Another weekend of senior club rugby has gone by and we saw a couple results that shake the middle of the Premier Mens points table, the Gallagher Women's Premiership nears play-offs with the Huskies remaining top of the table and Putaruru continue to shine in Division 1 and upset another top side on the weekend.
Hamilton Marist travelled out to Hautapu in a battle of 1v2. Hautapu took an early lead in the first 5minutes with a try from a lineout maul - stunning the away side before they even got their hands on the ball. Marist hit back soon after with a try in the left corner to barnstorming left winger Newton Tudreu for his first of the afternoon
Back and forth action ensured with both sides locked up at 5 each, before a 70meter intercept by Waisake Salabiau scored the first of his two tries for the afternoon. Marist were looking good, building phases and were looking good on attack until the last pass by Marist's Dylan Bower was gathered by Salabiau and he went under the sticks untouched. Hautapu lead 12-5.
Like they had earlier, Hamilton Marist hit back with another try to winger Tudreu. First Five Wharenui Hawera went to the air with a good ol' fashioned midfield bomb that was regathered by centre Leroy Van Dam, before quick ball see it go wide into the hands of Tudreu who put on the after burners to run for his second 5 pointer - that was converted by Hawera and we go locked up at 12 each.
Hautapu were rewarded with a penalty kick that was kicked deep into the corner with another line out, followed by a maul, followed by another try - this time to half back Quincy Ngatai who took possession from the back of the maul and jumped over the line to dot down. Hautapu took that 17-12 lead into the break.
Just like the first half, the second half started with a bang - this time a try to Hamilton Marist to bounce straight back and again converted by Hawera put Hamilton Marist in front for the first time in the afternoon, 19-17. Hamilton Marist kicked a further three points through the boot of Hawera, leading 22-17 with 20minutes before Hautapu raced back into contention with another try via Salabiau following a crucial error from Hamilton Marist when exiting their own line.
Following the restart Hamilton Marist regained possession by an Hautapu error which led to a penalty infront of the sticks for Hawera to knock over and put his side back in front with minutes remaining.
Hamilton Marist winning 25-22.
In the the biggest upset of the premier competition - Fraser Tech hosted Otorohanga. Fraser Tech went into the weekend with two wins from their 6 matches, while Otorohanga had only the sole loss against their name. The Hamilton based side was back to winning ways putting together phases upfront, with their backline showing glimpses of what won them a Premiership in 2021 and had them in the final in 2022. Fraser Tech taking a comfortable victory in the end winning 43-17 in front of their home crowd.
United Matamata Sports hosted Hamilton Old Boys and were looking for back to back victories at home for the first time in 2023. Unfortunately, Hamilton Old Boys had travelled out to Matamata with other ideas and were not going to be second Hamilton club to lose at Matamata in successive weeks. Hamilton Old Boys winning 31-22 in a 5 tries to 3 entertaining game of rugby.
Te Awamutu hosted the Melville men at Albert Park in Te Awamutu and conceded Melville to their second consecutive week of only managing 14 points and this time going down to Te Awamutu Sports 31-14. Te Awamutu mid-fielder Shauncy Waho ran in three tries for the home side to increase his seasons tally while fullback Sam Toa kicked at 75% off the tee for another good afternoon of goal kicking for the young fullback.
The final match of the round was a comprehensive 38-3 win over Morrinsville Sports at the University Complex. University ran in 6 tries to complete a successful afternoon for the home men. Getting their season back on track after a defeat last week to Hamilton Old Boys.
With only two weeks remaining in the Premiership we have a three horse race for that fifth spot on the ladder. Hamilton Marist, Hautapu, Hamilton Old Boys and Otorohanga have largely locked in their spot for Top 5 second round action. Te Awamutu Sports (21 points), University (16) & Fraser Tech (15) are chasing that final spot.
In what was arguably the upset of the weekend – 2023’s most improved Putaruru bet Ohaupo at home in front of their strong supporters at Nola Block. Followings previous draws to Leamington and Taupiri, it was this time Putaruru’s weekend to get a victory over a fellow top of the table side – this time winning 41-26 over Ohaupo. Former Fraser Tech lose forward Joe Scheres has returned home and is taking Division 1 rugby by storm. His presence and leadership around the field is proving very beneficial for his side and sees them sit second on the ladder with neighbours Southern United and Pirongia both on 19 points, one ahead of Ohaupo on 18 points.
Suburbs hosted Hinuera at Flagstaff Park with the visitors getting up 21-10 for their third win on the bounce. After starting the season with three straight loses, Hinuera have stormed into the latter stages of the comp and now sit just outside the top 5 with three matches remaining.
Frankton hosted Southern United – with the away side been too strong for the Hamilton men. Southern United winning 41-10 ensuring they stay in touching distance and remain inside the top 5 for another week. Leamington travelled into town to play Te Rapa at St Andrews Park, like all of the weeks away sides, excluding Ohaupo, the travelling men took an impressive 43-7 win.
In another top of the table battle University Premier Women’s hosted Hamilton Old Boys Huskies at the University. Doubles to Leomie Kloopers, Black Ferns Captain Kennedy Simon with a hattrick to Roelien du Plessis who moved from the lose forwards out to the midfield for this clash was too much for the University ladies. The Huskies winning 56 points to 15. Melville got back to winning ways following a lose to the Huskies and last weeks draw with University to win 39-24 vs Kihikihi in a 6 tries to 4 try fest at Collins road.
Hamilton Marist wrapped up the weekends action hosting Southern United at Marist Park and winning 36 to 15 getting their second win of the season. Otorohanga won by default vs Putaruru who unfortunately did not have the numbers required to travel down to Island Reserve.
Under 85s were back in action with the “Battle of the Ville” happening out at Morrinsville Sports where they hosted Melville. The annual trophy the two teams go head-to-head for each time they play each other. Following a strong home win 38-24 Morrinsville Sports were the victors enjoying the spoils from the infamous giant jug.
Fraser Tech U85kgs picked up their second consecutive win taking down Leamington 31-8. A double to lose forward Liam Moon ensured his team go back-to-back wins for the first time this season and into the top 4. Hamilton Marist were the big winners of the weekend winning 72-0 over the travelling Waitete side. Running in 12 tries back at home with a hattricks to Shane Brown and Devin Carruthers, doubles to Jordan Mackinnon and Kurt Burborough and touchdowns to Michael Rasdall and Ryan Carruthers rounded out the try scores for the day.
The Colts competition ticks over through 6 weeks of footy and we have three teams remain unbeaten. Hautapu hosted Suburbs winning that match 38-15, fellow top of the table team Hamilton Marist battled for their 31-14 victory over Te Awamutu Sports and Hamilton Old Boys winning 22-12 over the lads from Pirongia. Leamington hosted Thames Valley United and handed them their second lose of the season winning what was a tight battle 39-16. Southern United travelled to Waitete and got their first win of the season winning 67-12. Morrinsville Sports maintain their spot inside the top 4 with an impressive home win over United Matamata Sports winning 26-5. Like their seniors, Hinuera Colts also travelled into town and were hosted by Fraser Tech, and like their seniors, took an impressive victory 88-5 at Elliot Park. Hattricks to Tyrome Graham and Fellan Dewar scoring 6 of their sides 14 tries for the afternoon wrapped up a great weekend for the country club.
Hamilton Old Boys Huskies & Black Fern Ariana Bayler sets the Huskies backline alight vs University.
Credit: Light & Motion: Norrie Mailer
Article added: Monday 15 May 2023
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