Kio Kio United halfback Lachlan van der Pasch has been a consistent figure for the side this season. Here he passes from a ruck against Piopio earlier in the season. PHOTO SUPPLIED
If someone had said at the end of the first round that Kio Kio United would be playing for silverware, they probably would have been laughed at.
The rugby team had not won a game in four years and then, had been forced to default their first game in the division 1 section. However, the past month has seen one heck of a turn-around for the club.
They won two of their four pool games to finish second in their section. Their success allowed them to host a semi-final at home in Maihiihi.
It proved to be the perfect recipe as the team produced their best performance of the season to defeat the Taumarunui Eels 24-10 in a highly entertaining encounter.
Kio Kio United Club president Donald Street said it had been an eventful season for the small club.
“We had an under-85s team play a whole season, three netball teams who did exceptionally well and then our senior side have gone on to make the final.
“It’s fantastic for our small club and all the stuff we have gone through this year with many believing we shouldn’t have bothered.
“It was a fantastic game and probably the best I have seen the guys play in about five years.
“They were up against a strong Eels side.”
He said they had a few injuries in the semi-final and some of their reserves might be called upon to start this weekend at Owen Delany Park in Taupō against favourite Taupō Marist, but Street said they weren’t fazed.
“We’ve had to use all the squad, all year, and whoever runs out on the park will do a fantastic job for us.
“We’re not looking too far ahead, this is a fantastic achievement for us and win or lose, we’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved.”
Street said they had been close on numerous occasions earlier in the season to claim wins, so when the first one did arrive, they knew it wasn’t a fluke.
“We just needed a bit of luck. We had been close and the past month the boys have been playing some cracking rugby.”
They lost by a point to Taupō Marist earlier in the round robin section and then ill discipline and soft underfoot conditions saw them beaten at home.
“It’s going to be tough. We have two buses going to Taupō full of supporters and others have vehicles going across to support, so there’s going to be plenty of support for the team.
“Both finals should be cracking matches.”
Kio Kio United are also flying the North King Country flag as they’re the only team from the area still standing. Waitomo, Waitete, Piopio and the Eels all fell at the semi-final stage.
In the Meads Cup semi-finals, Waitete were beaten 20-19 in a thriller with Tongariro United, Piopio fell 29-3 to Taupō Sports and in the other division 1 semi-final clash, Taupō Marist outclassed Waitomo 27-5.
Kick off in Kio Kio’s final is at 1pm, while Taupō Sports and Tongariro face off at 3pm.
