Onto the Premier match. Johnsonville Hawks v Tawa games are always special and made even more so with a place at the big dance for the winner. Hawks supporters came out in force for this one and weren’t scared to voice who they supported. It was also noticeable that Tawa had a
number of out-of-town support from the Kāpiti contingent who were allowed out of their ‘village’ for the afternoon.
What a game. The Hawks started strongly and went out to an early lead but Tawa fought back with rangy Wellington Lions blindside Matolu Petaia scoring two converted
tries to lead 14 - 5 at the break, which Tawa extended to 17 - 5 early in the second half and seemingly in control. The Hawks then kicked into gear and although playing into a slight breeze totally dominated possession, territory, and the penalty count! The gap closed to within one score and although Tawa defended valiantly it was no surprise that the Hawks surged across the line to level the match in the 80th minute.
Two 10 minute periods of extra time followed, with the winner decided by who scored the most tries if
the scores were still level. So the pressure was on Tawa to win as they were behind on the try count.
The Hawks scored early to take a 24 - 17 lead. Tawa responded just before the break through block-busting No 8 George Risale and it was level going into the last 10 minute
period. Super boot James So'oialo then dropped a vital goal for Tawa to take a three point lead. Tawa supporters then spent five mins chewing their nails as they watched Tawa defend their line staunchly with sometimes only 13 men as players were going down with cramp. There was just a feeling of relief when the ref blew the final whistle, with the Hawks camped on Tawa’s line in what was an epic semi.
