2011

With a full complement of players including the eventual All Blacks 9 and 10 combination of Aaron Smith and Aaron Cruden the Turbos were a force to be reckoned with in 2011.

Playing out of the championship division in the new look ITM Cup the Turbos opened their campaign with a win over arch rivals Hawke’s Bay in the first of a 5 game unbeaten run at home. Away from home the Turbos had a history making victory when they were able to beat Wellington in Wellington for the first time in 124 years compounding a two year dominance over the Lions. Turbo fans witnessed the team’s coming of age later in the season when the Turbos final home game, aided by a man of the match performance by Aaron Cruden, belted Waikato 54-20. The Turbos backed up in the next game beating Tasman away from home for the first time when they scored a converted try with only 14 men on the field in the last 5 minutes to snatch victory.

Such results saw the Green and White top the championship table and secure a home final against none other than Hawke’s Bay.

Despite being hot favourites the Turbos were unable to truly take control of the game and despite dominating the second half came up short by 5 points losing 35-30.