Players from out-of-town enjoy contest
A popular rugby tournament in Foxton made a successful return from a Covid-enforced hiatus at the weekend, with the home team nearly coming away with the major spoils at Easton Park.
The Foxton 10s is back and tournament organiser Nathan Paki said he was happy to see that the enthusiasm for rugby remained, with teams travelling from Tauranga and Wellington to compete.
“I think from what we’ve seen today the passion is still there,” he said.
The home team nearly came away with the spoils, too. In the end it was visiting Tauranga team Matakesi that beat Foxton 26-0 in the final.
At half-time Matakesi coach Lansdale Matiu told his team to “enjoy, and we’ll have fun afterwards.”
Foxton player-coach Kenny Hill said much the same — “I’m proud of you guys for turning up today, and just go out there and have fun.”
Mataeski made the final from beating the Manawatu¯ Fijians convincingly by 43-19 in semifinal 1. Incredibly though, in semifinal 2, Foxton bounced back from 17-0 down at one stage, to be down 17-10 at the break. They eventually bounced back to beat Rahui 29-24 in what was a thrilling semi- final.
With the scoreboard locked up at 24-24, and with one minute to go, and one more roll of the dice. Foxton dug deep and beat Rahui 29-24 to make the final. This was one of the highlights of the day.
Paki, who also provided brilliant live commentary of games at the ground, said the turnout proved that rugby matters in small town like Foxton.
“In small communities like ours it matters, and in this small community I couldn’t be more proud,” he said.
“The club have supported us, and for our local team to do so well and reach the final was just the icing on the cake.
“I take this opportunity to thank the referees for turning up today, without them, this tournament couldn’t take place. Regardless, they always do a fantastic job,” he said.
In the plate final COB beat Shannon, going up a gear after halftime. Prop forward Sebastian LomaxJensen with some dynamic and physical charges up the middle of the field.
There were also some brilliant moves from Shannon players Arana Murphy and their skipper Josh Rauhihi. Although at times Shannon kept in touch on the scoreboard, COB eventually the winners 24-17.
To reach the final, COB beat Paraparaumu 33-17 in semifinal 1, and Shannon beat Mainfreight 40-7 in semi-final 2.
Teams that took part in this tournament were Matakesi, Manawatu¯ Fijians, Shannon, Foxton, Mainfreight, COB, Levin Wanderers, Paraparaumu, Wellington Axeman and Wellington Fijians.