The Taieri Tuataras crashed the Albany Alligators’ party, retaining the Otago premier men’s club title with a 1-0 win that was reminiscent of the 1998 Super Rugby final.
There was a huge crowd at the McMillan Centre, and while Albany had more supporters, it was Taieri’s finals experience that really shone through.
The game itself was a bit of a non-event.
Albany were in control, dominating the first half, with Taieri failing to even register a shot in anger.
That said, Issac Hallam was not overly busy, with the Tuataras’ conservative strategy keeping the game in check.
It seemed right throughout if there was to be a winner, it would come from Albany — but that was not what transpired.
The Tuataras immediately shot out of the blocks, had their first effort on goal at the start of the second half, and continued to get themselves further up the field.
Midway through the third quarter, Jarrod Casey fired home the goal of his life over the shoulder of keeper Michael Lobb, but it was disallowed as officials deemed it was shot from outside the circle.
Replays showed that may not have been correct, but Taieri had to get on with the job.
Into the final quarter, the game was on a knife edge, and eventually, with eight minutes to go, the decisive moment arrived.
A hopeful ball was slapped down-field, and after an unfortunate deflection, it sat up for Oliver Battrick, who calmly rounded Lobb with his first touch, before smashing it home into an empty net.
The crowd was absolutely silent — which was a little bizarre, but the defending champions did not care.
It was now or never for Albany, but there was no way past Hallam, who put in his performance of the season.
Taieri saw the game out, and were crowned champions again.
This title felt extra special for many of the Taieri players, simply for the reason it was not expected.
Their young side was written off, but they did the job.
Best on the day for the Tuataras was Casey, who was a man possessed in the middle of the park. Zeke Buschl and Baxter Meder were also very good, as well as keeper Hallam.
For Albany, in the losing effort, Lachie Crowle was very strong, putting out fires at the back right throughout.
Hamish Davenport was also an ever-present threat.
They say you have to lose one to win one, so expect Albany to be back with vengeance next year.
— Nicholas Friedlander
