Waikato NPC have been crowned Bunnings NPC Premiership champions joining the Waikato FPC team in winning their respective competition in our centenary year, after a thrilling 23-20 victory over Tasman at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday night.

Waikato opened the scoring in the final when a Tasman player was penalised for leaving his feet at the breakdown. D’Angelo Leuila was successful with the conversion and Waikato led 3-0 after 9 minutes.

Tasman took over the lead when Regan Ware found some space down the sideline to score the first try of the evening. Mitch Hunt added the extras from the sideline and Tasman had a 3-7 advantage with 13 minutes left in the first half.

But Waikato went back in front 4 minutes later when a Bailyn Sullivan intercept saw him race away to score the first try for the home team. Leuila slotted the conversion from out in front and Waikato had a 10-7 lead with 8 minutes to play.

Approaching halftime Mitch Hunt drew the game level again with a penalty to make it 10 all but right on half time Tasman gave away a penalty to allow Leuila to put Waikato back in front with a penalty shot at goal, as the home team went into the break with a 13-10 lead.

In the second half, Hunt again drew the game level with another successful penalty attempt at goal. But just like in the first half another Sullivan intercept try put Waikato back in front. Leuila added the extras and Waikato was up 20-13.

With 13 minutes remaining in the match Quinten Strange found his way over the try line and again the visitors drew level at 20 all. 

But again Waikato were able to answer back when Fletcher Smith was successful with a penalty shot at goal to give Waikato a 23-20 lead with 9 minutes to play. Waikato were able to hold out and hold on to their slender lead for a fairytale finish to their campaign.

Waikato 23 ( Bailyn Sullivan 2 tries; D’Angelo Leiula 2 conversions, 2 penalties, Fletcher Smith 1 penalty)

Tasman 20 ( Regan Ware, Quinten Strange tries; Mitch Hunt 2 conversions, 2 penalties)

HT 13-10

Article added: Monday 22 November 2021