Otaki TodayRāhui made it three from three after beating Levin College Old Boys in the Horowhenua-Kāpiti senior women’s rugby competition on Wednesday, October 6.
They’ve now won the competition three times in a row.
VICTORS: The victorious Rāhui team that won the Horowhenua-Kāpiti 2021 women’s title at Levin Domain on Wednesday, October 6. Back row, from left: co-coach Tama Tuirirangi, Maraea Murray, Makaore Beavan, Erena Cooper, Niwa Gotty-Odgen, Kelly Bishop-Greig, Hannah Flavell, Brent Karipa, Mahina Cullinan, Wikitoria Doyle, Roimata Ropata, Hinerau Henare-Taiapa and co-coach Patsy Matheson. Front: Riria Ropata, Rongomai Te Hei, Hinemaia Taiaki, Meia Cook, Ande Hakaraia, Hinekura Connor, Heniti Buick and Heni Cooper.
Photo Dave Lintott Photography
Rāhui were dominant throughout the match held under lights at Levin Domain, winning
57-29. It was only a shame that Covid restrictions meant no spectators were permitted – they would have enjoyed the spectacle whatever their affiliations.
Stand-outs for Rāhui were Wikitoria Doyle, who bagged three tries, and Heniti Buick (2). Kelly Bishop, Hannah Favell, Hinerau Henare-Taiapa and Mahina Cullen also crossed the tryline. Hinekura Connor was successful with four conversions, and Hannah Favell slotted two between the posts.
Patsy Matheson, who co-coaches the team along with Tama Tuirirangi, told Ōtaki Today another stand-out was Niwa Gotty-Ogden.
“She just tackled and cleaned out all night,” Patsy said. “Those are the sorts of players that do great work but don’t usually get their name in the paper.”
Unfortunately, there were only the two teams in the competition. In previous years the Paraparaumu and Shannon rugby clubs have participated and the first year included a combined team from Levin Athletic and Levin Wanderers.
Patsy said it was disappointing to have only one other team to play against, though the rivalry still created a challenge.
“It was disappointing, but we were surprised at how much everyone enjoyed it.”
She was happy with the way the team had progressed since the first practice session a couple of months ago.
“We’ve got some really talented players, and they all improved through the season, even though it wasn’t very long.”
She was happy with their performance in the final, especially in the first half when they took a commanding lead. She said playing under lights at Horowhenua-Kāpiti’s main ground was special.
“It would have been nice with spectators, but playing is what it’s all about.”
Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugy Union rugby development officer Ryan Shelford said this year the union created a competition for the teams involving two pre-season fixtures and the final.
Levin College Old Boys won the first game 34 -32, and Rāhui the second 36-25. The fact that only two teams participated and no crowds were permitted didn’t detract from the quality of the rugby, Ryan said.
“The final was a great evening.”
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