The Auto Super Shoppes HRS Premiers played Napier OBM at Tremain Field on a firm pitch with perfect overhead conditions. It was the fourth time we have played them this season after losing the final of the NZ Marist Spillane Cup in March and the round robin matches in the Nash Cup & Maddison Trophy.
NOBM started really well and had possession for the first 5 – 6 minutes, playing phase after phase and they finally scored a converted try. HRS came back and levelled the score. A try each leading to halftime and OBM led 14 – 12.
Throughout the game each team had their moments but with about fifteen minutes to go, OBM led 35 -26 and it looked like they would win. However, our boys dug deep and managed to score two tries in the next ten minutes or so, one converted and snatch a 38 – 35 lead. But it was not to be, as from the kick-off, we kicked the ball back to them and they retained possession until they scored right on full-time.
The whole team put up a brave effort and POD points reflect some of the players who have been very consistent during the season. After the match, centre Bryson Ioane was added to the Magpies Squad for the upcoming season.
If there is a lesson to learn from the season, it is that we need learn how to finish out games and deny the opposition opportunities to score. We have developed a lot of depth in the squad and next year looks promising if most of the players return for 2027.
A big thank-you to coaches Jason Long & Luke Makris, managers John Makris & James Wilkie-George. The season preparation started back in November 2025, Spillane was hosted at HRS on 7th /8th March and the season began on 21st March. That’s a lot of time and effort, so well done for your input over this period.
POD Points: Blake Tresidder 3, Bryson Ioane & Oscar Sowman 2, Taufa Kaufononga & Manu Naciva 1.
Point Scorers: Joseph Lilo-Iosefo, Folau Fakatava, Manu Naciva, John Lameko, Neria Fomai, Jordan Thompson-Dunn tries. Oscar Sowman 3, Jordan Thompson-Dunn 1 Conversions.
