Bay win Lochore Cup final in Timaru

POVERTY Bay produced a tremendous display of attacking rugby to beat South Canterbury 49-22 in the Lochore Cup final in Timaru on Saturday.
But there was no fairy-tale finish for Ngati Porou East Coast, who went down 30-10 to Wanganui in the higher-ranked Meads Cup final at Wanganui.
The Bay, who had lost 42-31 to South Canterbury in round four of the Heartland Championship, outscored their opposition six tries to three, with four tries coming in the first 25 minutes of the second half.
Bay skipper and first five Scott Leighton capped an outstanding game with five conversions and three penalties.
“It was a performance that we always believed the boys had in them,” said Bay coach Grainger Heikell.
“With a bit of luck throughout the season it could so easily have been us playing in the top- four playoffs.
“But it’s a good way to end the season. We have had problems with our defence this year but the boys were determined to end the year with some silverware and I’m pleased for them.”
The Coast, who finished last season bottom of the Heartland Championship, upset the odds to make their final in Wanganui. For 60 minutes they were in the game.
Yellow cards for assistant coach/skipper/ midfield back Rua Tipoki, and player-coach Ngarimu Simpkins, turned it Wanganui’s way.
Judging by the number of fans who made the trip to Wanganui and gave their heroes a standing ovation at the end of the game, the Coast can be well pleased with their season.
As Tipoki said, the challenge now is to go back next year and win the title.