Rugby: Waiuku pip Papakura in nailbiter

Waiuku celebrated their first club rugby title in 42 years when they pipped Papakura 11-10 at Pukekohe Stadium.

The lead changed four times during the first half and a penalty from Waiuku first five-eighths Gavin Donald five minutes into the second spell gave his side the one-point advantage that they held on to until the end.

Papakura first five-eighths Phil Lewis, the former Auckland club pivot who is now in the Counties-Manukau squad, was expected to hold the key to his side's hopes, but Waiuku reduced his impact on Saturday by holding the edge in the forwards.

That allowed former Steelers halfback Michael Scott and Donald to dictate the play and Papakura often kicked away possession, denying their well-rated backline opportunities.

Favourites Papakura have been losing finalists for two successive seasons.

They made this year's final with a two-point win over Ardmore Marist in the major semifinal a fortnight ago.

Waiuku had to come back from a heavy defeat against Pukekohe at the end of the championship to beat them in the minor semifinal. They then overcame Marist 19-15 in a sudden-death semifinal a week ago.

Their win against Papakura brought jubilation for a pack of supporters who have had to endure years of being also-rans.

Waiuku last tasted glory in 1958, sharing the title with Papakura.

Waiuku 11 (R. Lindsay try, G. Donald pen, drop goal). Papakura 10 (N. Te Puni try, P. Lewis con, pen). Ht: 8-10.