Waihora wins Combined Country
Waihora are the Combined Country Cup champions after beating Rakaia 36-24 at Tai Tapu on Saturday.
The hosts led 21-14 at halftime and scored an intercept try to kick-off the second half. Rakaia pushed back into contention with the scores at 24-26 but Waihora finished stronger to seal the win.
In other matches Prebbleton finished in third place after a 31-10 win over Springston.
Saracens came from behind to edge Darfield 23-22 in Rangiora for fifth place.
Darfield had led 22-13 with 20 minutes to play with tries to Michael Brankin, Alex Parker, Sheldon Reed, and Harry Pankhurst. However, Saracens captain Josh Maynard scored twice in the final 10 minutes to snatch the win.
On Thursday night Lincoln grabbed the seventh spot with a win over 2017 champions Southbridge 22-12 in Lincoln, with James Wilkins scoring twice for the hosts. Glenmark-Cheviot secured the Canterbury Supporters trophy with a 20-13 win over Southern, with Kaiapoi outclassing Celtic 29-18 in Kaiapoi thanks to a 24 point haul from Lance Taylor.
Trent Davis grabbed a double as Burnham-Dunsandel-Irwell rounded out an unbeaten Plate round with a 43-12 win over Ohoka. Methven went down to Oxford 31-33 in Methven with the visitors scoring a late try to take the win.
In the plaque, an 8-34 thumping at the hands of Hurunui couldn’t stop West Melton finishing on top, with points accumulated in regular season matches against other plaque sides adding to the tally.
Ashley ran all over Rolleston 43-7 in Loburn. While Hampstead enjoyed a back to back win after beating Hornby 23-10 – leaving Hornby with the wooden spoon.The clubs now separate to vie for their respective union titles, with round one of the Coleman Shield kicking off on Saturday.