Cup stays put thanks to last-gasp effort

After a week together in Whanga, the Dean and Jean Cups have gone their separate ways, unfortunately.

The Dean Cup stays with the Gullyscreamers in the Republic Headquarters after a tight game against challengers Strathmore. Whanga led at halftime 3-0 thanks to the boot of Nick Childs who landed another penalty in the second half.

But then Strathmore’s Robin Kivell broke through to score the game’s first try, which was converted to make it 7-6 .

Another penalty to Strathmore pushed it out to 10-6 and Whanga supporters’ blood pressure was going through the roof.

But hold the phone callers, a try from the hero of the hour Shannon Haenga and a superb conversion by Nick got the Men in Black back in front at the last gasp and that cup stayed in the Republic.

The young fellas in each team showed the way with Josh Armistead for Whanga getting player of the day and three points for the Neutroski Cup and Rowan Slater for Strathmore doing the same.

For Whanga, Nick Childs got two points and evergreen Aaron Harris one point. For Strathmore, Brendon Coupe got two points and Jeremy Newell got one point. Cheers to David Avery who took one for Robin Kivell.

The Jean Cup headed west to gumboot land with Toko landing a decisive win against the holders Whanga.

Great to see the younger players coming through for both teams with Millie Wisnewski taking out the player of the day for Toko.

Erin Bryant at GK played her heart out and was Whanga’s player of the day.

Many thanks to all who work to make the Dean Cup happen, and to our sponsors and the Whangamomona Hotel for hosting the after-match function.

So that’s over and out for the girls for this season but the Men in Black take on challengers Toko on Saturday, August 13, at the Whanga Domain at 1pm. It will be a cracker final game.