Momentum into final helps Hinuera win cup
Hinuera 12th grade came through the Waikato season undefeated, then went onto a convincing win in the semi-final against St Peter’s, 34-7.
Putaruru won a hard fought semi-final against UMS 25-12 which had them heading to Hinuera for the final.
Finals day arrived and a large crowd came out to Wealleans Park, Hinuera.
The game was very intense and hard fought.
Hinuera’s second-five Kohan Bigham burst through the mid field then out-paced the opposition cover defence to score in the corner. The try was converted out wide by Conor Goodwin. Hinuera led 7-0 at half time.
Early in the second half, Hinuera was rewarded with a great team try through the hard working number six, Jack Samuel, then Putaruru came back to score a good team try to get back into the game.
Hinuera extended its lead through a penalty kick by Conor Goodwin.
Hinuera’s wing John Salinas scored an excellent well-worked long range try, out-pacing the opposition to round off the score for Hinuera.
Putaruru fought hard and scored in the last minute of the game to make the final score 20-12 to Hinuera.
The win was a hugely satisfying end to an amazing season for all players, coaches and parents as for some it is an end of an era as they go off to college next year.
A huge thank you goes out to the Hinuera junior rugby committee especially Tony and Coby Brown for the ongoing support that continues to allow these kids to play rugby.
A special mention to coaches Steve Thomas, Craig Bigham, Josh Aarsen and Ryan Goodwin who have been coaching some of these boys since they were four.