The 2011 Tai Mitchell final between Rotorua Maroon and Tauranga West was a real thriller that went down to the wire.

The Rotorua team, which entered the final with an unbeaten record in the tournament, faced the 2010 Tai Mitchell champions.

The two teams met in the first game on the opening day with Rotorua snatching a 24-19 victory.

The opening half was dominated by Rotorua side, which opened up a commanding 24-nil lead at the halftime break.

Maroon number eight Jayden Sergeant grabbed a double, with Rueben Taylor and Jordan Tagoai also crossing for touchdowns, with Uru Hohepa adding two conversions.

The Rotorua side seemed to be on track to easily win the championship, until Tauranga West made a determined fight back in the last quarter of the encounter.

Tauranga winger Kini Ormsby was in superb touch grabbing two tries. Fullback Kyle Hamilton also dotted the ball down for five points, and added a penalty and a conversion.

A relieved Rotorua Maroon side walked from the field after the final whistle with a narrow, but well deserved 24-20 victory to take home.

One of the keys to the Maroon win was the playmaking from first five Uru Hohepa who ran his side's backline with real authority.

Te Puke, which defeated Opotiki 31-5 took out the playoff for third place.

Tauranga East finished fifth defeating Whakatane 13-5, Rangitaiki won a high scoring game against Galatea 33-24 to finish seventh, with Rotorua Gold beating Apanui 25-nil.

Day Six Results (20 July 2011)

Tai Mitchell Final: Rotorua Maroon 24 (Jayden Sargent 2, Rueben Taylor, Jordan Tagoai tries; Uru Hohepa 2 con) Tauranga West 20 (Kini Ormsby 2, Kyle Hamilton tries; K Hamilton pen con)

Third Place: Te Puke 31 Opotiki 5.

Fifth Place: Tauranga East 13 Whakatane 5.

Seventh Place: Rangitaiki 33 Galatea 24.

Ninth Place: Rotorua Gold 25 Apanui 0.