Premier Finals Day - Match Report

PREMIER ONE
Massey 31 North Shore 26

(Plate final)
Northcote 41 East Coast Bays 28

After a seesaw battle, Massey eventually triumphed 31-26 over North Shore to clinch the ASB Cup and a fifth North Harbour premiership, following victories in 1993, 2004-05 and 2013.

The westerners scored three tries to two, the scoreboard difference ultimately being a try to hooker Ray Niuia, after he had taken a blow to the knee. He soldiered on, helping Massey to a 15-9 halftime advantage. Captain and lock Ben Svenson also hurt his ankle but got through the rest of the game.

Blindside flanker Chris Vui capped a strong display with a try in each half. His first originated from a lovely chip kick from 20m out that he collected and went in between the uprights. Massey were unlucky not to close the first spell with a larger lead when a brilliant break released second five Niko Ratumaitavuki, whose final pass was adjudged forward when putting his centre Pita Ahki under the crossbar.

The second half started similar to the first, through a Walker penalty goal. Vui latched onto the end of another fine Massey break to register his second try before Shore hooker James Hinchco crashed over for his second try to bring Shore back to within two. Two late penalties from Tuigamala gave Massey a five-point lead. While Shore finished the game hard on attack, Massey deserved this close-fought final.North Shore No 10 Willie Walker, in his final game before taking up refereeing, slotted six goals, in identical scoring fashion to his Massey kicking counterpart, halfback Nalu Tuigamala.

For the vanquished, lock Brandon Nansen had a standout game, running hard with ball in hand, and making some punishing hits in defence.

In the plate final, Northcote completed a withering finish to their season with a 41-28 victory over East Coast Bays to place fifth overall. In an entertaining game, a hat-trick to Northcote wing Jason Blackett and a double to openside flanker James Doyle highlighted the six tries to four win after leading 20-14 at the break. Wing Jonah Tuitoga scored a brace for Bays.