Harlequins secure three-peat

• Timaru Courier
  
• 30/07/2026
  
• Stu Piddington
  

It took extra-time for an enterprising Harlequins outfit to complete their three-peat in the Hamersley Cup premier men’s rugby grand final at Fraser Park.

Harlequins and Temuka were locked at 16-all after 80 minutes. A 97th-minute try to substitute Molitoni Latu secured the Harlequins’ win 24-19.

It is the first time the fourthseeded side into the finals has lifted the silverware in the Hamersley Cup era. (Temuka came from fourth in 1991 to beat Pleasant Point). It is also the first time Harlequins have won the Hamersley Cup three times in a row.

Harlequins have to thank a huge effort from No 8 Siu Kakala, who was outstanding for the 100 minutes.

The game never reached any great heights but was tense throughout as the teams went toe-to-toe, and at times Temuka’s defence was superb.

The sides were tied 6-all at the break with two penalties apiece to the first fives, Ryan Sheriff for the Magpies and Harlequins’ Patelesio Oneone. The surprising feature Harlequins were awarded their penalties close to the line and uprights but opted for kickable points rather than perhaps challenging the try line. Midway through the second half Harlequins had stretched to a 10-point advantage, with a well-taken try to veteran second five Paula Fifita and a snapped drop-goal to Oneone.

Temuka, however, showed plenty of courage to mount a comeback.

Sheriff landed a penalty and with nine minutes left prop Anuanu Ohai burrowed over from close range and Sheriff tied it up with the conversion.

Harlequins then looked to have won it after referee Paul Henshaw awarded flying winger Sosaia Savelio a try in the corner, with three minutes left, after a bust from Kakala.

However, one of Henshaw’s assistants saw a Temuka defender being held back and Harlequins were penalised.

Temuka then had the chance to steal the game with time almost up but Sheriff’s 40m penalty attempt fell short.

Both sides added a penalty in the first 10-minute period of extra time to tie the game again.

With only three minutes left on the clock another burst from Kakala opened up the Magpies’ defence and the ball was spun wide for Latu to score.

From the kick-off Harlequins played the ball close with a dozen hit-ups, to wind down the clock.

With only seconds left, Solomone Lavaka somehow stole the ball for Temuka, to give them a last gasp chance of tying the game, and sending it into ‘‘golden point’’ extra time.

Temuka were awarded a penalty on the 22m line and opted to tap it. Oneone turned the ball over for Harlequins at the breakdown, and it was kicked into touch, ending an intriguing encounter.

Along with Kakala, hooker Malakai Uasi had a strong game and blindside Sione Pangai was also prominent. Oneone kept the ball alive at first five and his tactical kicking kept Temuka back at times.

Fifita had a strong game at second five while Sikaidoka made lots of metres out wide.

It was also a first-up win for Harlequins’ new coach Tui Tauelangi and his assistant Sione Fa.

Henshaw also had an excellent game with the whistle, keeping things under control early, and while Harlequins gave away more than double in the penalty count, no yellow cards were issued, so they managed to keep their discipline when it really mattered.

For Temuka, captain Finlay Joyce gave his all for 100 minutes, while Lavaka was also prominent.

No 8 Saleitangi Savelio was also impressive but overshadowed somewhat by his opposite Kakala. Second five Peni Kadralevu was prominent with some strong runs in the first half and defended strongly while fullback Lokotui Foliaki also had his moments on attack and defence.

Joyce also had the honour of winning the inaugural Ray Vercoe Medal for the ‘‘Best on Ground’’ in the Hamersley Cup Final, as voted on by the South Canterbury Centurions and life members in attendance at Fraser Park.

Mackenzie romped home 48-15 over Waimate to take the Scott Cup for the best of the bottom four premiership.

The Pleasant Point women’s side won the Rhodes Cup, for the second year in a row, in a comprehensive 46-5 win over Geraldine, with a strong finish to the game, scoring three tries in the final 10 minutes, while Point’s premier reserves also made it a three-peat with a 17-12 win over Waimate.

Harlequins rugby thriller in extra-time win

• The Timaru Herald
• 28 Jul 2026
• Doug Sail

Harlequins showed its championship winning qualities in an upset extra-time South Canterbury senior club rugby title win over Temuka on Saturday.

It was Harlequins’ third straight Hamersley Cup win, and the 24-19 victory was achieved after finishing in the fourth and final place for the playoffs.

“We believe it is the first time there has been extra time in a final since the finals systems came in in 1980,” South Canterbury Rugby historian Jeremy Sutherland said yesterday. “And it is only the second time a fourth placed team has come through to win the final.”

