Nelson Bays cap dream week

7.55pm

Nelson Bays capped a dream week in style by winning the NPC second division with a tense 19-14 defeat of Hawke's Bay at Trafalgar Park here today.

Days after announcing they had signed one of the New Zealand's best backs -- Rico Gear -- for next year, Nelson Bays toppled Hawke's Bay for the second time this season to claim a shot at the first division.

While outscored two tries to one, Nelson Bays had the winning of today's match throughout a second half which they dominated.

After going into halftime 6-7 down, their forwards took control of the second 40 minutes.

The pack set up their only try, to hooker Dillin Clark and positioned centre Aaron Kimura to kick two of his four penalties.

Their reward is a clash with first division wooden spooners Northland at the same ground next week in the promotion-relegation clash.

The result ended a run of three consecutive second division titles for Hawke's Bay, who hadn't lost a match since going down to Nelson Bays in the 2000 semifinals.

Their winning run ended with a 30-32 defeat at the hands of Nelson Bays in round-robin play, a result which ultimately meant the final was played in Nelson.

The home crowd seemed to inject passion into the home team, crucial in a match which hung in the balance throughout.

A Kimura penalty gave the hosts an early lead but some weak missed tackles allowed Hawke's Bay fullback Corey Jane to stroll over for a try on eight minutes.

Kimura reduced the deficit to one point with another penalty before the break and pushed them in front with another in the 50th minute.

Clark's crucial try followed a long period of Nelson Bays pressure which saw an overlap created down the left.

Kimura's sideline conversion pushed them to a nine-point advantage but Hawke's Bay struck back against the run of play when right winger Karl Mudzamba crossed for their second try.

Kimura kicked another penalty and his team defended with desperation in the final five minutes to bring delight at the final whistle and the adulation of a boisterous home crowd.


- NZPA


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