CHUFFED: Avid Kio Kio United rugby fan and life member Michael Cumpstone gives the scoreboard a thumbs up after Kio Kio’s victory last weekend. Photo supplied
A tick under 1460 days.
That’s how long it has been between victories for the Kio Kio United senior men’s rugby team.
It was Waitomo that fell to Kio Kio to snap the streak last weekend, while in 2019, the last time they won, it was a King Country Club Rugby division 1 semifinal and Taupō Marist were the opponents.
This year, the side plugged away and came close on a couple of occasions to ending their losing streak, however, they fell short late in the contests.
What made Saturday’s win against Waitomo even more impressive was Kio Kio had to do it with 14 players for a good portion of the contest after they lost a player for a red card indiscretion, after a penalty try was ruled out.
Kio Kio’s 31-26 victory was built around grit, determination and courage as they fought against the odds.
They were three points ahead at halftime and managed to hold on in the second half.
“We’re still in disbelief really. We can’t believe we managed to win,” president Donald Street said.
When the sides played three weeks ago, Kio Kio turned up but had been decimated by injury and after leading 22-10 ran out of puff and were beaten 29-22.
“We didn’t have any subs and it cost us; they had a full bench and that was the difference. We just ran out of steam.”
Street said that loss was a result Kio Kio wanted to rectify.
“The following week after that loss we defaulted and then we had a bye, so we made sure that this week we had a bench.
“What a bench it was, too, as they all contributed to the victory. Everyone who went on the field added a lot to the performance.”
To get a victory was massive for the team, because if you had asked Street back in January if they were going to have a team, he would have said ‘no chance’.
“Now, we manage to have two teams out on the field every Saturday. It’s a testament to this coaching group and everyone involved with the club.
“A lot of people said, ‘what is the point?’ And we told them the rugby club is the heart and soul of this community.”
There was certainly plenty of celebrating going on well into the night at the Kio Kio Rugby Club following the win.
Street said the clash against Waitomo was a good, even game and he had been pleased with how competitive they had been this year.
This weekend, they’re on the road with a trip to Benneydale, where they will face Bush United.
“It’s going to be a tough game, it always is at Bush, but the guys are heading there full of confidence.”
In the other King Country fixtures to take place over the weekend, in division one Taupō Marist were too strong for Bush United, winning 32-18, while the Taumarunui Eels had the bye
In the Meads Shield, Piopio overcame Tongariro United 25-17 and Taupō Sports overpowered Taumarunui Districts 58-18, with Waitete getting a week off.
This weekend sees Tongariro travel to Rugby Park in Te Kūiti, where they will face a fired up and refreshed Waitete outfit, while Piopio host Taupō, Sports in what should be a cracking contest and Districts have a much-needed bye this weekend.
In division one, Taumarunui Eels welcome Taupō Marist to Cherry Grove and Bush United facing Kio Kio, with Waitomo given the weekend off.
