near point-a-minute encounter in front of near-on 5000 fans on a glorious winter’s day was as wild as the scoreline suggests.
Taradale looked to have stolen it in extraordinary scenes in the 78th minute, when reserve prop William Fonohema jinked, jolted and busted through four defenders for a remarkable solo try.
Prop Tim Farrel on the charge for Napier Tech. Photo / Paul Taylor
But 30 seconds later, Fonohema dropped the ball from the second phase after the kickoff, and after a sustained burst at the line by Tech, including one held-up call by referee Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri, openside Liam Udy-Johns crashed over and Sheridan Rangihuna converted from in front to send the red army into raptures.
Napier Tech had dominated the end of the first half and the start of the second to lead 24-8 after 45 minutes, but Taradale stormed back with three unanswered tries.
In the end, it wasn’t enough.
Texan coach Kerry Lewis said it was an astonishing way to cap off the year, which he hinted could be his last.
Tech hooker Manaaki Aranui, reserve hooker Tere Joel, and teammates embrace at the Maddison Trophy presentation. Photo / Paul Taylor
“It was amazing, the last four minutes was pretty nailbiting, but once we got in their 22 we had to score a try, and the boys dug deep.
“I’ve got to give credit to Taradale, the class they showed to come back was just incredible. Kudos to their club and their supporters who gave it everything.”
Lewis paid tribute to his leadership group, with a particular mention for player-coach Sheridan Rangihuna, saying to have him kick the matchwinner from in front was appropriate.
“His tactical awareness is just amazing and we wouldn’t have got here without him.”
“I’m probably a dinosaur in the coaching realm now to be honest. I’m 62 and to be honest, that’s probably me, I think.
“It’s not that it’s a young man’s game, but you’ve got all of these guys coming out of professional rugby and those systems and they’re shaking it up.”
One of those very coaches, Taradale’s Namatahi Waa, would’ve been delighted at the resolve of his team to almost pull off an unlikely comeback.
Taradale were out of the blocks quickest, and a well-taken try to Josh Eden-Whaitiri put them up 8-3 after a physical first 20 minutes.
Tech opted for a high-tempo gameplan, occasionally taking quick taps instead of three points, and as the game opened up in the second quarter they roared to life.
Prop Tim Farrell scored as the second battering ram, after a run by Falealii Popoalii the phase before, proved too much for Taradale to handle.
Xavier McCorkindale crashed over twice each side of the half as Taradale struggled to deal with the waves of Tech attack.
Crucially, in the end, Rangihuna converted both tries from near the sideline.
Taradale weren’t done though. Dylan Gallien scored from a rolling maul to make it 24-13 before what looked to be a key talking point sprung up in the 52nd minute.
Left wing Majella Tufuga, Taradale’s best on the day, chipped and chased and in one motion batted the ball to a free Sam Wye, the halfback running 30 metres for a swandive try that put Taradale back in it.
Tech players and supporters were convinced the line-ball had been knocked forward, and the momentum was now all with Taradale.
Ezra Malo crashed over to give Taradale the lead after more classy play from Tufuga in the lead up, and with 15 minutes to play Tech were up against it.
But their bench stood up, and Bethel Malasia, ranging on the left flank provided a momentum-snapping score with 10 minutes to play.
Chris Hyde is the editor of Hawke’s Bay Today. He has 10 years of newsroom experience and previously worked as a sports reporter for the Timaru Herald.
