Nelson face dangerous Moutere
appeared safe at 27-10.
But as they’d done all afternoon, Renwick kept coming as a late try to outstanding winger Kavekini Tabu virtually on fulltime offered some consolation.
Waimea played smart over the latter stages with clever kicking from Guyton, Lash and Kneepkens constantly turning Renwick around and defusing Renwick’s otherwise threatening physical presence. STOKE 18 MOUTERE 14 Two late converted tries were enough to secure Moutere the final playoff berth after fighting back from an 18-0 deficit.
Stoke’s forwards eventually seized the initiative following a scoreless opening quarter, clinically working through the phases to finally help create space for winger Tomas Aoake to score the only try of the half as Stoke took an 8-0 lead into the break.
They extended their advantage to 18-0 during the second half following a further try to prominent lock Pari Pari Parkinson as prop Kendall Hodson’s boot continued to provide the extras.
Then Moutere finally flicked the switch as their forwards began to muscle up and apply pressure deep inside Stoke territory.
Fullback Johnny Ika needed few invitations, typically leaving his seal on the match with two excellent tries, both converted by No 10 Aisea Halo, as the gap suddenly closed to just four points.
Moutere continued to apply pressure over the dying stages as Stoke worked frantically to keep their winning margin intact.
Ultimately, the hard work of their forwards during the first half proved critical, with versatile loosie Fuki Siaki an outstanding contributor, including his impressive efforts after moving up to the front row. Hodson, Brad Hyde and Nick Max also put in solid efforts up front.
Parkinson carried strongly and dominated the lineouts, while midfielders Nathan Dempster and Alex Nankivell were constant threats.
Ika again starred in Moutere’s backline with halfback Ben Finau also impressive. MARIST 19 EAST COAST 17 Marist were also forced to dig very deep at the Seddon Domain, narrowly holding off a spirited home side revival.
The first half was hard-fought, though inaccurate and illdisciplined, as Marist led 9-3 at the break.
The visitors surged to a 19-3 lead soon after halftime throiugh tries to winger Isaac Laga and halfback Shawn Begg, but were rocked in the 47th minute when No 8 Shannon Frizell was sent from the field for a shoulder charge.
At that point the game changed as the Coasters eventually took control of the scrums.
Tries to replacement halfback Bryce Bird and Billy Collins helped close the gap to just two points with five minutes to go. But two late East Coast scoring attempts in the final seconds came up short.
Marist were led around the park superbly by Begg while Frizell was a constant menace with ball in hand until his indiscretion.
Marist’s defence ultimately won the day. Under pressure at set piece, they dug deep and made vital tackles at key moments, leaving the home side to rue five minutes of defensive frailty.
Along with Begg and Frizell, flanker Ryan Dafel, lock Tim Dallison and first five Sam Briggs were other Marist standouts. Lambert, Jack Murray, Jack Roberton, Fuataga and fullback Sean Martin impressed for the home side.