The day started bright and early for all teams as the blessing of the ground by a local Aboriginal Elder followed by the Powhiri to welcome all teams. The draw was then done and the first game was Waverley V North lakes.

A very tough game to start the day as the score of only 10 – 0 to Waverley indicated. The Waverley team looked great in defence but had trouble retaining the ball in the tackle & in broken play. But Waverley stuck to the game plan and got on the score sheet. A great try scored early in the first half by play maker Lloyd Atkin and one to winger Cruz Hepi gave Waverley the win.

It was then a 30 min break and straight into Waverley second game against Rockdale.Waverley came out firing scoring 20 un answered points through 3 tries and one conversion and one penalty goal.Try scorers where Dez Hunter scoring one in the corner with blistering pace and 2 tries to Cruz.

Game 3 was a semi finale match against newcomers Canterbury who had been performing well all day and proved that they will be a team to look out for in future Taki Toa. The highlight of the day for many spectators was the Hakas performed by both Waverley & Canterbury that really set the pace for the game.

A tight game full of emotion took place but Waverley got home 6 – 0 thanks to two penalty goals from Lloyd Atkin a heated exchange near the end of the game was what the crowed was waiting for and they go it. But in true Taki Toa spirit both teams huddled together after the final whistle and thanked each other.

So it was the repeat of last years final Waverley V Rouse Hill. Emotions where high in both camps and it was expected to be a fast paced game as these are the 2 form teams of the day but the heavens opened on kick off and ball retention from both teams was poor. But the big hits started to take there toll on the teams and silly errors cost Waverley penalties within kicking range.

Rouse Hill pulled out to a 9 -0 lead with Waverley getting a 3 pointer late in the game and a certain try next to the post was called to be held up.3 point was not enough to keep the Shield in Bondi for another winter Rouse Hill 9 Waverley 3.

Although Waverley didn’t get the result they wanted it was still a great campaign that started over 6 weeks ago. Their fitness was a true testament to all the hard work put in by coach Deon & trainer Bill. All of this worked showed in the way Waverley defended its line with not one team getting over all day.

Co captain’s Clayton Grant & Haze Kara where very proud of their teams efforts and said that this was the best campainge that they have been involved with. They also praised the efforts and attitude and commitment of the non Maori players Ryan Wheeler , Dan & Huw Phillips, Tony Barry, Endolf and the two Aussie battlers Nicko & Phill Campbell. Special mention goes to Hepa who was the first ever winner of the Taki Toa Dennis Beaver award.

Deon and staff would like to thank all involved with getting the team on the field on the day such as Rob Stenberg from GT – EX Global Transport and Rob Proyer for his support. Karl & Kane for getting the great Taki Toa T’shirts together , Patrick for the Moko ( Maori design ) for the playing strip and Scott at ISC sports for his time in producing the Waverley strip. Also to Tiv and the Waverley Rugby club a big thank you for your support.

To Sharron Dick and her endless hours of behind the scenes work without Sharons efforts alot would have not got done. To all the wives / partners and children of the players and staff thank you all for your continued support. Bring on 2011 Taki Toa

Deon Smith – 2010 Taki Toa Coach