There's grinners and winners in Whanga this week due to the fact that the Dean Cup has returned to the Republic and to its home, along side the Jean Cup, at the Whangamomona Pub.
Wal's Men in Black took it to Toko in the first 30 minutes with 2 penalties and a drop goal to Matiu Welch and the first try of the match to Whanga's Tony Willis. Toko scored a try right on half time to make the score 14-5.
Toko came out firing in the 2nd half scoring a penalty and a try to make it 14-13 with the conversion to come for Toko. With all Whanga fans willing it to miss and a charging Tony Willis the ball slide to the right of the uprights. There is a God!! Then it was heart attack stuff as the clock ticked down but the Whanga boys got the job done. Boom the Dean Cup is Whanga's again for the next year.
It was a mighty effort by all but half back Lyndsey Horrocks had an outstanding game and was Whanga's Player of the Day. Toko's Player of the Day was Vaughan Holdt.
The Neustroski Cup is for the most valuable player in the Dean Cup season over the 3 teams . There was no doubting the winner this year- Matiu Welch for Whanga who played a huge role in Whanga's 2015 campaign. Second was Cody Grayling and third was Gary Old both from Toko.
Many thanks to Toko for their hospitality and great hangi at the after match function. Well done to first try scorer, Tony- not a drop was spilt.
Congrats to coach Wal and captain Red and all the Men in Black. Job well done. Fans well pleased.
The friendly(!!) netball game was just as close with Toko putting in a big effort in the last quarter but the Whanga ladies held on for the win. 33-31. Glennis Pease for Whanga had a huge game and was their Player of the Day with shooter Dale West for Toko taking their honours.
So that's it for 2015 for the Dean Cup. Whanga boys have their annual game against Tainui for the Mantle Cup, on the 8th of August which coincides with Tainui's 75th anniversary. Kick off at 1pm for the Old Timers and main game is at 2pm
No date yet for the Ohura/Whanga game which is to be at Whanga-Home of the Dean Cup, this year.