Riwaka has staged an epic second-half comeback to win its first division two rugby title in six years, beating Stoke 33-29 at Greenmeadows today.
Top qualifier and defending champions Stoke got off to a flying start, scoring two tries inside the first six minutes. But a yellow card to Stoke winger Chris Little mid-way through the second half allowed Riwaka to claw its way back into the game and once it had the momentum, it didn’t lose it.
The game was a contrast in styles. Stoke played in good systems and were well organised. It had a superior kicking game from the likes of Keegan Thomas, Jake Curtis and Will Jacka and was powerful around the rucks.
Riwaka’s win can be put down to several outstanding individual performances. Fullback Tomasi Te’o, and flanker Filipe Tupou, in particular, had several moments of brilliance.
Riwaka coach Joe Lepaio-Wineera said after the game plan is “95% the boys”.
“We’re island-style football. Even today we had guys turn up 10 minutes late, 20 minutes late. Some of them didn’t even turn up to the pre-game run, you just have to laugh. We put a little bit of structure in the game but we don’t want to take too much away from the boys.”
Stoke captain Ryan Green was quick to praise Riwaka, describing the game as “a battle”.
“It’s been like that in the past few years we’ve played them. In the past five years we’ve had three finals against these boys and they fully deserved to win today.”
He says his team didn’t play to its potential for the “full 80” minutes.
“It’s gutting.”
Riwaka captain Stephen Hughes, by contrast, couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
“It’s unreal. I’m just proud of everyone.”
After Riwaka scored to take the lead for the first time in the game with just five minutes remaining, Stephen says it felt as if that time “lasted forever”.
Score: Riwaka 33 (Pilipe Tupou 2, Rafa Osone, Prestley Tuipulotu, Tomasi Te’o tries; Hayden Stanley 4/5 conversions). Stoke 29 (Craig Groome 2, Chris Little, Chad Lowrie tries; Jake Curtis 3/4 conversions, 1 penalty).
