North Otago Claims Lochore Cup with Thrilling 64-47 Victory

The North Otago Rugby Union celebrated a significant achievement by securing the Lochore Cup after defeating Horowhenua-Kapiti with a score of 64-47 in a captivating final held in Maheno. This victory marked the culmination of the Heartland Championship season, showcasing the team’s dedication and community support throughout the year.

In the early stages of the season, North Otago laid a solid foundation by bringing together community stakeholders to establish a strategic vision. This initiative led to the appointment of Luke Herden, a former Old Golds favourite, as the head coach, with Ralph Darling, a North Otago centurion, serving as his assistant. The team returned to the Oamaru Showgrounds for this season, as the Whitestone Contracting Stadium was unavailable due to the construction of the Waitaki Event Centre. The venue hosted not only the Old Golds matches but also club rugby, age-group representative games, and events for the North Otago women’s teams.

North Otago Chief Executive Sene Naoupu expressed gratitude to the community for their unwavering support. “All of those wonderful things took also the community to support us,” Naoupu stated. “Every single week of that representative campaign, as well as the club campaign… that was all representative of our purpose and vision.” He emphasized the significance of the Lochore Cup final for the team, noting the collective effort of the community in guiding the strategic development and bringing in the right coaching staff.

Naoupu praised the players for their exceptional performance throughout the season. “They’ve carried themselves with that mana on the field and off the field. That’s the theme of this whole year and that’s what us as a union need to remember — we’re community-led.” The players consistently demonstrated their commitment and skill, contributing to a remarkable season.

Further recognition was given to prop Kelepi Funaki, No 8 Junior Fakatoufifita, and second five Tini Feke, who were selected for the Heartland XV’s upcoming two-game tour of Samoa. Naoupu described the moment as filled with excitement and celebration after a challenging year. “There’s just so much excitement and [it’s] just [a] time of celebration after what’s been an incredibly intense year,” he remarked.

As North Otago reflects on its successful campaign, Naoupu acknowledged the numerous individuals and groups that contributed to their achievements, including volunteers, referees, supporters, families, and children involved in the rugby community. “Everything about that campaign was incredibly special,” he concluded.

Looking ahead, the North Otago Rugby Union is optimistic about returning to the Whitestone Contracting Stadium next year and is working closely with the Waitaki District Council regarding the development of the Waitaki Event Centre. The future looks promising for rugby in North Otago, with the community’s support remaining at the core of its success.