Whangamata Senior B Winning Team 2010

The Finals for 2010 were held in Thames last Saturday bathed in sunshine, conditions suiting the Team and all the supporters.  Parking was difficult to find for the spectators but they were still three deep around the field come kick off time!              Supporters up Close & Personal!

        Players or Spectators!

Let the Game Begin!

A Sea of Red & White!

Whangamata won the toss and kicked off to gain territory and it wasn't long before Waihi infringed. 

Unfortunately Eli missed the penalty unable to take an early lead.  Whanga applied the pressure and forced another penalty.  Score 3-0.  Whanga went straight back on attack and were awarded another penalty.  Score 6-0.  But Waihi opened their tally with a penalty as well.  Waihi hit again shortly after with a try against the run of play.  However, Whanga was hot on attack when Waihi intercepted and ran the length of the field to score in the corner.  Whangamata bounced back and from a line-out midway between the 22m and the line they mauled the ball forward for Ryan Tohaia to score.  The try was unconverted but Whangamata was still ahead at the half time break 11-10.

Whangamata's line outs were strong throughout the game

Whangamata started the second half in the best possible fashion when Phil Raukawa chip-kicked to the corner.  Waihi fumbled the ball and Sammy snapped it up and scored to the delight of the Whangamata supporters.  Eli converted to take the lead 18-10.

Sam Bluett Try

Whanga had a player in the 'Sin Bin' when Waihi was awarded a penalty to gain another 3 points, but Whanga came with another successful penalty to extend their lead to 21-13.  Whanga held the eight point lead when another player was "Sin Binned" for stomping, forcing Whanga to play another 10 minutes with 14 players!  Whanga were in the right zone however and had several attempts at a rolling maul, eventually Waihi conceded a penalty. 

Eli lined up the ball to the sound of booing from the Waihi supporters.  The ball soared high over the bar giving his side a 24-21 lead with 5 minutes to go!  All eyes were on the ref and when he blew the whistle for full time the Whangamata crowd erupted!

WHANGAMATA 24    WAIHI 21

Whangamata Captain Sam Bluett receiving the Cup

The Coach was thrilled with the Whangamata supporters who took the time to follow the team to Thames and the chanting of "Whanga, Whanga" lifted the team during the dying stages of the game.  Whangamata returned to their club-rooms to a full house with the supporters welcoming the players with a rousing haka!  Pretty stirring stuff!  KIA KAHA

The Teams win is the first for Whangamata Senior B Division since 1995, this puts them in a good position for promotion next season, but Coach Richard Laurenson said that call won't be made until next year.

More Action Pics!