Win sees SURF make it to premier grade

It’s been eight years since the Southern United Rugby Football have been in the Waikato premier division.

And on Saturday, the South Waikato team secured their place back in the top competition for 2017, beating Morrinsville 10-3 in the promotion relegation round.

The game was played in wet conditions at the Tokoroa Memorial Sportsground and the trying conditions meant no points were scored for the first 25 minutes.

That was until Southern’s first-five, Kane Adams, nabbed an intercept try, and kicked the conversation to lead 7-0 at half time.

That was to be the only try in the game, with both teams only kicking penalties in the second half.

Adams scored all of Southern’s points, although he missed one penalty kick, he slotted one between the posts to make it 10-0.

Morrinsville never gave up, and kicked a successful penalty themselves, to make it 10-3.

A large turnout of supports around the oval cheered on the homeside, as Morrinsville dominated possession until the end.

But it came down to the final 10 minutes, and with a strong display of defence from Southern United, they were able to hold on.

A penalty tap error from Morrinsville, five metres from their line signalled the end of the game, 10-3 to Southern United.

Southern United coach Darin Costar said it was a two year goal to get in the premier division.

Costar and Damon Jakeman were appointed as co-coaches in September 2014.

‘‘Tokoroa has produced so many sporting heroes,’’ he said.

‘‘We want our juniors to strive for higher honours and then have a premier club they can stay and play for instead of having to leave and play in a higher code.’’

He said 2017 will bring a new set of challenges.

‘‘I’d like to thank all of the support staff, players and senior leadership group for their efforts,’’ Costar said.

‘‘But most of all, all our families and supporters.’’