The Pacific Sharks had plenty to celebrate after holding off Taupo Phoenix in Rotorua on Saturday. Photo / Ben Fraser
The Pacific Sharks had plenty to celebrate after holding off Taupo Phoenix in Rotorua on Saturday. Photo / Ben Fraser
After 80 minutes of rugby league only a few millimetres separated the Pacific Sharks and Taupo Phoenix in the grand final.
Tokoroa's Pacific defeated Taupo 34-30 during the final of the Bay of Plenty Coastline premier rugby league competition on Saturday.
The Sharks were ahead by 22 points in the second half but Taupo came roaring back to life to set up a grandstand finish at Puketawhero Park in Rotorua.
Taupo had a chance to tie the match with the last play of the game but one of their players was held up over the tryline.
Pacific's defence managed to hold on, albeit by a whisker, to claim another premier title - their second in three years.
"It means everything for the club," said Pacific coach Paniora Daniels. "It didn't have to be that close, we were probably a little bit guilty of being a bit complacent towards the end there. But that's the way it goes aye, a true final, you never give up." Daniels was very proud of his team and the club was in a great position "like it used to be back in the day". The club also won the under-17 and under-15 finals on Sunday.
Taupo coach Craig Hiha said it was a disappointing end to the season for his team, but they put up a good fight in the second half after trailing 22-6 at the break.
"We spoke at half time about a way to win and a way to lose, you know, and said if we are going to lose we are going to do it with mana," he said.
He said the club was in a strong position and would come back again next year. "They say you have to lose one to win one."
Last week, Hiha revealed it was the first time a team from Taupo had made a premier rugby league final in 32 years.
The man-of-the-match award went to Pacific fullback Vinnie Morunga who scored two tries and set up another. Taupo had opened the scoring through winger Anthony Petero who managed to beat the fullback and score next to the posts.
Pacific hit back shortly after through fullback Morunga who dummied left and stepped back inside beating a scrambling defender close to the tryline.
Image 1 of 15: Reporoa Razorbacks celebrate their Bay of Plenty/Coastline reserve grade final win over the Otumoetai Eels at Puketewhero Park on Saturday Photo/Ben Fraser
Pacific added three more tries before the break, including a 70m try which featured Morunga and the two Karora-Reu brothers, Tamatoa and Victor.
Pacific looked to have the game in the bag after pushing out to a 22 point lead in the second half, but Taupo came roaring back, albeit with a few controversial decisions.
-Check out the Rotorua Daily Post website for a grand final photo and video gallery. More pictures on page 21.-Pacific 34 (Vinnie Morunga 2, Kale Pomare, Justus Riki-Hamana, Cleveland Poko, Victor Karora-Reu tries; Patariki Takiri 5 con) Taupo 30 (Anthony Petero, John Koko, Paulie Penjueli, Mitchell Pilkington, Henare Pitiroi tries; Ayden Inglis 5 con) HT 22-6.
