Jesse Wood

A couple of weeks ago The News reported that Maniapoto had lifted the Peace Cup after a one-off challenge against Central Bay of Plenty in Rotorua. But the old trophy – a symbol of rugby sub-union supremacy which has enjoyed – or endured – a colourful life for more than a century, was never presented. Today Jesse Wood reveals why – and reports that there is a school of thought that suggests the battered old cup should be gracefully retired.

Many are calling for the historic Peace Cup trophy to be retired following a lack of competition teams and broken competition rules.

The “ugliest trophy in New Zealand sport” has been through the mill in its century of existence.

Hamilton accountant Richard “Dick” English donated the trophy to his local team after the culmination of World War I.

Sub-union rugby teams have competed for the cup since the start.

Thames were the first winners in 1920.

According to the New Zealand Rugby History website run by rugby historian Keith Gordon, “sub-unions are areas within a provincial union that join for matches against other sub-unions or play each other within that sub-union for local supremacy. It is a step up from neighbouring rivalry.”

The Peace Cup has been contested by sub-unions between from Taupō to south to Auckland in the north.

Previous winners include Te Awamutu, Hamilton, Morrinsville, Rotorua, Central Bay of Plenty, Thames, South Waikato, Matamata, Maniapoto, Tauranga, Pukekohe, Hauraki Plains, Paeroa, Western Bay of Plenty, Ōtorohanga, Waihi, Cambridge and Te Puke.

Hamilton were 2024 champions but chose not to field a team this season due to only two other teams putting their hands up – a Maniapoto team and Central Bay of Plenty sub-union.

“At the beginning of the year, there was a meeting of what should have been sub-union representatives and parties interested in the Peace Cup,” Hamilton Rugby Union chairman Doug Hawkings said.

“Hamilton made it clear, that if there weren’t four teams, we wouldn’t enter a team.

“The Peace Cup is on its last legs and it’s been on life support for the last few years.

“Whoever participates in it plays on the proviso they are a sub-union or a combination of sub-unions.

“Piako and Matamata had joined together in the past. They didn’t have enough players, they hate each other but played Peace Cup together.

“The last three years we’ve had four teams at max and it’s just not financially viable.”

The Maniapoto side faced Central Bay of Plenty for the Peace Cup last month.

Hawkings said the collective sub-union representatives believed the Maniapoto team represented the Maniapoto sub-union team – but then learned it was a Maniapoto iwi team.

Founded in 1907, Maniapoto sub-union haven’t had a squad in many years and Waitete and Piopio are the last two senior clubs in their area.

“The game became null and voided - they weren’t a sub-union, and the players who played in their team weren’t all registered to sub-unions in the King Country,” Hawkings said.

“In the rules it says you can bring in four outside players who have connections, five wouldn’t really matter, but when it’s half the team, it’s not in the spirit of what the Peace Cup is about.

“At least seven players came from the Hamilton sub-union in 2025. They may have an enduring relationship with the iwi, but they’re not part of a sub-union team within the King Country.

“It was about the integrity of the Peace Cup, so that’s effectively what it came down to.”

As the competition dwindles, Peace Cup tragics and representatives are calling for the trophy to be retired and put on display at the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North.

“If we want to start a competition with other teams involved, I’d have no problem with that, but the Peace Cup should be retired and given the respect it deserves,” Hawkings said.

“I don’t have any qualms from where I sit with Hamilton playing against the Maniapoto iwi team or the like, but the Peace Cup has been a sub-union competition for 105 years.

“If we had known beforehand, we would have had a meeting to discuss that and made a decision at that point as to whether the game should have gone ahead or not.”

Hawkings said if the team was a combination of North King Country and Maniapoto sub-unions, it would have been fine.

“It might have been representative of the King Country but it wasn’t representative of those two clubs involved in that sub-union, so the team shouldn’t have been in the competition.”

To be eligible to play in the competition, a player must have played or been registered to a club or team from within their team’s union/sub-union catchment area, during the current year.

Teams can play up to four non local club players. The understanding is that these players have a connection to the host sub-union. If a loan player comes from a sub-union within the current competition, the host sub-union must seek clearance from that players’ sub-union, to play.

Is this the end of the Peace Cup?

Jon Rawlinson

Despite their dominance at previous Rugby World Cups, the defending champion Black Ferns can’t afford to rest on their laurels.

Host nation England could derail New Zealand’s plans for a seventh Women’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) title, former Ferns’ captain, Dame Farah Palmer, says.

“It’s always tough to beat the home team, and England will be boosted by their supporters, but they may trip up on the way to the finals, so it’s anyone’s tournament to win,” she told The News.

The Black Ferns secured a semifinal berth this week with a 62-19 win over Japan.

