Whiti Te Ra champions again
It’s two from two for Whiti Te Ra.
Not satisfied with winning the Wellington rugby league premiership at their first attempt, the Otaki club made it back-to-back titles after beating Wainuiomata 18-8 in Saturday’s grand final at the Petone Recreation Ground.
In 2016, the new boys marched to their maiden Wellington title unbeaten. Things have been a lot harder this time, but no less satisfying.
‘‘This year we have had to deal with a heavy loss of players to the extent where we were missing 10 that played in last year’s final,’’ delighted Whiti Te Ra captain Teariki Peneha said.
‘‘Add to that we played in some terrible muddy conditions and you will get an idea that our preparation was very different from last year. We knew that if we competed well for the first 60 minutes that last 20 minutes, would be easy and ultimately that is what has happened.’’
The game was in the balance until the 67th minute, when Whiti Te Ra fullback Aaron Whitikia scored the first of two late tries. Peneha was the provider, with a nice inside ball, before Whitikia produced a memorable solo effort for the second.
A Murphy Allbright goal gave Wainuiomata, looking for their first premiership in a decade, an early 2-0 lead. Whiti Te Ra replied with a converted try to centre Tanira Cooper and looked like they might go to halftime 6-2 up.
Instead a late try to Wainuiomata fullback Nicholas Alofi saw the teams head to the sheds at 6-6.
The Lions had their chances after break, but were continually thwarted by basic errors.
‘‘It meant that each time we made a mistake, we lost ground just as quickly as we had initially taken it and no team can expect to win a final if that happens,’’ Wainuiomata coach Donovan Maxwell said.
The Porirua Vikings beat Petone 43-4 in the curtain-raiser to gain promotion to next year’s premiership.