Strathmore takes the cup | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

Sunday July 2 at Whanga Not a lot to cheer about in the Republic this week. Despite a glorious day, the sun went out in Whanga at precisely 2.54pm when Ted's Strathmore team outplayed and out-passioned the Men in Black to take the cup back west (for now). Whanga had a slight lead at half time, thanks to an awesome try by 'Wheels' Willis and helped by the boot of Zane Bolger. But, as they say, it was all downhill thereafter, and Strathmore rammed the point home with five tries and it was 'all over Rover'. Aaron Harris battled away all day and was Whanga's player of the day. Evan Curtis, for Strathmore, was mighty on the charge and hard to put down and was Strathmore's player of the day. To make matters worse the Wasps played the young, tall timber of Strathmore for the Jean Cup in netball and came a close second. Player of the day for the Wasps, Leah Maketoni, worked hard at defence and Strathmore's Kim Hutchinson, who is in fact a Wasp in disguise, delivered the goods for the Strathmore girls. Thanks to groundsmen Richard and Murt who did a great job in bringing the court up to Jean Cup standard and to umpires Sylvia, Lisa and Tania. It was up to young Daniel Couchman to provide the bright spot for the day by making the Taranaki Primary Schools Rugby Team. A top effort, Daniel, and we all look forward to following your rugby progress. So Whanga will be heading west to Toko on July 16 to prise Ted's hand off the Dean Cup and put a smile back on coach JD's face. Will the Men in Black have the balls and passion to rise to the challenge? Who will be the holders of the Dean Cup for the 2007 Centennial? All will be revealed this week. See you all there.