Waimea Combined Schools First XV celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its programme with a crucial 25-22 win over Roncalli Aoraki Combined at Waimea College on Saturday.
With a large crowd in attendance, the home side needed a victory and a four-try bonus point to move into the top four of the Miles Toyota First XV Championship and keep their semi-final hopes alive.
With Roncalli Aoraki Combined having beaten Waimea Combined twice last year and already out of playoff contention, it was always likely to be a physical, hard-fought encounter.
The visitors started strongly, scoring two early tries to lead 12-0 after defending stoutly against multiple Waimea Combined attacks close to the line, with a halftime score of 17-12 to RAC.
With their season on the line, Waimea Combined started the second half strongly. With the wind at their backs, Waimea Combined maintained good field position and took the lead for the first time when hooker Finn Price powered over to make it 22-17. But RAC again responded to bring the scores in line with just five minutes on the clock.
With the game deep into referee's time and both teams visibly tiring after a physical contest, there was a nervous wait for the home supporters. A late knock-on from the visitors proved the final act of the match, sealing a 25-22 victory for Waimea Combined.
The forward pack worked tirelessly throughout the game and provided a solid platform at scrum time. Garin College's Cyprian Lavemaau impressed in the tight exchanges, while Motueka High School's Cohen Schrider excelled in the lineout, securing several crucial possessions.
Waimea Combined now sit fourth in the Miles Toyota Championship and face Lincoln Combined in Christchurch on Saturday. Another bonus-point win will be needed to maintain their place in the top four with the semi-finals only three weeks away.