“The Black Ferns will be focusing on each game as it comes. If they can gel as a team in the pool games, and figure out who’s in the starting 15, I think they’ll have a strong chance against whoever they meet in the finals.”

Originally from Piopio, Palmer captained the Black Ferns to three RWC wins, including two finals against England. In total, New Zealand has a 5–0 record in RWC finals against England.

The Ferns clearly expressed their intentions at the cup by opening with a 54–8 thrashing of tournament minnows, Spain. However, the victory came at a cost.

“They would have learnt a lot about how their set pieces, attack options etcetera are working, but the injury count is a bit of a concern,” Palmer said. “Their physio and medical team will be working hard to get players back to their best in time for the last pool match.”

The final pool match against Ireland on Sunday (September 7) will test the Ferns, Palmer said.

“Ireland will be a challenge – the Black Ferns lost to them at the 2014 RWC, and Ireland also plays in the Six Nations tournament, so they’re used to tournament preparation and performance.”

At home, while some of the best players are on RWC duty, Auckland, Canterbury and defending champs, Waikato, will all still be tough to beat in this year’s Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) Premiership, Palmer said.

“Auckland has lost a lot of key players to the Black Ferns, but Canterbury is looking good. My pick is Waikato but Manawatū has some amazing players and could be a wildcard winner.”

From 1992 to 2007, Palmer played eight seasons for Otago, seven for Manawatū and one for Waikato.

The FPC Premiership final is scheduled for early October.

Palmer picks Black Ferns, Waikato

Tate Burdon and former King Country rugby representative Paul Luttrell represented New Zealand at the BMX Racing World Championships in Copenhagen.

About 3500 riders competed across the July challenge, masters and championship divisions.

It was 11-year-old Burdon’s second world championships after competing in Rockhill, United States, last year.

The Year 7 Korakonui School student placed 16th overall out of 139 riders in the 11-year-old boys 20-inch class, making the semifinals.

This was about a week after finishing fourth in round nine and third in round 10 of the European Cup in Angelholm, Sweden.

“It was massive, it really stretched him as a rider to set up for worlds. He adopted a more assertive riding style. The Europeans will push you around without a second thought as Tate found out in the European Cup,” mum Anne Burdon said.

The 2025-26 season will be another big year for Tate as he prepares for the world champs in Brisbane in July.

The Mighty 11 trials for the New Zealand stage are on September 28 before the North Island Titles on Labour Weekend in Auckland.

Tate will also have a few trips to Australia in 2026 including the Oceania Champs in February, followed by the Te Awamutu-hosted BMX Nationals in March.

Luttrell was no stranger to Copenhagen, having raced there at the 2011 world championships.

“We also lived in Copenhagen from 2017-2022, so it will be a homecoming of sorts. This will be my 11th and final world champs,” Luttrell said before the event.

He rode in the 50 plus cruiser male category, competing against 99 other riders.

“After riding well and comfortably making the top 16, a small mistake in the semifinal saw my chances of making the final dashed,” Luttrell said.

“With the races lasting less than 40 seconds, split second reactions and decisions make all the difference.

Luttrell said the facilities at Te Awamutu BMX club were a fantastic advantage for their preparations and the club’s support was highly appreciated.

In the under-23 women’s class, Penny was pipped by just 0.06s in the quarterfinals.

She also fractured her scaphoid in a race at the start of the trip,” Penny said.

“I did manage to get back on my bike and race at the world champs, however I wasn’t back to 100 per cent.”

Te Awamutu BMX Club president Rodney Prescott said the results proved Te Awamutu can foot it with the world’s best. 

Trio take on the best

Norris Woodbine

After a spluttering start to their defence of the Lochore Cup the King Country Rams burst back into contention with an emphatic seven try winning performance against a committed Poverty Bay side at Taupo last Saturday.

With their forwards laying a great platform the young stars in the back line were given every opportunity to express their boundless talent and the result was some great running rugby.

There were few better on the paddock than Patrick Hedley with a personal tally of 22 points playing on the left wing, scoring two tries and nailing all but one conversion with his accurate boot.

This rising star is on loan from Hawke’s Bay and King Country supporters will be hoping that side suffers no injuries which require him to be called back.

Playing on the opposite wing Baven Brown Jnr was another who shone with one huge run back from a kick off gathered deep in his own half splitting the Bay defence leading to Hedley’s second try.

And it was Brown who scored the final try with his trademark side stepping ability and genuine pace leaving many defenders in his wake as he raced away down the embankment side.

Number eight Caleb Foote was another local player to the fore with his general play and strong carries complimenting a tidy lineout display while his loose forward partners Maximus Dunstar and Levison Gower were never far from the ball.

