Pioneer picks up a second trophy

Pioneer won their second trophy of the 2012 season when they beat Carterton 14-10 in the Hodder Steffert Cup premier division plate match during the Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Union's grand finals day at Trust House Memorial Park on Saturday.

Having already taken away the Chris Kapene Memorial Cup after going through that competition unbeaten, Pioneer became early favourites for the Tui Cup main championship but faltered there and failed to reach the semifinals.

Saturday's victory against last year's Tui Cup runners up Carterton was based around strong defence as Carterton spent most of the second half deep in Pioneer territory but only had one try to show for their efforts.

Loose forwards Mike Harmon and Lee Ewe had big games for Pioneer as did inside backs Hoani Peacock and Tipine Haira.

Outstanding for Carterton up front were the McFadzean brothers Lachie and John. Aki Kuru Henare and Shannon Lewis were the try scorers for Pioneer and Joseph Thompson kicked two conversions.

Luke Jones scored the sole Carterton try with Danny Brown kicking the conversion and one penalty.

The Shannahan Cup senior seconds final saw Rams beat Puketoi 29-15 but the scoreline told nothing like the whole story.

Puketoi led 10-3 going into the very last minute of ordinary time and even when Rams scored a try they seemed assured of victory as the conversion attempt by Matt Henderson had to be taken right from the sideline.

To the delight of the Rams, however, Henderson's kick never look like missing and with the scores level at 10-10 extra time of 10 minutes each way had to be played to find a winner.

And it was there that the younger and fitter Rams unit took control, running in three tries to their opponent's one.

Remarkably too Henderson, who also starred in general play, banged over a second sideline conversion during extra time as well.

Eric Ealden, Heemi Tupaea, Pua Tafa and Tafa Tafa were the try scorers for the Rams with Henderson kicking three conversions and a penalty. Manueli Bese and Chris Pullen scored tries for Puketoi and Jason Liverton kicked one conversion and one penalty.

The Ryan Cup senior reserve final saw Carterton claim an enthralling 14-13 win over Bush Sports while the President's Cup senior reserve plate final produced a 15-10 win for Rams over Eketahuna.