Waikato have finally snapped their losing streak beating Taranaki 38-19 to retain the Ryan Wheeler Memorial trophy in week 9 of the Mitre 10 Cup.

Solomon Alaimalo opened the scoring for the home when he beat two defenders to score. Fletcher Smith was unsuccessful with the conversion and Waikato lead 5-0 after 5 minutes.

But Taranaki struck back only 4 minutes later when Teihorangi Walden scored under the posts. Jack Stratton charged down Stephen Perofeta’s conversion attempt and the game was was locked up at 5 all.

Waikato took back the lead at the 16 minute mark after Declan O’Donnell juggled the ball then stepped some tacklers to score the second try for the home team. This time Fletcher Smith was successful with the conversion and Waikato led 12-5.

It looked like the game was heading to a draw at half time when Sean Wainui crossed for Taranaki’s second try. But with time up on the clock in the first half Samisoni smashed his way over the try line to score the third try, Smith added the extras and Waikato had a 19-12 lead at half time.

Taranaki again drew level when Pita Gus Sowakula scored from the visitors third try 7 minutes into the second half. Perofeta was successful with the conversion, but that would be the final points for the Taranaki for the game as Waikato would score 19 unanswered points.

Quinn Tupaea scored his seventh try of the season to put Waikato back in front around the 54 minute mark. Smith this time could not add the extras but Waikato led 24-19.

With 9 minutes remaining Waikato were on attack close to Taranaki’s line and James Tucker pushed his way over to score the fifth try for Waikato. Fletcher Smith added the extras and Waikato had a comfortable 31-19 lead. 

Solomon Alaimalo opened the scoring and finished the scoring when he scored his second with three minutes remaining. Alaimalo dragged defenders across the line to score the sixth try for Waikato. Smith converted the try and Waikato picked up a bonus point win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Waikato 38 (Solomon Alaimalo 2, Declan O’Donnell, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Quinn Tupaea, James Tucker tries; Fletcher Smith 4 conversions)

Taranaki 19 (Teihorangi Walden, Sean Wainui, Pita Gus Sowakula,  tries; Stephen Perofeta 2 conversions)

HT: Waikato 19 Taranaki 12

Article added: Monday 07 October 2019