Hautapu endured more heartbreak on Saturday when it was beaten 25-17 by Hamilton Marist in the Waikato colts rugby final for the Elliot Shield.
It was the fourth title in a row for Marist – and the third time it had beaten Hautapu in the final.
Holding the line, from left Hautapu’s Anton Drnasin, Kane Gibberd, Te Taiwhanga, Declan Haiosi, Tony Mokoi and Ihaka Harper-Dent. Photo: Jane Thompson.
But there was good news from Hamilton at Waikato University’s ground with the Hautapu premier side beating the home team 27-14 to book a final against top seeded Hamilton Marist. Marist last won the shield in 2015.
Hautapu, last year’s champions, will go into the final the underdogs against Marist who remain unbeaten this season and who thumped Hamilton Old Boys 50-18 in the other semi-final.
Hautapu Colts, despite tries from Beau Wallace and captain Jeroslav Tamala, could not end the drought. Team manager Buzz Harris had hoped it was third time lucky for the plucky team.
“We are very proud of the tremendous gutsy effort our boys put in against a very good, and big Marist side. They tackled themselves to a standstill and showed lots of pride in the Hautapu jersey.”
The Hautapu Premier Development side went down to Old Boys 54-24, ending their hopes of reaching the final which will now be between Old Boys and Ōtorohanga.
Results: Premier – Hamilton Marist 50 Hamilton Old Boys 18, Waikato University 14 Hautapu 27, Te Awamutu 38 Fraser Tech 39; premier B: Hamilton Old Boys 54 Hautapu 24.
Division one premiership: Leamington A 22 Ōhaupō A 19; Div 1 B: Leamington B 19 Ōhaupō B 31.
Colts: Hautapu 17 Hamilton Marist 25; for 9th/10th: Morrinsville 17 Leamington 19.
Beau Wallace scores for the Hautapu Colts but in vain as Marist won the final 25-17. Photo: Jane Thompson.
