First game for Whakaahurangi rugby league | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

Stratford, for the first time, entered a tribal rugby league team in the tribal competition run throughout Taranaki. The team goes under the name Whakaahurangi.

Last week was the team's first game together and they travelled to New Plymouth to play Puke Ariki at Ngamotu Domain. We won 30-20 and the players of the day for this game were Jacky boy Phillips, Ford the hitman, Gabby and Nemaia Tatupu.

On Saturday August 19, we had a home game at Page St and the big turnout of supporters weren't disappointed when Whahaahurangi met top-of-the-table Ngati Ruanui, who turned up in force. Before kickoff, both teams showed their respect for the passing of the Maori Queen, with a minute's silence. Then both teams performed their haka. Our one was made up by coach Shane Cassidy and is solely for the Whakaahurangi team, and was led by J T Tonga. The game was played in great spirit, with some devastating runs and big hits put in by both teams.

The coach was really pleased with his team's effort, considering this is only their second game together. They put up such a courageous effort against a very experienced opponent. To go down by only two points is an amazing achievement. After the game, the Ngati Ruanui coach, Barry (Black) Nui, said we were a force to be reckoned with and that we were the hardest team they have come up against. Our captain, Sasho Stosic, who led by example, also commented on how out of all the teams he has played for and against in the Western Alliance Competition, Whakaahurangi team was one of the proudest teams he has played for. He said we showed heaps of mana and he was proud of how all 23 players put their hands up and played so well.

Manager Hondo Toopi would like to thank Denise and staff for the donation of the player of the day awards for our home games, and for the use of her premises for our after-match function.

Players of the day were: Uhlenberg Haulage best back, Tama Cassidy; Wai Walker best forward, Nemaia Tatupu; Uhlenberg Haulage player of the day, Sasho Stosic. We have a bye this week, but home again next week, September 2 to Ngamotu, at Page St.

The team's management and players would like to thank Howie Tamati for coming down to ref and to all the supporters who came to watch and for cleaning up after themselves and leaving the fields clean and tidy. Try scorers were Darryl McPherson, Nigel Gotty, Jason Tonga, Nemaia Tatupu, one each.

Sasho Stosic and Noho Robinson two each. Noho also kicked seven conversions. Final score Whakaahurangi 46, Ngati Ruanui 48.