Ōtorohanga midfielder Hamish Clapcott scores in the win against University. Photo: Ōtorohanga Sports Club
Ōtorohanga Sports had a mixed bag of results in Waikato Club Rugby last weekend – a win, a win by default and a loss.
Now sitting in sixth place on the premier table, Ōtorohanga golds beat University 26-20 at Island Reserve.
Second five-eighth Hamish Clapcott and midfield partner Manieta Vonovono were among the four to cross the chalk in front of home fans.
Ōtorohanga captain Manaaki Rewi-Wetini kicks a conversion. Photo: Ōtorohanga Sports Club
Ōtorohanga scored four tries to the students’ two. Captain and number 10 Manaaki Rewi-Wetini added points off the kicking tee.
The University side contained 15-game King Country representative (2021-2023) Diego Rangi at second five-eighth.
The versatile former Taupō Marist and Waitete player can play almost every backline position when called upon.
Former Waikato and Manawatū midfielder Louis Rogers was also on the bench but despite their fire power the home side held them off.
The Ōtorohanga B blues side got a rest week and a win by default.
Vice captain Ryan McNeil makes a break against University. Photo: Ōtorohanga Sports Club
In the women’s premiership, division Ōtorohanga travelled into Hamilton.
Mel-tap (Melville-Hautapu combined) took the win, 26-5, at Collins Road.
Ōtorohanga had a great contingent of Farah Palmer Cup stars including Grace Houpapa-Barrett, captain Sina Tainefu, Klee Begbie and Rina Paraone.
Mel-tap fullback Keira Russell scored 11 of her side’s points in the four tries to one win. Other try scorers included Melina Salale and Maya Tebbutt. Blindside flanker Keita-lee Burnside was the visitor’s sole point scorer.
This weekend the men’s teams head to Cambridge to face the formidable Hautapu, while the women are back in Hamilton. They will face Suburbs at Flagstaff Park.
Ōtorohanga midfielder Hamish Clapcott scores in the win against University. Photo: Ōtorohanga Sports Club
