Nelson just misses touch finals
Coach Weesang Paaka with the teenage trio which was elevated into the U21 Nelson mixed touch side at the national tournament. Weesang Paaka, left, Kaiva Paaka, Tia Graham-Wineera and Tayla Richards. <em>Photo: Supplied.</em>
Nelson touch teams were trying to complete a clean sweep at the nationals over the weekend in South Auckland.
The under 16 and under 18 sides had claimed gold at the same venue last month, and the mixed open and U21 open were hoping to emulate them.
The mixed open outfit, which had won the title the past two years, just scraped into the play-offs after finishing fourth in pool play.
They faced North Harbour, a young side which had won 6-4 in their pool clash.
Harbour scored in the opening minute of Sunday’s semi-final but by early in the second half the defending champions had edged clear 5-3, helped by a double from Demi Salton.
It was a contrast in styles with Nelson’s structured teamwork countered by Harbour individual brilliance.
Harbour caught up and then went past Nelson to win 8-7 after 40 pulsating minutes.
The loss denied Nelson the chance of achieving a three-peat in the mixed open grade.
Earlier, the U21 mixed side also started strongly in its semi-final against the hosts Counties-Manukau, going 2-nil up.
In another titanic tussle, CMTA came back and won 8-7. So, identical scorelines in both semis. Both Nelson sides then went on to finish third in the play-offs.