4 October 2024
With a jam-packed day of matches, thankfully the sun was out for the semi-finals matches, which kicked off early. Teams then got a smaller recovery window than normal before having to put it all on the line in the finals later in the day. Would tired legs come into it? Would our previous champions come back out on top?
After Akarana 16s won earlier in the day against Auckland, the 18s were looking to do the same. But with two converted tries for Auckland, it wasn’t the start Akarana wanted in the first half. Akarana did manage to put one under the posts just before half-time to ensure they stayed in the hunt at 12-6.
In the second Akarana nearly managed to get over after regathering a grubber kick close to the line but Auckland’s defence held strong. They did level it up however, and it was game on. A penalty off the kick on the last gave Auckland back possession later, and they worked their way up to go in and take back the lead at 18-12. With two minutes to go Akarana were close, but dropping the ball near the line all but sealed it. In one last statement, Auckland then went the length of the park to put it out of reach and take the 2024 crown.
Final score: Auckland Vulcans 22-12
After the Auckland 16s won earlier in the day against Akarana, the 18s were looking to do the same. And with two converted tries, it was the start they wanted in the first half. Akarana did manage to put one under the posts just before time to ensure they stayed in the hunt at 12-6.
Referee of the Tournament Award: Paki Parkison
Manager of the Tournament Award: Leon Metuariki (Wellington Orcas)
Coach of the Tournament Award: Kevin Charlie (Akarana Falcons)
Trainer of the Tournament Award: Jacob Thorne (Akarana Falcons)
Emerging Talent Award: Laumoli Jonathan Solomona (Wellington Orcas)
MVP of the Final Award: Anaru Thomson (Auckland Vulcans)
MVP of the Tournament Award: Noah Jensen (Akarana Falcons)
The 16s semi-finals kicked off with South Island up against Auckland in a north versus south match like the 18s, and it was a tight one. With the Scorpions looking to defend their title from last year, they were up by a conversion going into the half, 6-4. But the second half came down to the wire, neither able to get over the line. But it was the Vulcans that secured a penalty to level it up and take it to extra time. Come golden point and the defending champs found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreline, Auckland off to the final 7-6.
On the other side of the draw, last year’s finalists Waikato also couldn’t repeat their form, with Counties Manukau and Akarana in the semi. Again, not a high scoring match, but Akarana took the lead 8-4 going in half time and were able to keep Counties scoreless int he second while they went on to notch the points up to 14. 14-4 sees Akarana face off against Auckland in the final.
Final score: Akarana Falcons 42-6
The all Auckland 16s final kicked off the first of our two finals, and although there was a sin bin off the first tackle, Auckland couldn’t capitalise. They came close a few times but Akarana were the first to go over, putting another two down on the left wing to go three tries up before into the half time break.
From there Akarana didn’t relent, and although they let one in from the Vulcans, they ran away with the game, ending the match with a triumphant 42-6 scoreline to claim the title.
‘Kiwi Way’ Team of the Tournament Award: Bay of Plenty 16s
Manager of the Tournament Award: Sherri Hanson (Bay of Plenty)
Coach of the Tournament Award: Fletch Butler (Auckland Vulcans)
Trainer of the Tournament Award: Ula Lopati (Akarana)
Emerging Talent Award: Hikurangi Kiel (Bay of Plenty)
MVP of the Final Award: Rico Finau (Akarana Falcons)
MVP of the Tournament Award: Bastion Armstrong (Auckland Vulcans)
For all draw and results updates visit sporty.co.nz
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