Harlequins take cup in cracking premier final

A superb second half ensured Harlequins went back-to-back in the Hamersley Cup premier rugby final at Fraser Park on Saturday.

An enterprising Harlequins beat Temuka 38-34, denying the Magpies a fairy tale finish for their 150th jubilee celebrations.

Both sides scored four tries; however, Harlequins got home on the boot of first five Patelesio Oneone.

Temuka had the edge in the first half and led 20-14 at the break.

Harlequins No 8 Siu Kakala charged over 50-plus metres, beating several tacklers, just a minute into the second half and the momentum swung Harlequins’ way, with Oneone’s conversion giving them a one-point advantage.

Harlequins then started to dominate and went close twice before captain and blindside Salesitangi Savelio was on the end of another sweeping move to score.

Temuka were back in the game when replacement centre Tenari Saumani scored after a good build-up to again close the game to one point.

Oneone then landed a penalty on his third attempt of the second half to ease the margin to four points.

The adventurous Harlequins then scored the try of the game after prop Penisimani made a great break and fed lock Joveci Naika, who made precious metres before passing to fullback Sioeli Filimoehala.

There was no surprise when Filimoehala offloaded to the ever-present Savelio for his second try.

Oneone’s conversion had Harlequins up by 11 with 15 minutes to play.

Harlequins then had centre Peni Kadralevu sent to the bin for a high shot and had to play the final seven minutes with 14.

Temuka captain Finlay Joyce got over with the final play of the game from close range and Ryan Sheriff’s conversion closed the gap to four points.

The first half had been an arm wrestle, with the first points coming courtesy of Harlequins’ Oneone’s first drop goal of the season.

Temuka had an edge in the set piece but Harlequins’ willingness and ability to spread the ball wide to their big ball runners paid dividends.

Harlequins hooker Malaki Uasi made big metres while lock Naika also ran freely.

Loose forwards Savelio and Kakala proved hard to stop.

Halfback Flynn Smith and first five Oneone gave their outsides plenty of ball and Harlequins always looked dangerous from broken play.

It was the perfect send-off for Harlequins centurion and stalwart Ken Hellier, who got the final 15 minutes before retiring.

Temuka let a couple of chances slip but to their credit fought for the full 80 minutes.

Hooker Junior Faavae, lock Etienne van Zyl and Joyce were prominent in the pack.

Ricky Neame as always gave it everything in the midfield.