On Saturday 11^th March Hamilton Old Boys hosted their inaugural 10K Pre-Season Knock-out Tournament. 2022 Premiership winning teams from Northland, North Harbour Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Wellington made the trip to Fred Jones in their bid to take home the $10,000 prize money that was up for grabs.

This was the first time in recent history an event of this format was hosted in the Waikato. Typically, pre-season fixtures look like one club travelling to another club, playing a modified game with larger squads and little to nothing up for grabs. This event was the complete opposite – games made up of 15minute halves, the winner moves on, all teams playing three different oppositions, unfortunately losers are in the bottom half of the competition with the end prize of $10,000 on the line for the teams that go undefeated.

Round 1 kicked off at 9am with all eight teams in line for the main prize. Hamilton Old Boys had entered two sides – their 2023 Premier A team who took on New Plymouth Old Boy and unfortunately went down in an extra time thriller. Game two saw Hamilton Old Boy’s second side made up of young talent from their development and colts side take on Takapuna and like the Premier’s they were the second HOB team knocked out of the competition. Game three of the day was Mid-Northern taking on Manukau Rovers who had former Hurricane & Moana Pasifika player Lolagi Visinia lining up for them. Manukau took a comfortable victory to move on. The final match of the morning to find the top four was Mount Maunganui playing Petone – Mount Maunganui fielded familiar faces to Waikato club rugby scene in Carlos Price (Hamilton Marist) & Josh Gascoigne (Hautapu). Mount Maunganui won that battle to advance to the top 4 side of the draw.

The atmosphere at Fred Jones was special, support littered around for all sides the field, with shaded areas the prime real estate for the day. The car park was busy with sausage sizzle in support of Junior Rugby & the club rooms continually pouring cold refreshments and food flowing from the kitchen.

During the afternoon our finalists were found – Manukau Rovers and New Plymouth Old Boys, it was clear that these were the two best team on display in the tournament. In a tough final Manukau Rovers were victorious which was a tribute to the quality and depth in their squad, with late entrants New Plymouth Old Boys providing a stern challenge.

A big thankyou to the referees who were excellent in ensuring the games ran without issues and provided some fast passed action. Also, a big thank you to the numerous people who gave up their time to make this happen.

Hamilton Old Boys would like to acknowledge their tournament sponsors making this fantastic day of club rugby possible.

Article added: Tuesday 14 March 2023