Sutherland said that until Saturday, Temuka had been the only team to have previously won the title from fourth place, achieving the feat in 1991 when they beat Pleasant Point in the final.

“That makes it a pretty rare happening.” To get to the final, Harlequins beat top seed Celtic 31-12 in the semifinals, and then hung on to beat Temuka, a team it lost both its matches to earlier in the season.

Victorious coach Sione Tuita Tauelangi told The Timaru Herald yesterday that while it had been a long season, as the squad struggled with numbers, Saturday’s victory was “a big thrill ... but hard work”.

“It’s been hard, but we managed to hold on. It’s been really tough, heaps of injuries, and there’s been a lot of sacrifice, and stuff like that,” Tauelangi said.

“It’s a team spirit. I don’t know how to explain it, but they’ve got heart.”

Tauelangi, in his first year as head coach, said that heart meant the team worked together as a team, which they had to do with some of their best players sidelined at times.

“All we wanted to do is to get into the top four because we’ve been struggling all season. We made it to the semi-final, and

then it was one more push at the final.”

Tauelangi said beside the normal Tuesday and Thursday trainings, he had been pushing the players to do extra work on Monday and Wednesday.

Siu Kakala, the team’s number 8, said it had been a massive season that the squad had talked about for the whole year.

“We’ve had to dig deep to make it here today,” he said after Saturday’s win.

Competition for the Hamersley Cup commenced in 2010, and was won for the first 10 years by Celtic. Temuka won for three years, 2019-2021. Celtic again in 2023, with Harlequins now completing a three-year run 2024-2026.

Harlequins aiming for a three-peat

• Timaru Courier
• 23 July 2026

Harlequins will get a shot at threepeat of Hamersley Cup senior rugby titles after upsetting No.1 seeds Celtic 31-12 last weekend.

Harlequins survived a 20-9 penalty count against them and two yellow cards to advance but will need to improve their discipline in the grand final.

The fourth-seeded Harlies will face second-seeded Temuka in the grand final at Fraser Park on Saturday.

Celtic had been in hot form early in the season winning their first nine games on the trot but lost their final two round robin games to Pleasant Point and Waimate, which then cast some doubt going into the semifinals, in what has been the closest senior club competition in many years.

Unfortunately for Celtic they could not stop the slide in as injuries (including three out in the warm-up) also took a toll.

Harlequins will no doubt remember last year’s win, beating Temuka 38-34, denying the Magpies a fairytale finish for their 150th jubilee celebrations, after trailing at halftime.

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

Adding some spice to the matchup is that three of Harlequins’ Hamersley Cup-winning side from last year are now playing for the Magpies.

Both sides however have plenty of firepower and pace out wide so the winner will decided by the team that plays the smartest rugby.

Harlequin’s strength is their back three of Patelesio Oneone, Lisiate Folau and Sioeli Filimoehala who are all gamebreakers.

The return of veteran second five Paula Fifita, who celebrated his 100th game last week, gives Harlequins an astute tactician.

Having Siu Kakala back from injury is a bonus. The hard running No 8 is a talisman for the Harlies and will be a key if asset if they are going to make it three in a row.

Possible lineup

Harlequins (from 1) Anuanu Ohai, Malaki Uasi, Toetu Taeoaili, Leone Nawalu, Sione Havili, Sione Pangai, Maloni Uhi, Siu Kakala, Flynn Smith, Patelesio Oneone, Apisalome Sikatome, Paula Fifita, Uikelotu Moa, Lisiate Folau, Sioeli Filimoehala. Reserves: Telusa Latu, Tu’ihalafatai Latu, Nicholas Moa, PaeIlangan, Jason Papalii, Lote Fakatou, Sione Finau.

The story behind the Hamersley Cup

• Timaru Courier
• 23 July 2026

In 1874, Alfred St George Hamersley arrived in Timaru.

Hamersley was an Oxfordshire native who attended Marlborough College and the Military Academy at Woolwich, where he learned the game of rugby.

He played for Marlborough Nomads in London and he was selected to play for England in the first international rugby test match in 1871.

He continued to play for England until 1874, when he left for New Zealand and took up the position of barrister and solicitor in Timaru.

His first effort in regards to rugby in South Canterbury was a match at Green’s Paddock (at the top of Elizabeth St) in 1874.

This match is cited as the true beginning of the union game in the region.

Hamersley then organised a Town v Country match in April 1875 — afterwards establishing the province’s first rugby club.

South Canterbury Football Club was on its own for only a few days, as later that week the Temuka Football Club was formed, followed by Burkes Pass Football Club forming in June.

