The tightly contest Division 1 first round has wrapped up and we now split into the Mooloo Shield & Championship for the back half of the 2023 season. 

Top of the table Leamington had locked in top spot heading into the final weekend with the remaining four clubs jousting for positions inside that top 5 for their order in the Mooloo Shield competition. Southern United locked in second spot with their strong win over Pirongia who wrapped up the first round in fifth spot. Putaruru secured third spot on the ladder and have third pick of the second round bye with their one pointer heroics vs Hinuera at Wealleans Park, while Ohaupo - who started very strong early in first round finished in fourth spot. 

The Division One Championship will be contested with the remaining Division One clubs Hinuera, Te Rapa, Suburbs, Frankton & Taupiri. 

Like the Premier competitions, the Division One clubs will contest in a four game five week second round competition, the difference for these teams is they will compete in a straight final on Saturday 15th July with the top ranked side hosting the second seeded side for their respective trophies. On the line for the top 5 sides is the famous and historic Mooloo Shield, while the bottom 5 sides will compete for the Division One Championship. 

The added bonus for the top side - to accompany the Mooloo Shield, they will earn the right to compete against the lowest seeded side from the Premier Championship - that game to take place at the Premier clubs home ground on Saturday 22nd July. 

This weekend kicks off with byes to Putaruru & Hinuera who have elected to take their byes earlier in the round. That will ensure four big weeks to finish with for those two sides and will mean they will have a game in hand and be of control of their destiny come finals day. 

These competitions both shape up to be absolute stunners with a number of upsets throughout the first nine weeks we are sure to see more. The nature of a straight final will mean every game is a big game with little room for loses. Every competition point will be vital if teams want to ensure they walk away with some silverware come 15th June. 

To view full draw CLICK HERE

Article added: Wednesday 07 June 2023