WAIKATO DRAUGHT MENS PREMIERSHIP

Hamilton Marist v Fraser Tech

One of the most anticipated fixtures of the round takes place at Marist Park as table-toppers Hamilton Marist host fourth-placed Fraser Tech in a clash made even more significant with the Stag Trophy on the line, which will be contested for the first time in 2025.

Hamilton Marist have been the benchmark for much of the season, sitting at the top of the ladder with five wins from six outings. However, they’ll be eager to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the year at the hands of a sharp University side last week. With pride on the line and silverware up for grabs, expect a fired-up Marist outfit determined to make a statement at home.

Fraser Tech, currently fourth, are quietly building momentum and will arrive with confidence following an impressive win over Hamilton Old Boys. Their blend of physicality and growing cohesion makes them a genuine threat, and they'll be motivated to upset the competition leaders and be the first to etch their name on the Stag Trophy for the first time in a few years.

This matchup promises fireworks—with ladder implications, bragging rights, and the Stag Trophy all on the line. Expect a fierce and passionate battle between two proud clubs.

Te Awamutu Sports v Hautapu

Te Awamutu Sports return to their home turf at Albert Park, where they’ll face a tough challenge in the form of Hautapu Sports—one of the form teams of the competition so far.

Te Awamutu Sports currently sit sixth on the ladder, with three wins from their six outings. After a mixed start to the season, the home side will be keen to find consistency and use this matchup to prove they can compete with the competition’s best. Backed by their home crowd and with plenty to play for, expect Te Awamutu to come out with purpose.

Hautapu Sports arrive in strong form, having claimed five victories from their six matches and sitting second on the ladder. Their blend of experience and attacking flair has made them one of the toughest teams to break down this season. They'll be looking to continue their push toward the top spot with another statement performance on the road.

With plenty on the line for both sides—Te Awamutu looking to climb the ladder and Hautapu aiming to cement their place among the front-runners—this clash promises to deliver intensity, skill, and no shortage of pride. Expect a physical encounter and a hard-fought battle in the midfield.

Don’t miss what’s shaping up to be one of the matches of the round!

Morrinsville Sports v Melville

Two sides eager to turn their seasons around meet at Campbell Park as Morrinsville Sports (10th) host Melville (8th) in what promises to be a tough and gritty contest. A result here for either side will likely go a long way to avoid that dreaded promotion / relegation match.

Morrinsville Sports have endured a tough campaign so far and are still searching for rhythm. A strong showing at home could be just the spark they need to get their season back on track. With their loyal supporters behind them, expect the home side to bring plenty of fight in what will be a match up they will back themselves to win.

Melville, sitting eighth, are also looking to gain momentum and close the gap to the mid-table pack. A win here would be vital in keeping their season alive and staying within reach of the top half if other results go their way. With both teams desperate for points, this match could go down to the wire.

Hamilton Old Boys v University

One of the marquee matchups of the round sees fifth-placed Hamilton Old Boys take on the high-flying University, who sit third on the ladder. This clash has all the ingredients for a classic.

University, currently sitting third, will be eyeing another big scalp as they look to keep pressure on the top two. Expect end-to-end rugby and a fast-paced contest between two of the most competitive squads in the competition. A massive upset last weekend saw the students tip up the high flying Marist men and they will love to chalk up another big scalp in the form of Hamilton Old Boys tomorrow afternoon.

Hamilton Old Boys have been building steadily, and a win here would push them closer to the top four. They’ll need to bring their A-game against a University side that has impressed with its structure and attacking precision all season. A big day for the home club with sponsors day and playing in a special pink kit will no doubt light the match for the home men in a big day of footy at Willoughby & Fred Jones Park.

Matamata v Otorohanga

United Matamata Sports (9th) return home to face Otorohanga (7th) in a crucial clash for both teams as they try to stay in the hunt for a top half of the ladder and avoid that promotion / relegation game.

Matamata will be looking to build on any signs of momentum and know a strong performance at Bedford Park could propel them up the standings. With passionate local support and everything to play for, they’ll be throwing everything into this encounter.

Otorohanga, sitting just outside the top half, will see this as an opportunity to bank valuable points. With a physical forward pack and some dangerous runners out wide, they’ll be tough to stop if they find their rhythm early.

This one shapes up as a tough, honest battle between two determined teams with plenty at stake.

WAITOMO GROUP WOMENS PREMIERSHIP

Hamilton Old Boys v Kihikihi

Club Day celebrations at Hamilton Old Boys will be headlined by their unbeaten Women’s Premiership side, who sit firmly atop the ladder with five wins from five. With their Black Ferns returning, the hosts will be stacked with talent and confidence as they look to continue their dominant run.

Kihikihi, still searching for their first win of the season, will take pride in showing up for the occasion. They, too, welcome back key players, and despite the tough matchup, will aim to disrupt the leaders and make a statement with a bold performance.

