The Lochore Cup final was in arms reach but unfortunately, taken away from the Nua in the dieing minutes. The stakes were high as the Nua lads entered their first Lochore Cup semi final since 2022, and funnily enough, ended up being in a similar situation, just missing out on the final whistle.
West Coast started with a hiss and a roar, running through with 2 unanswered converted tries early doors, but the Nua stuck in the fight, clawing back, but it was West Coast who would take the lead at halftime 27 – 40. The boys knew they would have to dig deep to bring this one back, and dug deep they did. The start of the second half was back and forth but it wasnt until the last 20 minutes where the Nua took charge running in 2 unanswered tries and racking the score up at 51 – 47. With bodies on the line and the game going into injury time, West Coast snuck in a final blow, booking their tickets to the Lochore Cup final.
As tough as a loss like that, in a semi final, is, the team were gracious in defeat and held their heads high. The guys who wore the red, white and blue, wore the jerseys with pride and should be proud of their efforts all season. The season may have not gone the way they wanted, but the Horowhenua Kapiti community were behind them every step of the way.
A big thank you to everyone that supported the team along the way. Supporters, sponsors, friends and whanau, the team couldnt have done as well as they did without you all, so thank you. We look forward to seeing you all back in 2025 to watch the lads don the red, white and blue once again. We’ll be back… UPTHENUA 
