Rural rugby at its best; champions decided
It was the boot of Tokanui fullback Daniel Webber who proved the key to setting up a big party in and amongst the proud Tokanui community.
What a year 2023 has been for the Tokanui Rugby Club.
Earlier in the season the club celebrated its 100-year milestone and on Saturday it rubber-stamped a special period for the Southland club.
Tokanui beat Wyndham 19-16 to win the Ack Soper Shield. Effectively the competition that sits just below Southland’s premier competition.
The Ack Soper Shield was one of four senior finals played on Saturday.
The others included the Gerald Dermody Shield between Pioneer and Drummond-Limehills-Star, the Division Two CJ Soper Cup final between Bluff and Riverton, and the President’s Cup final between Waikaka and Waikaia.
It was the boot of Tokanui fullback Daniel Webber who proved the key to setting up a big party in and amongst the proud Tokanui community.
Webber kicked four penalties and converted his team’s only try to help Tokanui to a 19-16 victory over Wyndham.
The scores were locked up at 16-16 before Webber landed a late penalty to put his team in front 19-16.
Earlier in the season Wyndham had beaten Tokanui twice but it was third time lucky for Tokanui as it got the job done when the stakes were the highest.
Meanwhile, a massive crowd turned up to Riverton for the CJ Soper Cup final in what was a true celebration of grassroots club rugby.
It was Bluff who got the job done in the battle of the seaside towns winning 32-21.
Fullback Houston Te Tai was also a key figure with his boot kicking three conversions and two penalties.
Bluff possesses a halfback-first five-eighth combination with plenty of experience given Sonny Rangitoheriri and Tane Puki have both previously had stints with the Stags and had long premier grade careers with Woodlands and Marist respectively.
The pair are now giving back to the Bluff Rugby Club.
For the Riverton Rugby Club, the focus turns to an exciting 2024 year when it will celebrate 150 years.
RESULTS
Tokanui 19, Wyndham 16
Bluff 32, Riverton 21
Pioneer 49, Drummond-Limehills-Star 15
Waikaka 17, Waikaia 10
Those are memories for life guys .well done.