‘Eke’ show mettle in comeback win
True grit should be the catch-cry of the Eketahuna Rugby Club after its senior side pulled out all the stops to clinch the Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Union’s Tui Cup grand final on Saturday.
The premier side’s gutsy comeback win over Gladstone at Memorial Park, Masterton, was more than just a competition win, it was a tribute to all the players who have represented the club over its 125-year history, a milestone the club celebrated this year.
What’s more it came at the end of a fairly difficult week, a week in which the partner of team coach Wayne Roache was injured in a car crash tragedy that claimed the life of a teenage driver.
SENIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL – TUI CUP:
Eketahuna 33 Nathan Ebbett 2, Sam Monaghan, Paul Tiko 2, Tom Meuli con 2 pen
Gladstone 16 Tim Griffith try, Andrew Fell 3 pen con
SENIOR A PLATE FINAL – HODDER STEFFERT CUP:
East Coast 10 Utah Walker, Byron Karaitiana tries,
Martinborough 17 Nathan Hunt, Nathan Kapene, Josh Hawkins tries, Tipi Haira Con
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL – RYAN CUP:
Martinborough 27
Pioneer 19 Jonte Miller, Rex Rimene, Te Kaaho Henare tries, Hoani Peacock 2 con
SENIOR RESERVE PLATE FINAL – PRESIDENT’S CUP:
Tuhirangi 41 Bruce McKenzie, Peter Mehlhopt, Nick Smith, Ryan Sewell, Isaac Vollebregt, Joel Milne tries, Ken Aburn Con, Bradley Legge 4 Con PG
Gladstone 0