For the next 35 years, new clubs were established on a regular basis.

These early clubs combined to make a South team, which regularly played a North team (comprising clubs from Christchurch and nearby towns), the first game of which was played on May 24, 1875.

After one of these matches, played at Timaru in 1879, the nation’s first provincial union was formed on July 26 of that year.

Hamersley was elected vicechairman of the new Canterbury Rugby Football Union, a position he held until 1884.

During the mid-1880s, local clubs became despondent with rule from Christchurch and at a meeting at Hamersley’s Church St legal office on May 8, 1888, the South Canterbury Rugby Football Union was formed.

Later that year, Hamersley and his family moved to Vancouver, Canada.

In 1995, the 85-year-old Skinner Cup was discarded in favour of a trophy that could be named according to the sponsor.

When a sponsor could not be found in 2009, it was decided to separate the sponsorship of the competition from the trophy itself, resulting in a new trophy.

This new cup was named the Hamersley Cup as a way to recognise Alfred St George Hamersley’s pioneering efforts.

It was engraved to include the names of all the championship winning clubs from 1888 to current times. — South Canterbury Rugby Union

Harlequins take cup in cracking Premier final

STU PIDDINGTON: The Timaru Courier 31 Juy 2025

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 onepoint 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.

Harlequins finally lift cup

STU PIDDINGTON July 25, 2024

Harlequins are Hamersley Cup champions for the first time after an enthralling 35-33 win over a courageous Celtic side at Ashbury Park on Saturday.

It is the Harlies’ first senior rugby title in 15 years. They have been largely untouchable throughout the season with 13 wins from 14 games, including a 50-10 trouncing of Celtic in the season opener.

There was plenty of delight as 38-year-old Harlequins captain Telusa Latu lifted the silverware on their home ground, in his 146th and final game, after a hard-fought battle where Celtic would just not give up.

Celtic got away to the perfect start, with prop Garret Casey burrowing over for a try after 12 minutes, and first five Hayden Kerr converting.

But then a 10-minute burst from Harlequins saw them score four tries to lead 24-7, and a rout looked on as the Pacific Island influence in their side made it look like festival rugby — with the ball being given plenty of air — rather than a club final.

The first came from a Celtic error at the restart which gifted Harlequins the ball, and a bust by second five Paula Fifita saw prop Taufa Halaufia score. First five Liueli Simote added the extras to tie the game 7-all.

Two minutes later Harlequins were in the lead after several offloads saw openside Maloni Uhi score.

Left wing Samiuela Ahokovi then bolted 60m to the corner after a wide pass gave him some room, leaving defenders in his wake.

Another Celtic fumble gifted fullback Filimoehala Sioeli the ball and he ran 50-plus metres untouched to score.

At 24-7 a one-sided game looked on.

But Celtic dug deep and fullback Jarred Mannex scored an excellent try, albeit with a touch of luck with the bounce of the ball.

There was then a great run from Celtic left wing Peala Matakaiongo, who bounced off several would-be tacklers before off-loading to replacement lock Alofiali Livato, who scored to make it 24-19 at halftime.

Harlequins immediately stretched their lead after the break with a try to wing Lisiate Folau and Simote added a penalty to put Harlequins ahead 32-19.

Some brave defending from Celtic halfback Willie Wright stopped Harlequins going further ahead when he got under Harlequins replacement hooker Apitoni Tola to hold up the ball over the line, when a try would have surely spelled an end to the contest.

Celtic No 8 Conor Anderson then got his side back in the game midway through the second half with a try from close range, and Kerr’s conversion had the margin down to six points — and with Harlequins prop Taufa Halaufia binned for an indiscretion.

Simote, who had an indifferent day from the kicking tee, then landed a crucial penalty for Harlequins, which meant Celtic would need to score twice in the final 20 minutes.

In the final 10 minutes Celtic threw everything at Harlequins. Referee Jackson Henshaw finally lost patience with the Harlequins illegal defence and sent loose forward Siu Kakala to the bin with eight minutes left to play.

Celtic kept the pressure on and were rewarded with a penalty try from a dominant scrum to close the gap to two points, with two minutes left to play.

But Harlequins held on for a memorable victory in front of a delighted home crowd.

As the fulltime whistle blew players from both teams fell to their knees in either exhaustion or prayer.

It was one of the most entertaining club rugby finals in the past decade, with both sides showing plenty of skill and intent.

Harlequins coach Colin Cameron was delighted for his team.

‘‘They showed plenty of guts when it mattered, and I am rapt for them.

‘‘It was a great way for Telusa and Paula to finish [retire].

