NEWS - 2008 SEASON
BEARS BLOW THEM ALL AWAY FOR 2008
On Saturday 9th August your team - the Kapiti Bears - beat Victoria University Hunters 30-24 to take out the Wellington Rugby League Association Premier Reserve Grand Final at Porirua Trust Park.
Bears supporters, who out chanted the opposition, were justly rewarded with a thrilling game that saw the Bears eventually take out yet another grand final. Despite the cold, an excellent crowd attended at Porirua Trust Park and filled the grandstand, to show that League is definitely on the come back in Wellington.
The Bears struggled in the second round of the premier reserve competition but retained their spot in the top 4 to play in the "sudden death" semi final. After 22-6 win over Randwick in the semi final many did not believe the Bears could do a repeat act in the finals, especially against a powerful University team that had won 60-20 in their last encounter. However, once again the Bears showed that that league talent and experience in Kapiti should not be under-estimated.
The Bears started well and went into the lead with a Cordell Winiata try, before scoring again to take a 10 nil lead. However, then the Bears took their foot off the accelerator to allow the Hunters to draw 10 all. The Hunters moved ahead to 14 - 10 and kept the lead to half-time. The Hunters dominated in the early 2nd half to move ahead, but the Bears dug deep and regained focus. Soon both teams had drawn even at 20 all.
The Hunters scored again and held the lead for sometime against a tired looking Bears team. Then the
Bears changed tactics and uccessfully executed a couple of short kicks, which seemed to upset the Hunters
game and allowed the Bears to regather the ball and play in the opposition half. As the game drew equal
at 24 all, both teams seemed to tire. However, with 5 minutes to go a run up the left wing by Rua Hemopo
saw another try by Cordell Winiata and a conversion by captain David Te Maipi. The Bears were ahead by
30-24.
The Hunters tried hard to come back and almost scored under the post had it not been for some excellent defence from the Bears and an awesome tackle by Terry Poko who left a stunned Hunters forward short of the line. Further pressure saw the Hunters spill the ball in the final seconds. The whistle blew and Bears supporters went wild. Following a blood curdling haka the Bears went up to accept the cup and medals.
Coach Doug Leilua put the win down to the mighty team spirit and a combination of experienced and young talent. "When both teams were tired, the Bears knew it was time to dig deep and finish the job" said Leilua. "Our experienced players such as Dave Te Maipi, Leo Perez, and Hira Arapata knew that the game is never over until the whistle blows" said Leilua. Leilua praised the mighty go forward power of Terry Poko, and the running skills of Jimi Walker and winger Rua Hemopo. He also acknowledged the massive effort by the whole team, who worked as a unit to take out the win.
Scorers: Tries: Cordell Winiata (2), Maligi Tiotio, Eta Neru, Antony Fox, Rua Hemopo. Conversions: David Te Maipi (3).
Bears player Hemi Mullen made the Wellington Rugby League Assn under 18 representative squad. Antony Fox made the Wellington senior representative squad.