Last-minute wins, broken records and incredible excitement - Rotorua sport in 2017 had it all. Rotorua Daily Post sports reporter David Beck has a list of his favourites (in no particular order).
- Pikiao score in the dying seconds to lift Coastline/BOP premier trophy
Image 1 of 7: Pikiao Warriors centre Noel Te Rangi races away to score the match-winning try in the Coastline/Bay of Plenty premier rugby league final against the Pacific Sharks.
They did it the hard way, but the Pikiao Warriors beat the Pacific Sharks 10-8 in thrilling fashion in the final. Trailing 8-6 and stuck in their own half, with seconds left to play, they shifted the ball left and Noel Te Rangi raced away to score the winner and send the home crowd wild.
Steve Holloway (left), Landyn Edwards, Matt Dalton and Mike Ryan broke a speedgolf world record this year. Photo / File
In November Matt Dalton, Landyn Edwards, Mike Ryan and Steve Holloway finished 18 holes of golf in a remarkable time of 48 minutes and 55 seconds, beating the previous record for fastest round of golf (four-ball) by more than 15 minutes.
- Rotoiti secure final spot with last-minute penalty
Image 1 of 13: Baywide premier semi-final between Rotoiti and Rangataua at Emery Park on Saturday. Photo/Ben Fraser
Rotoiti first five-eighth Whakataki Cunningham was the hero as he slotted a penalty goal from the sideline in the dying seconds to give his side a semifinal win at home against Rangataua. The ball sailing between the posts sparked scenes of jubilation from the Rotoiti supporters - they were going to the final.
Rotorua-Lynmore men's tennis player Sean Martin (left) with doubles partner Shaun Tamai. Photo / File
The Rotorua-Lynmore men's tennis team further cemented their credentials as a dominant force with their fourth successive premier title. After cruising through the regular season, they took on Mount Maunganui in the final and produced a convincing 5-1 victory.
- Steamers and Wellington produce epic Championship final
Bay of Plenty Steamers winger Monty Ioane in action against Wellington. Photo / File
The Steamers were given little to no hope against Wellington, but after 80 minutes the score was tied at 40-all. The sides played 20 minutes of extra time, which ultimately proved too much for the brave but battered Steamers.
- Singlespeed world champs the most fun you can have on two wheels
You'd be hard pressed to find a sporting event more unique and entertaining than the Singlespeed Mountain Bike World Championships, which Rotorua hosted in November. Riders dressed in a wide range of weird and wonderful costumes and raced through the Whakarewarewa Forest.
- Lisa Carrington wins four medals at canoe sprint world champs
Lisa Carrington was as dominant as ever at the Canoe Sprint World Championships. Photo / File
Carrington won two golds, a silver and a bronze to help New Zealand achieve its best ever medal haul at the world champs. The golds came in the K1 200m and K2 500m, silver in the K1 500m and bronze in the K4 500m.
- Dreams come true at secondary school netball championships
Howick College wing attack Teuila Sotutu in action during the New Zealand Secondary School Netball Championships grand final in Rotorua. Photo / File
Rotorua hosted the New Zealand Secondary School Netball Championships during which Howick College completed a fairytale story for the ages, being crowned champions in their first ever appearance at the tournament. Their 33-25 victory over defending champions St Kentigern College was a real David and Goliath battle.
The Maori All Blacks attend a powhiri in Rotorua. Photo / File
Rotorua was hit with international rugby fever when the Maori All Blacks played the British and Irish Lions at Rotorua International Stadium. While the home side was mauled 32-10, it was a rare opportunity to see some of the world's best players in action.
- Bay of Plenty Volcanix win Farah Palmer Cup Championship.
Bay of Plenty Volcanix' Ora Williams runs the ball during the Farah Palmer Cup Championship final against Otago. Photo / File
2017 saw the Bay of Plenty Volcanix rise from the ashes and their impressive season culminated in a hard-fought 7-5 win over the Otago Spirit in the Championship final. The win booked the side a spot in the Premiership next season.
