After a visiting Crescent premier team threatened to spoil the party during a day of rugby in balmy autumn sunshine on Saturday, the tables were unexpectedly turned at the last minute.
Toko seniors had emerged victorious from their encounter with Kaitangata’s finest, 38-26, after a nuggety encounter full of entertainment for the sizable jubilee crowd at the Milton Showgrounds.
The celebrating seniors formed a guard of honour for their premier counterparts as they ran on to the pitch, and all was evenly balanced until halftime — Crescent entering the break 27-21 ahead.
But the narrative started to go awry during the second half as an ascendant Crescent put themselves 20 points ahead.
But with 20 minutes to play, the fresh legs and never-say-die spirit of Toko’s substitutes began to claw the birthday boys back into the game.
A hat-trick of tries to replacement front-row Jacob Jenkins put Toko back within two points as the timer ticked down.
With a partisan crowd now palpably willing a penalty, Crescent misstepped, giving Toko fullback Jared Hayes a chance to ensure he would not need for refreshments during the club’s jubilee dinner on Saturday night.
Hayes nailed the penalty kick and a historic jubilee comeback was complete, as players, coaches and supporters poured on to the pitch to start the celebrations in earnest.
Club president Brad Frost said the rugby had provided the perfect backdrop for a weekend of general jubilation.
About 210 people attended the event, which followed a familiar Friday-to-Sunday anniversary format.
He said a formal dinner and presentations at Milton’s Coronation Hall on Saturday night were well attended, where guests were entertained by speaker Matt Chisholm, who had played for Toko as a young man.
Yesterday concluded with a “golden oldies” game and barbecue.
“The vibe was electric on Saturday night after the wins, but I think everyone would have been proud of the boys just for the fighting spirit they showed.
“There was standing room only in the clubrooms after the match, and everyone’s still going strong now on Sunday afternoon. It’s been a very special weekend.”
richard.davison@odt.co.nz
