One point’s enough: Rātana grind out first win since return to top grade

It was party time in the Pā on Saturday evening as Rātana secured a first win in Tasman Tanning Premier since 2019 on their return season to the grade.

And it took an absolute arm wrestle to do it, slogging out a 6-5 win over a slightly understrength Byfords Readimix Taihape.

Rā tana were hanging onto the precarious 3-0 lead from halftime, courtesy of a Brooklyn Herewini penalty, until well after the 70th minute, when it appeared Taihape had snatched the game through a try by their nuggety 2022 Steelform Whanganui winger Tiari Mumby.

But there was just enough time from the restart for Rātana to have one more crack and after being awarded a penalty, Herewini stepped up to get the team their inaugural win back in the top flight, and lift the Whenuaroa Shield.

Another shield stayed safe in its current location as Waverley Harvesting Border stayed ahead of a game Marton team at Dallison Park, winning 29-5 to sit comfortably on top of the points table.

The Marton side, coming off a win and a draw to start their first season back in Premier since 2014, competed every step of the way, trailing only 7-0 late in the opening half before Border, in customary fashion, opened up to score back-to-back tries for a 24-0 blowout.

However, they were able to add only one more second half try, with Marton getting the last points to finish with some respectability on the scoreboard.

Winger Tom Symes was back in action and scored a double for Border, while fellow winger Luke Myers also dotted down, as did loose forward Josefa Namosimalua.

First five Tyrone Albert scored the other try and added two conversions.

Marton’s tries came from their reserves in Joseph Latu and the experienced Elijah Ah Chong.

The good times kept rolling for Rātana in the Senior competition in another thrilling conclusion, as a try right on fulltime snatched a 17-13 win over perennial title contenders Kelso Hunterville.

Hunterville’s defeat allowed other sides to move up and clear, with Forest 360 Marist Knights, Utiku Old Boys and the Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield holders McCarthy’s Transport Ruapehu continuing their unbeaten runs with comfortable victories.

Defending champions Ali Arc Logistics Marist Celtic got off the mark for 2024, coming from behind to defeat McCrea Scanning Counties 31-17.