Wainui Lions let lead slip

By Frank Neill

The Wainuiomata Lions looked in with a chance of upsetting the current Wellington Rugby League champions Whiti Te R when they led 22-20 just after half time.

However it was not to be, and Whiti Te R overtook Wainuiomata to win the match 34-22.

Played at Whiti Te R ’s home ground, taki Domain, on 15 April, the match was evenly poised for just over half of the 80 minutes.

Following the first half arm wrestle, the home team led 20-16 at the break.

The Lions took the lead just after the second half began when Dante Kakahi scored a try, which Anaru

Waihape converted, to move two points ahead of Whiti Te R

A series of Lions errors allowed the home team to capitalise, scoring a try, and they added two more tries late in the match to secure a flattering score line.

The other three try scorers for Wainuiomata were John Wharepapa-Rawiri, Simeona Saumolia and Anaru Waihape. Anaru kicked a second conversion, and Regan Hauwaho also kicked a conversion.

Dante Kakahi played outstandingly for the Lions and was named the most valuable player, while senior team members Utai Oti-Lahood and John Wharepapa-Rawiri also put in strong peformances.