Heriot completed a dream season with a 27-10 win over Maniototo in the countrywide club final in Ranfurly on Saturday.
Heriot, the South Otago champion, has lost just one game this season, and overcame a three-hour bus trip to pull away in the second half against the Central Otago champion, after the scores were locked up 10-10 at the break.
Both sides had to do without key men. Maniototo was missing first five-eighth Charlie Hore, who was in Sydney for the Bledisloe Cup match, while Heriot inside back Aaron Kimura could not shrug off a knee injury.
Maniototo came out firing in the fine conditions, and used its strong forwards to get over Heriot, which was just trying to get its energy levels up after the travel.
The home team scored a try through winger James Becker, and Thomas Huddleston added a penalty and conversion. Maniototo had another couple of chances but could not convert.
Heriot stayed in the contest, and when outstanding fullback Bill Maiono scored his side's opening try and added a conversion and a penalty, the halftime whistle was sounded with the game tied.
In the second half, Heriot slowly took over the game, and used the ball to stretch the Maniototo defence.
Maiono added another try, his 23rd of the season, and other tries came from first five-eighth Adrian Clague and No 8 Brad Lapthorne.
Maiono was electric throughout the match, and when the game started to break up, his elusiveness and ability to spy the gap was too hard to contain for the home defence.
Experienced flanker Shaun Tauti had a top match, getting all over the paddock at the end of what has been an outstanding season for him.
Tigerish halfback Jye Cormack was another Heriot player who put together a decent effort, while centre Mike McHutcheon did all the right things and helped guide a dangerous backline.
Maniototo never chucked in the towel, and prop Charles Crutchly, who later moved to hooker, played well.
Flanker Nathan Huddleston and winger Willie Clouston also put in solid efforts for Maniototo.
The victory completed a great season for Heriot. Its only loss was to Clutha at the end of the first round of the South Otago competition.
Coach Fraser Fletcher, who is in his first year, said Heriot had tried to play attractive rugby throughout the season.
It appears to have worked. Heriot scored 823 points this year, conceded 215, and notched up 124 tries.
Countrywide final
The scores
Heriot 27
Bill Maiono 2, Adrian Clague, Brad Lapthorne tries; Maiono 2 con, pen
Maniototo 10
James Becker try; Thomas Huddleston con, pen
Halftime: 10-10.
