Hautapu Sports to meet Marist for Elliot Shield in Waikato Colts grand final

29 Jul

Hautapu Sports will meet Hamilton Marist in the grand final of the 2023 Waikato Colts competition.

Hautapu have reached the final with a 41-20 win against Morrinsville at Memorial Park.

Marist beat Hamilton Old Boys 53-19 to reach the final.

The teams will play for the Elliot Shield on Saturday July 29, with Marist having home advantage as the competition’s top seed.

Main photo: The Hautapu Colts … celebrating winning the Centenary Cup against Leamington earlier this season.

At Memorial Park, Hautapu opened the scoring with a Kees Phillips try in the 15th minute.

However, Morrinsville fought back with a converted try and two penalties to take a 13-5 lead after half an hour.

But Hautapu finished the half strongly with a Joel Hazelton try, converted by Jaylen Kitcher, and a try just before half-time from Blake Seavil.

The teams went into the break with the home side leading 17-13.

Hautapu started the second half with a tries from George Cook and Joel Hazelton, the latter converted by Kitcher.

Jack Mathis scored a try in the 66th minute and Cook added his second a few minutes later.

Morrinsville managed a late consolation try but the damage was already done and Hautapu finished comfortable winners, by 41-20.

Game played on Saturday July 22, 2023

Semi-final, Elliot Shield

Hautapu Colts 41
Morrinsville 20

Game to be played on Saturday July 29, 2023

Grand final, Elliot Shield

Hamilton Marist v Hautapu Sports
Marist Park, Hamilton, 1pm