Whangamata 24, Waihi 27.  A nine point lead squandered in the final hectic 8 minutes as the Waihi backline started to slip some tired looking tackles from the red and whites.  Still a superb game from Whangamata showing that they are more than competitive at Senior A level.

This will however be tested on Saturday with an away game against Paeroa West, who are always a strong outfit.  The last meeting between the two sides will not want to be remembered either, with the West side breaking the three figure mark with the final kick of the match.

A strong forward effort by Whangamata, with Pete Maisey directing play from first five saw Whangamata lead Saturday's clash for 79 of the 80 minutes.  However, the all important moment to be ahead on the scorecard, the full timew whistle was two minutes too far for the home side.

Big games came from prop forwards Kurt Jacobs and Harding Howe, tireless and both with strong 80 minute performances.  Howe dotted down for his first five pointer in senior rugby also, in what should have been the match clinching try, that score putting the team out to a 24-15 lead.  Second Brad Laurenson also featured strongly with ball in hand, and once again openside flanker Kevin TeHuia was tireless, getting through a power of work, before getting carded for what flankers do best, slowing a ball down in a ruck.

BJ Tohaia was the pick of the backs, his cover defence copybook, although at times it should not have been needed with players falling off tackles that should, and need to be made.  Pete Maisey at ten directed play well and landed the goals that kept Whangamata in the match.  His presence in the team adds a previously lacking dimension.  Riki Tipene was another of the backs to shine in a day of forward power, with some fine runs and deft kicks.

Waihi's battled gamely for much of the match, and were under the kosh for much of it, always chasing the game.  Their backs were dangerous, the timing of their passes superb, although they did benefit from the Whangamata defence buying a few too many dummies and tackling too high.  The old adage of not being able to run when your legs have been taking out from under you may have to be drilled into them this week by the coaching staff.

A great day of rugby though, sun shining, a crowd that enjoyed a thrilling close match, drama, points, big hits, just a pity that the wrong team won!

Waihi 27
Whangamata 24 (H Howe, D Bunyan tries; P Maisey 4 penalties, conversion)

Next home game is after Easter Weekend against