A mixed bag of weather across the province was a recipe for tight rugby come Saturday, while other matches had nice sunshine with sticky underfoot conditions to compete with.

In the Waikato Draught Breweries Shield Premiership Hamilton Old Boys travelled out to Te Awamutu Sports and for in a traditional back and forth battle saw both sides exchange points throughout the 40minutes. Te Awamutu’s forward pack came to play and were strong early against the Hamilton Old Boys side who were without key players Solomone Tukuafu, Nili Moala while Taylor Rae started off the bench.

Both sides exchanged points throughout the 40minutes in what was tricky and difficult underfoot conditions across Albert Park that made it difficult for fast pace running rugby. Te Awamutu Sports’ dominance at scrum time unfortunately couldn’t earn them a half-time lead as Hamilton Old Boys scored on the stroke of halftime to lead 23-21.

In the second half Te Awamutu Sports made the most of a couple opportunities where center Shauncy Waho intercepted Hamilton Old Boys attack which led directly to five pointers for Te Awamutu Sports ensuring they would be hard to beat this time around at home. Logan Karl was impressive off the bench coming on and taking over the kicking duties from Sam Toa and converting difficult kicks from out wide.

Meanwhile, down in Otorohanga, Hautapu were making their second trip down south for 2023 and made amends for their week one defeat at Island Reserve. Otorohanga were coming off a mostly disappointing defeat to Hamilton Marist last week and were keen to get back home in front of their home crowd, while Hautapu were coming off the bye and were keen to improve on their two-point defeat in week one. A double to hooker Nicolas Jeffcoat upfront for Hautapu set a good platform for his side while further tries to Waisake Salabiau and Tim Fatialofa were enough to earn them a hard-fought victory on the road.

A special night in Otorohanga followed with Life Member recognitions been awarded to Steve Wilshier, Jack Poa and Phil Coffin. Congratulations to those men and an awesome recognition for the many hours they put into their club and community.

In the Lone Star Championship Morrinsville Sports travelled into town following their week two bye to take on Melville who scored a much-needed victory over University. The home side outscored the travelling men to dot down for four tries, while Morrinsville could only cross the line on three occasions. Ultimately Morrinsville Sports got the victory 27-26 thanks to the sharp shooting boot of first five Oscar Yandall who converted four penalty kicks.

Across town Fraser Tech were hosting University in a rematch of their week five encounter where Fraser Tech were too strong over at the University. This time at home in front of their home crowd Fraser Tech made it two from two against the students in 2023 with a 19-12 victory. Fraser Tech hooker Jacob Te Rangi made the most of the in-tight game plan scoring a hattrick off the back of mauls from attacking lineouts. D’Angelo Leuila converted two from three off the tee for a good afternoon off the boot.

The Division One Mooloo Shield action was all based out in Waipa with home games for Ohaupo and Pirongia. Ohaupo hosted top of the table Leamington and could only manage the sole try, while Leamington showed their quality and dotted down for two tries followed by a conversion and a sole penalty kick winning 15-5. Leamington make it two from two in this round, while Ohaupo are still chasing their opening win.

Alongside Ohaupo remain Pirongia who hosted a strong Putaruru side. The last time these teams meet in Pirongia a month ago it was a one-point ball game. This time round, Putaruru were too strong comfortably winning 36-15. Doubles to Richard Deane and Joe Scheres upfront for Putaruru while Damian Putt and Wiki Double touched down once each was too much for the home side.

In the Division One Championship Hinuera hosted Frankton at Wealleans Park and in difficult conditions the home side comfortably accounted for the travelling Hamilton based side winning 23-9. The other game, back in Hamilton saw Suburbs hosting Te Rapa in a battle of the Rhineck Cup where current holders Te Rapa travelled across the Pukete Bridge looking to maintain that trophy for another week.

Suburbs had alternative plans scoring two of their own tries through Thomas Hayes and Ethan Foley, with a penalty to Josh Stuart kept their noses in front of Te Rapa. Te Rapa could only manage the sole try for the afternoon to lose forward John Nonoa with Lucas Carson matching Stuart off the tee with a conversion and penalty goal of his own.

The Under 85kg Competition had the weekend off from our Waikato Competition with teams competing in the National Club Championship – wins to Morrinsville Sports, Leamington & Melville see them make it through to the third-round while unfortunately for Fraser Tech they went down to a very strong Auckland University side.

The Colts Competition saw quality victories for the top three – Hamilton Marist, Hamilton Old Boys and Hautapu while fourth placed Morrinsville were upset out in Pirongia 32-12. Hautapu and Hamilton Marist put on 50+ scores in their matches with Hautapu winning 50-5 at home over Southern United and Hamilton Marist beating Leamington 57-10. Hamilton Old Boys were at home to University winning 36-7.

Suburbs and Waitete paid little regard to the average weather conditions scoring 71 points between them in a high scoring 45-26 win for Suburbs at home. Hamilton Boys High were challenged by the conditions only managing two unconverted tries vs Matamata to win 10 nil at home.

Hinuera started the day at Wealleans Park getting a good win over Te Awamutu Sports 30-5 to move into 8^th spot on the ladder and currently they will be competing in the 5^th – 8^th placed play-offs.

Hautapu's Nicolas Jeffcoat dots down for one of his two tries vs Otorohanga at Island Reserve. 

Article added: Monday 19 June 2023