12 October 2022

Counties were too strong as they take the 16s NZRL Youth Tournament for 2022.

Despite the score,, Akarana hit the lead first after multiple errors from the Stingrays side. A fresh set on the Stingrays line saw Akarana centre Taipari Wikitera steamroll through the Counties left edge to open the scoring.

From there it was all Counties-Manukau. Coming from the bench, Sale Tatapu barged over the line to give the Stingays the lead, which they never relinquished going into the sheds up 12-4. From the break, another interchange forward this time Atelea Filo made his way over and Joshua Totara Kopua sealed the win as the Counties outfit ran out 22-3 winners.

COUNTIES MANUKAU 22

Tries: Tatapu, Lolesio, Filo, Totara Kopua

Conversions: Fatani Latu 3/4

AKARANA 4

Tries: Wikitera

Conversions: Marsters 0/1