Whiti charge into league grand final

Whiti charge into league grand final

Whiti te Rā ki Ōtaki is into the grand final of the Appleton Shield, the symbol of Wellington Rugby League supremacy.

The team plays Toa in the final on Saturday (August 8).

Whiti reached the final after defeating the Wainuiomata Lions 20-12 in the semi-final, played at Frederick Wise Park, Wainuiomata, on August 1. The victory was somewhat of an upset, as the Lions finished the round robin matches second on the table, while Whiti te Rā were third.

Whiti began the game strongly, with Mangaroa Manihera scoring a try after just six minutes. Seven minutes later Manaia Osborne dotted down and Aaron Whitikai kicked both conversions. Aaron added a penalty to give his team a 14-0 halftime lead.

The second half began just as the first half had, with Whiti hot on attack early in the spell. They were rewarded after just two minutes when Reariki Peneha scored. Aaron was once again successful with the conversion.

The Lions came back into the match soon after, however, scoring a try that was converted. With 10 minutes to play the Lions scored another converted try to trail by just eight points.

However their comeback ended there, with the score at 20-12.

Fourth-placed Toa upset top-placed St George Dragons 21-8 in the other semi final to earn their grand final appearance.

Whiti te Rā qualified for their semi-final after dominating the Porirua Vikings in their quarter final, winning 62-18 on July 18.

Playing on their home ground at Ōtaki Domain, Whiti led the match by 24-12 at halftime. Manawanui Rikihana was in outstanding form for the home team, scoring  an almost unprecedented six tries.

Mason Couchman also dotted down twice. Levi Kemp, playing in his 50th match for his team, Joel Winterburn, Teariki Peneha and Ben Hanara also scored tries, and Aaron Taiapa kicked seven conversions.

The team had a bye on July 11.

The final will be played at the Hutt Recreation Ground on Saturday (August 8). Kick-off is at 3pm.