Lochore Cup within HK grasp

Lochore Cup within HK grasp

Horowhenua-Kāpiti have a chance to win the Lochore Cup for the first time since 2018 when they play North Otago on Sunday, and it took a mighty effort to book a plane.

Playing away against Whanganui in the semi-final at the weekend, the match was tied at 18-all, forcing extra-time.

But if the first 80 minutes was an arm-wrestle, the final 20 minutes of extra time was a game of pea-knuckle as Horowhenua-Kāpiti romped home 40-18.

It was a rare win against the old foe – the first since 2017 - and coach Aleni Feagaiga praised an effort he says was full of “heart, resilience and determination”.

The score was 8-all at halftime. Whanganui led with regulation time almost up when a late TJ Barnsley penalty on full-time levelled it at 18-all.

There was only one team in it after that. Winger Joeli Rauca scored immediately, then again, and when prop Stephen Burnell crashed over they were 17 points ahead and finals-bound.

Aleni says the willingness and energy to win was obvious, especially in the deep minutes as the lungs started burning.

“Everyone stood up to be counted,” he says. “They can be proud. It was a 23-man effort and that’s why we got there. There were some long minutes and our bench was massive.”

Of the starters, openside flanker Pene To’o had a blinder. His work-rate was through the roof, revelling in the wet conditions with turnovers and dominant tackles, while Joeli’s hat-trick was richly derseved.

HK boasted a boomer of a bench with Aaron Lahmert, Dave McErlean and Willie Paia’aua having played more than 250 games between them.

The team had good support last weekend in Whanganui, and though the final is being played near the bottom of the South Island, there is sure to be a cheering section somewhere. 

The Oamaru Stadium is being rebuilt so the match will be played at Maheno Domain.

HKRU chief executive Corey Kennett says in his experience it doesn’t matter whether the team is playing at Oamaru, Te Kuiti, Ruatoria or Westport – there is always someone in the crowd cheering for Horowhenua-Kāpiti.

HK will again be captained by Dallas Wiki. The match will be televised on Sky TV. Kick-off is at 2.05pm.

Horowhenua-Kāpiti squad for Sunday’s game: George Jacobs, Harry Press, Ted Northcott, Dallas Wiki (captain), Mikaere Harvey, Alby Hemopo, Brad Reilly, Pene To’o, Kahn Fotuali’i, Rory Woolett, Joeli Rauca/Willie Paia’aua, Emanuel Solomona, Connor Paki, Darren Falaniko, Max Hoskings, Stephen Burnell, Jeremy David, Davey McErlean, Michael Laursen/Massie Harvey, Aaron Lahmert, TJ Barnsley, Jayson Aquila, Willie Paia’aua/Sean Pape.