Paeroa Domain, full time, Whangamata 18, Paeroa West 15.  Silence across the grounds but for the Whangamata team celebrating like they had won the World Cup final.  And justifiably so, just two short seasons ago, Whangamata had conceded 100 points, and scored none against this same team.  Proof positive in this result that Whangamata is deservedly back in the first division, and more than competitive.

This result, coupled with Waihi toppling last seasons champions Hauraki North throws a cat among the pigeons - last years two senior finalists beaten by last years two second division finalists.  This has certainly thrown the  competition wide open.

The match was played in showery conditions, not the warmest day in the world, but the match soon warmed up as the two packs tore into each other with gusto.  The slippery conditions made handling a lottery at times - especially getting the ball flat on the line with tacklers lined up.  Both midfield struggles at times to control the ball.

Whangamata opened up the scoring with an early penalty, and then it was all West, feeding off Whangamata errors and scoring two tries.  Another penalty to Whangamata saw the halftime score stand at 5-15, and things were looking grim.

The second half saw Whangmaata knuckle down to their work, and with halfback BJ Tohaia leading the way, claw their way back into the game, first with a try to second five Adam Brien under the sticks that took the score to 13-15, and then, with nine minutes to go, winger Riki Tipene hared down the touchline for the match winner.  A great team try with both forwards and backs handling before the ball getting to Tipene with the overlap and a straight run in.

Whangamata then had 9 minutes to hold on, and withheld some ferocious West attack with stoic defence.  :Leading the tight effort at the coal face was lock Gene Waller, a constant thorn in the side of the West rucks and mauls, along with flanker JJ Joslin who had his best game of the season.  They were ably supported by veteran number eight Mike Cunningham, who controlled the ball well off the back of the scrum in some very greasy conditions.  Pete Maisey once again controlled the game well, despite some early misdirected kicks, and is forming a nice combination with the midfield of Brien and Bunyan.

Whangamata 18 (Tipene, Brien tries; Maisey conversion, 2 penalties)
Paeroa West 15 (2 tries, conversion, penalty)