Coutnies Manukau - 6 defeated Waikato - 4
This had all the hallmarks of a Big One with the two top teams from friday going head to head for the first time in the tournament. The start was befitting the top billing with both teams making an urgent start to proceedings, pushing hard on attack and defending resolutely. It was a case of irresistible force vs immovable object until Waikato received an invaluable turnover.
From there, the dummy half broke the line and passed to Isaac Te Tamaki who scored in the middle.
Counties got back into it with a touchdown of their own and the match continued with a back-and-forth even tempo. Waikato's Shaun Boyce then made his mark on the game, capitalising on some good ball movement from his team. True to the pattern though, Counties were able to hit back not long after through Jonathan Cato's good work out wide.
Waikato were able to take the all-important momentum going into half-time after a mid-field play the ball eventually found its way to Kalani Beattie who scored in the centre. The second half started with Counties determined to fight back hard; Cody Mahuika was soon on the touchdown scorers lists and after some hot-stepping from his dummy half created an opportunity. Rome Nonoa followed that up with one more score before Te Rata Hikatangatahiko nabbed a nice touchdown out wide to bring Counties well and truly back in the game.
Waikato however had the edge when it most mattered. Both sides tightened their defence but Shaun Boyce could still find a way through and in the end his final touchdown was the difference. Both team were evenly matched throughout but Waikato performed better in the closing stages and were able to hold Counties off.
Last Modified on 17/03/2012 13:16