Bounce of ball denies HK Lochore Cup

Bounce of ball denies HK Lochore Cup

Horowhenua-Kapiti were gallant in defeat in the Lochore Cup final last Sunday against North Otago at Maheno, but came up short in a 64-47 try-fest.

In attempting to win the trophy for the first time since 2018, it was one of those games where everything went the way of the home side – from the bounce of the ball to a 20-point wind that vanished when it was Horowhenua-Kāpiti’s turn to use it.

HK were in with a sniff when it was 19-all at halftime, having fought hard into the teeth of the wind, but intercept tries and the 50/50 balls all fell North Otago’s way in the second half as the wind died.

There were some massive highlights for HK in the loss, particularly the performance of two young locks, Dallas Wiki, 24, and Mikaere Harvey, 21, who were both rewarded with tries.

Connor Paki had another big game at centre, Pene To’o was again outstanding at flanker, wing Joelli Rauca scored a couple and TJ Barnsley again showed just how valuable his boot is. 

Horowhenua-Kāpiti’s tries were scored by Wiki, Harvey (2), Jeremy David, Jaxon Aquila, and Rauca (2), with first five-eighth Rory Woollard kicking two conversions and TJ Barnsely four conversions.

North Otago’s tries went to fullback Ben Paton who grabbed a couple, wing Sevanaia Druma, centre Matia Qiolevu, left wing Ben McCarthy, halfback Kippei Tanibnaka (2), flanker Toni Taufa, lock Ratu Logavatu, while McCarthy added eight conversions and a penalty.

Horowhenua-Kāpiti could rue another slow start – they were 14 points down early – but showed great heart to stay in the game right to the end. 

Meanwhile, it was a long trip for the HK team – they didn’t arrive home till lunchtime Wednesday. High winds saw them bus from Dunedin to Christchurch, only for their flight to the capital to also be delayed.