‘‘Credit to Celtic, as they played exceptionally well.’’

Cameron admitted he was very nervous at the end, as a long-range penalty could have had Celtic stealing the game.

‘‘In the end, it was great for the boys to win, and [we] will no doubt be celebrating with some kava.’’

The title was also special for Cameron who was also in charge, along with Gareth Burgess, when Harlequins won their last title in 2008.

For Harlequins the midfield pairing of Fifita and Lote Fakatou were excellent on defence and attack, while openside Uhi made an impact as a ball carrier, as did the speedster Ahokovi.

Celtic’s best were veteran Wright, who directed play well, and Mannex on attack, while Anderson had a strong game and Livato had a big impact when he came on.

Joy, and relief, for Harlequins as they take Hamersley Cup

Chris Tobin July 22, 2024

After a gap of 15 seasons, Harlequins have taken out the South Canterbury senior rugby club championship and Hamersley Cup beating a tenacious Celtic team, 35-33 at Ashbury Park on Saturday.

Pent-up feelings over that long absence from any silverware of note were unleashed at the end of the match when Harlequins supporters, and children, flooded onto the ground to share the moment.

The joy was mixed with relief since in the dying stages the outcome hung on a knife edge.

Celtic, the clear underdogs after losing heavily to the Harlequins both times this season, looked capable of an upset of massive proportions.

Parked in front of the Harlequins goalposts in the final minutes, after a flurry of penalties in their favour, Celtic opted for scrum after scrum but could not penetrate the desperate Harlequins defence.

“They don’t want us to win!” a Harlequins supporter wailed fearful the match could be lost.

However, the Harlequins held their line and took the victory.

The closeness at the end came after periods in the first half when the ‘Harlies’ threatened to break out, looking as though they could rattle on an advantage of 20 or more points and waltz away to a comfortable victory.

Yet, time and again Celtic clawed their way back.

This was due to Harlequins’ powerful forwards never being able to gain ascendancy over the Celtic pack. In fact, in the dying minutes, the Harlequins’ forwards were being hassled and outplayed.

The only noticeable difference between the two teams was that Harlequins had more firepower in the backs, especially out wide.

The ‘Harlies’ were all steam power in the forwards and athleticism in the backs. Celtic were just guts and tenacity both forwards and backs, helped immeasurably by the guile and tactical astuteness of halfback, Willie Wright.

In the early minutes, Celtic held territorial advantage and were rewarded with a bullocking Celtic try near the posts by prop Garret Casey that was converted by first five-eighth, Hayden Kerr.

Harlequins struck back immediately after a Willie Wright kick was charged down and prop Taufa Hala’ufia scored. Leneli Simote converted and it was 7-all.

Three minutes later, Harlequins extended their lead after a series of off-loads among the backs and flanker Maloni Uni took the final pass to score, which Simote converted.

Three minutes later, Harlequins’ flying “try king”, Samiuela Ahokovi sliced through the Celtic defence and sprinted 60m to score in the try of the day.

With the score 19-7, Celtic looked battered, struggling to contain the rampant Harlequins backs. Three minutes later, their woes continued after the ball was fumbled.

Harlequins fullback Filimoehala Sioelli pounced and sprinted to score. That made it 24-7 with Celtic supporters now fearing a possible hiding and perhaps thinking of sending someone to Craigie Avenue to pop the many green and red balloons put up outside the Celtic clubrooms.

Yet four minutes, later Celtic fullback Jarred Mannix followed up a clever grubber kick and scored, which Kerr converted and the score was 24-14.

Celtic’s Alofiali Liva came on as a replacement and had hardly time to adjust to his surroundings when he had the ball and made a storming run down the touchline to score.

The try went unconverted but at halftime with the score 24-19 Celtic were back in the match.

After the resumption, when a Celtic penalty kick failed to find touch, from the resulting play Harlequins wing Lisiate Folou scored, and not long after Simote slotted a penalty to make the score 32-19.

Yet back Celtic came, again, taking up residence near the Harlequins line.

After a series of scrums, Celtic No 8 Conor Anderson scored to the displeasure of Harlequins prop Hala’ufia who was given a yellow card.

Murmurs of concern rumbled among Harlies’ supporters, relieved by Simote landing a penalty yet exacerbated when Siu Kakala was sinbinned.

Growing tired of handing out a barrage of penalties in front of Harlequins’ posts, referee Jackson Henshaw then awarded Celtic a penalty try.

With the score 35-33 what had looked impossible for Celtic looked possible.

Yet Harlequins, a team that had averaged 50 points a match in the round robin, held on.

