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Perfect weather conditions, a huge crowd and some awesome rugby was the order of the day at the Paeroa Domain for the conclusion of the Thames Valley Secondary Schools competition on the 20th August.
The day started at 9.30am with a classic final in the 4th grade between Thames and Paeroa for the Bob Passey Cup. this game was went right down to the wire with Thames winning a close battle 12 - 7. Mr Bob Passey was in attendance to present the cup which was appreciated by all.
Next up it was the Development Grade final for the L Berry Cup between Thames - who have set the pace all year and hadn't really been challenged - and Waihi who came out with all guns blazing. This was a tremendous game played in front of a huge and very vocal crowd that was appreciative of some of the scintillating rugby played. Thames certainly knew they were in for a tough day and Waihi showed their determination to knock over the pacesetters. Eventually though Thames ground Waihi down winning 45 - 34 to take out the championship.
The 1B Championship for the brand new Allen Fisher Cup was also a great spectacle between Te Kauwhata and Paeroa 1st XV's. These 2 teams just missed out on making it into the 1A Championship 2nd round so deservedly played in this final. Te Kauwhata brought their A game to the day eventually winning 24 - 10.
The 'main' game for the 1A Championship and the Coulter Cup saw a great final between Hauraki Plains College and Thames High School with both teams wanting to play attractive rugby - the result hanging in the balance until about the 60 minute mark. Eventually though the Hauraki Plains backs clicked into gear scoring 2 late tries to seal victory with a 33 - 15 win. Credit must go to Thames for the way they approached the game with a nothing to lose attitude that had Hauraki - who looked nervous in those first exchanges - on the back foot for much of the first half.
Congratulations to all teams though for your efforts in 2011 and here's looking forward to another huge year of Secondary Schools Rugby in 2012.
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