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The Hibiscus Coast Raiders Rugby Premier League team settled some unfinished business when they beat the Howick Hornets 24-18 to claim the Sharman Cup at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, August 15.
The victory brought redemption after the Raiders suffered a heartbreaking final-minute loss to the Ōtara Scorpions in last year’s grand final, played in miserable conditions.
This year the sun shone, the stands were packed with Raiders supporters and the team arrived determined not to let another opportunity slip away.
However, Raiders coach Jerry Heteraka said preparations needed a quick change up after Howick defeated the Scorpions 48-18 in the semi-final.
“They play a similar game to us, based on fitness and movement around the field,” Heteraka said.
He was not surprised by the semi’s result, although the margin did surprise him.
The Raiders also had the advantage of a fully fit squad for the first time in six weeks, and Heteraka said the players were the most focused he had ever seen them.
It was an 80-minute match, and they needed all of it, but the Raiders powered through to take the Sharman Cup.
“They weren’t overwhelmed, there was no complacency and they were really excited and focused on what they had to do.”
Adding to the occasion was a large contingent of Hibiscus Coast supporters who turned the stadium into something approaching a home ground.
“The stands were completely chocka with Raiders supporters. It was overwhelming to walk out of the tunnel, look around and see how many people were there.”
The Raiders scored five tries, including a hat-trick to winger Taine Tekiri-Ryan, with Tipene Snowden and Ian Mills also crossing the line.
Heteraka said the resilience the team had built over the previous eight weeks proved crucial.
“We gave away a few too many possessions with the ball, which allowed Howick to keep themselves in the match and made us work harder.
“But we had built that resilience. It helped us stay mentally tough, stay in the grind and remember it’s an 80-minute game, and we needed all of it.”
The Hornets had one final opportunity after receiving a penalty on full-time. A converted try could have sent the match into extra time, but the Raiders held firm.
“They saved their grittiest win until the final,” Heteraka said.
“It wasn’t our perfect game, but it turned out we didn’t need to play our perfect game.”
The final whistle sparked celebrations among players and supporters, ending the club’s 14-year wait for another championship.
“The team was over the moon. To see their reactions and the crowd’s reaction showed how important it was,” Heteraka said.
The win earns the side promotion to the Fox Memorial Premiership for 2027.
“They deserve to be playing at that level and it’s a huge deal for the club,” Heteraka said.
“It will be a step up and there will need to be differences in how we train and the mindset we take into games.
“But we need to treat every game like we have this year. The boys are really amped and up for the challenge.”
He said the Raiders would continue to back the approach that carried them to the Sharman Cup.
“Nothing changes. We play our style of footy, trust the process and the boys need to enjoy themselves.”
Following the match, Korey Craig has also been selected for the Auckland Vulcans again, and joins Tipene Snowden, Ian Mills and Jesse Heke as nominees for an Auckland Rugby League awards.
“It’s well-deserved recognition for their seasons,” Heteraka said.
