The 40 men’s grade started in the second time-slot of the morning with the major semi between defending Champions Kapiti-Horowhenua and strong contenders Canterbury.
The scoring see-sawed all game and with seconds to go and Canterbury leading 5-4, Kapiti-Horowhenua scored in the corner to level the game and take the game to a drop-off. With the drop-off going the distance to be a three-on-three battle, Kapiti-Horowhenua scored to secure the first spot in the grand final.
In the game between 3rd and 4th place getters, Otago and Counties-Manukau another draw at full-time (3-all) saw yet another game in drop-off game and Otago scored to get a chance to play Canterbury for the second spot in the final
The battle for the second finals spot was a one-sided game with Canterbury easily winning 5-2.
The 3rd/4th play-off was a replica of the second game of the day between Otago and Counties-Manukau. No drop-off came about in this game, but the score was the same 4-3 to Otago.
The grand final was a repeat of the day’s first game, with two strong teams not giving an inch. In probably the closest game played in the tournament, Kapiti-Horowhenua scored twice.
The second Touchdown was a cracker with a great scoop from dummy-half by number 2, Deane Wawatai, with the final off-load to Manu Macgregor
Canterbury quickly responded with a strong run from dummy-half by player/Coach Judah Matenga, linking up with Darren Sam in the in-goal area to score.
With the half-time score at 2-1 to Kapiti-Horowehenua, the second half continued strong defence from both teams with the game going from once end of the field to the other. Canterbury scored again to level the game, and it looked destined for another drop-off, but with 5 minutes left on the clock, Kapiti-Horowhenua scored with another Touchdown to Manu Macgregor to take the lead again. Canterbury threw everything into the final five minutes, but couldn’t cross the line again. Kapiti-Horowhenua taking the game 3-2 and defending their title in the 40 men’s grade
Last Modified on 24/02/2010 13:52