Rugby: Waikite cap off perfect year

Waikite celebrate after winning the Baywide women's rugby competition yesterday. Photo / Ben Fraser

Waikite recorded a perfect season in the Baywide women's rugby competition after defeating Tokoroa 25-19 in the final to stay undefeated.

The two sides met in the final at Bellvue Rd in Rotorua yesterday afternoon in windy but fine conditions.

Waikite went into the final with an undefeated record on the line, but it was Tokoroa who led 12-10 lead at halftime with the wind at their backs.

Waikite hit back in the second half scoring the next three tries through Mystery McLean, Chevy-Lee Crean and Jamie Tukiri-Haumaha.

With five minutes remaining, Tokoroa managed to score a converted try of their own, following a brilliant solo run, and set up a grandstand finish with the scoreline at 25-19.

Tokoroa held on to the ball for the final few minutes but could not make any ground on the Waikite defence. Eventually Waikite were awarded a penalty and kicked the ball into touch to win the match.

Waikite coach Lee Uerata said he was proud of his team to win the final and record an undefeated season.

Waikite player Luka Connor slips a pass during her teams grand final win over Tokoroa in the Baywide women's rugby competition at Bellvue Road Photo/Ben Fraser

"That's horrible to go into a final unbeaten," he said.

"As a coach or player I'd love to drop one game just to take the pressure off."

He said it was a great final.

"We knew Tokoroa would come out like they did, and they took us right to the 80th minute," he said.

"I thought we had them in that last 10 minutes [when we were ahead by 13 points] but they came back. And that is what finals are all about, absorbing that pressure. I said even if it takes 79 minutes that is what we have to do."

Waikite also won the title back in 2013 but lost to Arataki in the final last season. Players from both sides will likely be part of the Bay of Plenty Volcanix setup this year during the Women's NPC competition.

"I think we have eight or nine in that training squad which meet next weekend and then it gets nailed down from there," Uerata said.

Tokoroa only entered the competition this season but showed plenty of quality to make the final. Last weekend they toppled the 2014 champions Arataki in Tauranga.

-Waikite 25 (Mystery McLean 2, Luka Connor, Chevy-Lee Crean, Jamie Tukiri-Haumaha tries) Tokoroa 19. HT: 10-12.