CLUB RUGBY FINALS DAY:

It was a wet, cold and windy day at Rhodes Park for the Thames Valley Rugby Football Union Club Rugby Finals Day. In what was described as the most wintry Finals Day since 1992, bar the postponement of the 2008 finals day, it was always going to be a challenging prospect for all teams taking to the field.

The McClinchy Cup Final between Thames vs Mercury Bay was an exciting match up on paper, with a number of Thames Valley Swampfoxes named in each of the respective squads. A big crowd travelled down from Whitianga, with the noise of the northerners much louder than their opposites who had the home advantage. Both teams started the match well, with teams looking to apply pressure with ball in hand. 11 minutes into the match, Thames were awarded a penalty 30 meters out of which Cole Berridge calmly slotted a penalty in difficult conditions, Thames led 3-0. The lead didn't last long, with Mercury Bay transferring their aggression on defence into potent attack, with some great ball handling and strong carries leading to a try in the corner by Tyler Relph, putting Mercury Bay up 5-3. The Marlins continued to dominate proceedings, with their quick line-speed suffocating any Thames attacking opportunities. On the 40th minute, Mercury Bay toiled away at the Thames defence, itching their way closer to the try line, and it wasn't until crafty first five-eighth Regan Crosland wiggled his way through for a try, which erupted the big Black and Yellow crowd. Crosland then added the conversion, putting Mercury Bay 12-3 ahead at half time. The second half started with mistakes from both sides, and a battle to win territory with most of the rugby been played on halfway.  In the 60th Minute, Thames then found themselves with some rear territory and possession and were finally able to build some phases, this resulted in Justin Vaimalu who charged over for a try of which the conversion was also kicked by Berridge, closing the gap to 10-12 to Mercury Bay. The next 20 minutes was war, with the benches been used and fresh jerseys suddenly needing to add impact to their teams. Thames unfortunately couldn't hold the ball, still trying to play wide expansive rugby and making mistake after mistake whilst doing so. Mercury Bay barred up at scrum time and their defence stood strong forcing Thames into disarray. Mercury Bay held their nerve, winning 12-10 which meant a lot to the huge Mercury Bay crowd, who were quick to run onto the field and share the special moment with the players and management. It was hard to pick players to stand out, but Shane Johnson & Trinity McQueen were strong upfront, with some big carries, strong jackals and solid defence. Whilst first five-eighth Regan Crosland was the best player on the pitch in my opinion, with his direction, skill and game awareness clearly the difference between the two sides. 

In the other games, Thames Senior B defied the odds beating the unbeaten Coromandel 8-7 to lift the Lawrence Memorial Cup. It was a hugely physical encounter with both teams enjoying the contact zone. Thames took an early lead in the game 5-0, however could not find the try line again as much of the game was spent around the halfway mark. Coromandel had plenty of chances, however the quick tap was often their go to off penalties, rather than opting for the 3 points which may have put them in front if they were patient. With two minutes to go, Coromandel full-back Marcus Save suffered a serious neck injury which resulted in the match been paused for 20 minutes, our thoughts go out to Marcus, and a massive thanks must go out to both teams for their great response towards the seriousness of the injury. When the match resumed, Thames managed to hold on for a well deserved victory which clearly meant a lot to the players, coaches and supporters. 

The Senior B Plate Final for the McDonald Cup was won by Cobras, who defeated Waihou 27-15 in a battle royal. 

JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT CAMP: 

RANGATAHI TO RANGATIRA CAMP

AGE GROUP REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY: