Swampfoxes secure place in final

• Author: RUGBY Dan Trasker
• Published date: 04 November 2021
• Publication title: Taupo Weekender

At opposite ends of the Heartland Championship table, the round seven clash between the neighbouring Chiefs unions was always tipped to go Thames Valley’s way, with the Swampfoxes unbeaten and the Rams yet to notch a win in 2021.

Yet it was only in the final quarter that Valley really stretched their legs, scoring three late tries to not only hit the half-century, but to confirm their place in the Meads Cup final in a fortnight.

For the Rams, it was a tough ask made even tougher with much of the original squad unable to play because of the level 3 lockdown covering much of the wider Waikato regions, but a lack of fitness mixed with poor execution didn’t help their cause.

Former North Harbour first five-eighth Todd Doolan put the home side ahead early with two penalties — the first of his 25 points for the game — before wing Will Newbold strolled down an almost undefended openside for Thames Valley’s first try after 13 minutes.

King Country’s defence was again left scrambling in the lead-up to Thames Valley’s second try, with Doolan touching down after some direct running gave the Swampfoxes an 18-0 lead after 21 minutes.

After a muddly start with minimal possession or territory, King Country had the better of the back end of the first half, as halfback Nathaniel Smith finished off an impressive break from centre Alefosio Tapili before first...