Expect a vibrant atmosphere and a spirited contest as these two sides collide on a big day for the club.

Melville vs Hautapu

Melville will be looking to rebound after their first loss of the season last week and reassert their spot near the top of the table. Known for their physical style and attacking precision, they’ll be eager to put things right in front of their home fans.

Hautapu may sit fifth, but the newcomers have turned heads with their effort and attitude, and their single win doesn't reflect how competitive they’ve been. If they can continue to grow and stay in the contest early, this could be a much tighter game than the ladder suggests.

A bounce-back opportunity for Melville, and a chance for Hautapu to shake up the standings—this should be a beauty.

University v Otorohanga

Two well-matched sides meet in a key mid-table clash as University host Otorohanga in what could have early semifinal implications.

University, sitting fourth, will be confident after recent performances and will enjoy home ground advantage as they aim to leapfrog Otorohanga on the ladder. Their structure and set-piece game will be crucial in this encounter.

Otorohanga, currently third, have shown they can compete with anyone in the competition. If they can bring their usual intensity and finish strongly, they’ll be tough to beat.

Expect a high-quality match with a bit of edge—this one could go down to the wire.

DIVISION ONE

With the second half of the season heating up, every match in this weekend’s Division One competition carries serious weight. Whether teams are battling for a playoff spot or fighting to stay in the mix, expect passion, intensity, and plenty of pride across the board. Here's how this week's fixtures shape up:

Taupiri (9th) vs Putāruru (7th)

Taupiri return home in search of a much-needed win as they take on a Putāruru side sitting just two spots above them on the ladder. Both teams are desperate to reignite their seasons, and with only a few points separating the lower half of the table, this match could be a turning point.

Putāruru have shown flashes of strong form and will see this as a crucial opportunity to climb into the top six. Taupiri, on the other hand, will need to make the most of home advantage and bring energy from the first whistle if they’re to stop the visitors.

Frankton (10th) vs Southern United (1st)

Top meets bottom as Frankton host unbeaten Southern United in what will be a tough challenge for the home side.

Frankton are still searching for their first win of the season and will need to dig deep against the ladder leaders. Southern United have been clinical all year and come into this one full of confidence after a dominant run of performances. They’ll be aiming to maintain their perfect record—but Frankton will be hoping to cause one of the upsets of the season.

Hinuera (8th) vs Pirongia (6th)

This mid-table clash between Hinuera and Pirongia promises to be tightly contested. Hinuera have shown they can match it with any side on their day but have struggled for consistency. A home win here would breathe life back into their campaign. Only one point separates these two sides and with a three-win two loss record this could go either way.

Pirongia, currently holding onto a top six spot, can’t afford to slip if they want to stay ahead of the chasing pack.

Ohaupo (4th) vs Leamington (3rd)

One of the matches of the round sees fourth-placed Ohaupo host third-placed Leamington in a clash with big ladder implications.

Ohaupo have been solid all season and will be targeting this game as a statement opportunity on home soil. Leamington, meanwhile, have been one of the more consistent outfits and will be looking to keep the pressure on the top two. This one has all the makings of a finals-quality contest—with momentum and bragging rights on the line.

Te Rapa (5th) vs Suburbs (2nd)

A top five battle closes out the round as Te Rapa welcome Suburbs in what’s expected to be another fierce encounter between these cross-bridge rivals.

Te Rapa have been tracking well and will view this game as a chance to push toward the top four. Suburbs, currently second, are coming off a strong stretch of form and won’t want to give an inch as they chase down Southern United. Expect a high-paced game with plenty of attacking threats on both sides.

With the ladder starting to tighten, this weekend’s results could shake up the standings significantly. Keep your eyes on these fixtures—it’s going to be a defining round in Division One!

WAITOMO GROUP WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP

A big weekend ahead for our two unbeaten sides in the Women’s Championship – Taupiri host Putaruru in a one v two battle at Taupiri’s Murphy Lane. Both sides are atop the ladder on the maximum 25 competition points boasting a massive positive points differential. One of the games to watch this weekend and a must watch if you love your women’s rugby.

While at the other end of the ladder Hinuera hosts Pirongia at Wealleans Park in Hinuera where both sides are looking for their first win of the 2025 season. Plenty of heart and free flowing rugby will be on display at Wealleans Park and for one team it will hopefully start the second half of their season.

Hamilton Marist faces a big challenge hosting United Matamata Sports in what will be a big game for the Marist ladies if they look to make the top 4 second round. Matamata have looked good in their outings recording a three-win two loss record and will head into this match up as the favorites. The final match of the championship is Suburbs hosting Waitete in a four v five showdown on the ladder. Suburbs currently two competition points ahead on the ladder and a win at Flagstaff Park should keep the Suburbs ladies on track for a top 4 finish in the first round of the Championship.

Article added: Wednesday 14 May 2025