When Henshaw blew his whistle for fulltime, as the celebrations began on the sidelines, on the field more than half the Harlies team dropped on a muddied knee to offer up a prayer of thanks - and relief.

It was a time of celebration in Fairlie also, as Mackenzie downed Pleasant Point 71-5 to take the Ian Scott Memorial Cup.

In other matches on Saturday, Harlequins beat Mackenzie 37-25 in the senior B Wood Cup final, and Pleasant Point defeated Waimate 39-15 to win the Glover Cup.

- The Timaru Herald

Harlequins and Celtic make it an all ‘town’ rugby final

Chris Tobin July 16, 2024

The final of the South Canterbury senior rugby competition for the Hamersley Cup will be contested on Saturday by the two Timaru clubs: Harlequins and Celtic.

It will be another chapter in a long and historic “town” rivalry that stretches back over a century to the days of Star and Zingari, the clubs from which Harlequins were formed.

Harlequins had to get past Temuka on Saturday to secure their place in the final. After sweeping through the round robin like a tornado this season, Harlequins went into the match as the overwhelming favourites against the defending champions.

However, Temuka played up to their club’s proud tradition.

The first half was touch and go: Temuka was ahead 6-3, all penalty kicks, with only five minutes remaining until the break.

Then, within the space of five minutes, the game changed dramatically.

Harlequins scored twice with tries to first five-eighths Liueli Simote and flanker Maioni Uhi, one of which Simote converted. This made the score 15-6 to Harlequins.

Five minutes into the second half, Uhi again scored for the Harlequins. Simote chimed in with the conversion, making it 22-6.

Natui Saumani Su’a attempts to penetrate the Harlequins’ defence for Temuka.AIMAN AMERUL MUNER / The Timaru Herald

Harlequins seemed to be cruising until the 63rd minute, when Natui Saumani Su’a scored for Temuka. It was converted by Faalele Iosua, and the Magpies were back in the game.

This seemed paricularly to be so after two Harlequins players, Lisiate Folau and Paula Fifita, were sin-binned, at 63 minutes and 67 minutes respectively.

However, there was no further scoring and Harlequins booked their place in the final with a 22-13 victory, a score far closer than that of their last outing against Temuka when they won 48-15.

The match was held on neutral territory at Geraldine’s Raukapuka Reserve – just why has been a matter of conjecture on social media. Attempts by The Timaru Herald to find out the reason from the South Canterbury Rugby Union have been unsuccessful.

In the other semifinal, Celtic met Waimate at their Rockdale Rd ground.

The match was still in the settling phase when Celtic’s Sean Rhodes was yellow-carded, and Waimate took advantage. Benjamin Dyson scored with the try converted by Theo Davidson, who added a penalty kick soon after.

This put Waimate ahead 10-0 after only 12 minutes.

Hayden Kerr responded for Celtic with two penalty kicks.

After 32 minutes, Celtic’s Daniel Leautuli received a yellow card, his second in two weeks.

However, right on halftime, Peala Matakaioga scored for Celtic with the try converted by Kerr. This put them in front for the first time, 13-10.

After the resumption, Celtic continued this drive with tries to Conor Anderson and Jarred Mannex, both converted by Kerr to make it 27-10.

Yet another yellow card popped their balloon, with Alofialii Liva on the receiving end.

Henry Bryce and Thomas Scott scored twice for Waimate, both tries converted by Davidson.

With 17 minutes left to play, it was game on: Celtic was just ahead, 27-24.

The Celts held on and breathed a sigh of relief after two Kerr penalty kicks secured a 33-24 win.

So it will be an all-Timaru rugby final, with Harlequins favoured.

In their two clashes this season, Harlequins have beaten Celtic comfortably 50-10 and 43-24.

Giving Celtic some heart, however, would be the knowledge they beat Temuka on the two occasions the teams met this season – and Harlequins were made to fight hard to hold off the Magpies in the semifinal.

Discipline could be crucial. Neither team would want to repeat the yellow cards (Celtic 3, Harlequins 2) handed out in the semifinals.

In the lower-tier competition for the Ian Scott Memorial Cup, Mackenzie beat Old Boys 69-10, and Pleasant Point downed Geraldine 35-14, making it a Mackenzie-Pleasant Point final on Saturday.

Mackenzie must be favoured in the final. They had a horror start to the season with four straight losses but picked up and became definite prospects for the top four.

Pleasant Point had a fluctuating round robin, suffering a severe Harlequins thrashing, but they beat Mackenzie at the start of the season 27-20.

In their most recent clash, Mackenzie won 50-7.

- The Timaru Herald