In what has been described as the best McNamara Cup final ever our mighty South Auckland Motors Premier team we victors in an extra time thriller over a highly competitive and gallant Patumahoe team 52-26 after being locked up 26 all at the completion of 80 minutes.

This was a brilliant game of rugby where both sides showed attcaking and defensive skills that had the crowd on then edge of their seats right through to the second half of extra time where the fitness of the Ardmore Marist boys stood out and three tries where scored to put the result out of reach for Patumahoe. 

While the final score made the result look easy this game was anything but with Patumahoe shutting out our boys for much of the second half and even had the opportunity to steal the game at the end of regulation and a dropped pass by the Paty winger was all that stood between a brilliant winning season and a disappointing end. 

Head Coach Doug Sanft along with Mike Casey and Kerry Petrie have developed a team culture that took the team through to a 14-2 regular season record with a average of 44 points per game (total of 697) while conceding 16 and game (255). A lopsided semi-final and a high scoring final showed just how strong the team has been all season.   

The team leadership group led by captain Karl Ropati has further reinforced the standards set by the coaches with an all for one approach that has included the youngest players fresh out of school to the veterans such as centurions Sio Petelo and Whai Rangiwai.    

Many of the boys have gained selection to ITM cup squads with seven in the Steelers and three being selected by Auckland. Hopefully a couple of other players will also be picked up for the rep season in either other ITM provinces or with the Counties B's and U19 teams. 

Bring on 2019!

Ardmore Marist South Auckland Motors 52 (Extra Time)(Marco Fepuleai, Fotu Lokotui, Savelio Ropati, Joseph Ikenasio, Luteru Laulala 2, Bryan Mulitalo, Liam Fitzsimmons tries; Alesio Vili, Latiume Fosita 5 cons)

Patumahoe Troydon Patumahoe Hotel 26 (Extra Time)(Joseph Royal, Riley Hohepa 2, James Brady tries; Broc Hooper 3 cons)HT: AM 21 Patumahoe 21

Article added: Monday 23 July 2018