Auckland were defending champions from the last Nationals. A long history exists between Auckland and Kapiti Horowhenua in the Masters competition throughout the years, in Men’s 35 and 40’s.
Both teams had a nervous start to the game, both managing to get runners into the in goal, but without completing the scoring play.
The first score was in the 10th minute when Auckland number 10 George Jack intercepted a pass on his own 5 metre line and sprinted the length of the field to score.
Both teams then suffered handling errors for a period of time, before in the 17th minute Raymond Te Moananui chopped a hole, was fed a short pass by Peter McIntyre, and Auckland were ahead 2 – 0.
Kapiti Horowhenua responded immediately with Dean Waiwatai scooping into the in goal, and feeding Michael Rauhihi to score for Kapiti Horowhenua.
A minute later Jamie Laufiso scored on the wing for Auckland and the half time siren sounded at 3-1 in favour of Auckland.
It took 4 minutes of play in the second spell before Peter Walters came into his own - dumped and split, received the ball back, ran the hole, short delayed pass to Shane Edwards and Auckland scored again.
The scoring was completed 10 minutes into the second half after Auckland’s Paul Norris intercepted a pass, ran the length of the field and scored, followed shortly thereafter by Peter Walters running at the line, showing the ball, and scoring between his markers.
Final score 6 - 1 to Auckland.
This was Peter Walter's 17th consecutive Gold medal at Masters Touch level, having played in every final in the grade his team has contested, and having never lost a final.
Last Modified on 28/02/2012 13:28