Six of our students, Shae Gray, Elian Mohi, Toroa Rapana, Isaac Laracy, Michael Tamarapa and Harry Mehana represented the Horowhenua Kapiti Maori Under 18 team in the Te Tini - a - Maui Maori Rugby Tournament 2018 held in Levin.

Horowhenua Kapiti U18's vs Manawatu U18s' Match Report

The Horowhenua Kapiti U18's Maori team squared off against a formidable foe in the Manawatu Maori U18's in Levin on Saturday the 24 of February. Boasting the top players from Hato Paora, PNBHS and Manukura the Manawatu team were in for a shock surprise as the Horowhenua Kapiti lads (Manawatu College /Waiopehu /Horowhenua /Kapiti College) banded together and took the battle to them. At the forefront of the Horowhenua Kapiti effort were two of our own boys Harry Mehana and Isaac Laracy. Both men put their bodies on the line in attack and defence and provided a pretty solid platform for the backs to weave their magic.

Horowhenua Kapiti got off to a good start scoring the first try after some good build up work from Shannon's James Woodmass who provided Foxton's Connor Paki with a run to the line for the score. After that the boys were went to sleep and allowed Manawatu to run in two tries before the whistle for half-time. The coach for Horowhenua Kapiti must have read the riot act because they came out and scored two tries to steal the match. In the second half, Shae Gray and Toroa Rapana combined in the midfield to split the Manawatu defence to shreds with Shae going close on two occasions but just falling short.

In the end it was a great win for the boys and it would've given them a pretty good look at what to expect in the Manawatu Premier 1 grade in the coming season.

The next game saw the boys face off against Hawkes Bay in the final. The match was a nail biter and went right down to the wire. Horowhenua Kapiti just went down in the last second with a last minute penalty awarded to Hawkes Bay, making the final score 12-11.

Horowhenua Kapiti were awarded the runner up title after having the best for and against record in the tournament. Shae Gray scored two brilliant trys and Harry Mehana was impressive at No.8.

Shae, Elian, Toroa, Isaac, Michael and Harry received Sporting Excellence badges at Assembly for their efforts.

Well done!