Piopio’s Isaac Griffin was injected into the pack at lock after the half time break and impressed with some huge carries of the ball and is proving to be a great addition to the squad.

As impressive as the Rams were on attack the coaches will probably be dissecting some defensive lapses especially early in the game as the visitors went toe to toe early on and half way through the first half the scores were locked at 21 a piece.

Earlier in the day the King Country Emerging Big Horns found the Waikato Divisional side a difficult proposition eventually losing by 46–19 on a difficult afternoon.

The side was bolstered somewhat with the inclusion of Rico Bell and Callum Hedley from the Rams but in the end a dominant forward pack proved too hard to overcome.

Young Kees Muller caught the eye with some great line out work complimenting his general play although playing at lock would have seen him in unfamiliar territory.

Liam Knight and Jayden Pari also enjoyed honest performances and continue to develop in a higher grade.

In other results the King Country Under 18 side defeated a Hawke’ Bay schools team 55-12 where by all accounts young Wiremu Harris was outstanding at hooker and Riddick Rangitonga also caught the eye.

The King Country secondary school girls were too powerful for Taranaki U18 girls, winning 32– 5 while the U16 boys lost to Waikato Pasifika 46–23.

King Country’s on track

To say hard work led 19-year-old heavy machinery operator Dylan Eti to his Waikato provincial rugby début would be an understatement.

Dylan lives in Hamilton and works for Cambridge-based C & R Developments at the Graymont Oparure Quarry near Te Kūiti.

The Ōtorohanga-raised Hautapu lock started in the number five jersey at FMG Stadium on August 17, and played 80 minutes in the 27-26 win over Counties Manukau.

His family and friends were there to witness him don the red, yellow and black kit.

And last Saturday he was among the try scorers as Waikato – for the third time in 13 years – lifted the Ranfurly Shield from neighbours Taranaki.

Becoming the 1268th Mooloo man meant more than words could express to the youngster.

He spoke to Good Local Media after his debut game.

“It meant a lot to see a bit of reward for all the hard work over the past few years. It was so good to get out and make my family proud,” Eti said. “The skill set was much higher than club rugby, at a rapid pace and the physicality was also a massive lift.”

Eti moved to St Peter’s in Cambridge for his final two years of secondary schooling after attending Ōtorohanga College.

While boarding in Cambridge, dad Kiso “Tee” Eti would take annual leave to pick him up for NPC training in Hamilton, then back to school before returning to Ōtorohanga.

After graduating, it made sense for him to continue playing club rugby with his friends in Cambridge.

Playing alongside clubmates – Hamilton Burr, Rui Farrant, Mitch Jacobson and Andrew Smith – helped the transition to NPC rugby.

“Those boys were very helpful in the lead up, it made it a lot easier to get stuck into it and back myself,” Dylan said.

Another familiar face was fellow Ōtorohanga product Taipari Quinn.

“It was really cool because we’re both from humble beginnings and have known each other from a very young age.”

Hautapu head coach Jackson Willison, also from Ōtorohanga, was “stoked” to see Eti’s progression.

Willison coached him at New Zealand Māori under-18, Waikato under-18, Chiefs under-20 and Hautapu.

He said Eti was probably their best player in the club rugby final against Hamilton Marist last month.

“He’s got a massive future in rugby,” Willison said. “It’s a big testament to his family. The support I see them give him has been unbelievable. They’re at every game of club rugby that he’s playing.”

Mum Janna Gray said it’s heartwarming to know the hard work is paying off.

“It hasn’t been an easy ride. So much goes on behind the scenes. He holds down a full-time job, trains and also goes to the gym at 4am so he can get to work at 7am,” Janna said.

“In his first year out of school. Dylan was leaving home at 3am to drive to FMG Stadium to go to the gym, driving to the quarry for work, then driving to Cambridge for training before coming home.

“I’d be asleep when he left and I’d be asleep when he came home. He did that for six months before he moved to Hamilton.

“His dedication to his work is pretty special, like his rugby career, he really puts in the hard yards. He’s had that support to be able to do both too. His boss lets him and he doesn’t take that for granted.”

Dylan’s parents can see the connection he has with Waikato head coach and former All Blacks lock Ross “Flossy” Filipo.

“We love that Flossy has taken him under his wing. He’s got a lot of time for him,” Janna said.

Before his Waikato debut, Janna texted Dylan saying simply “enjoy your game son”.

“We’re so stoked for him. It was so humbling to see him go out there, go well and play his own game.”

Eti does the heavy lifting

Piopio College has been savouring an epic victory in the recent Under-16 Waikato Secondary Schools Rugby final.

“We lost to Hamilton Boys’ High School in the last game of the round-robin,” the college’s rugby coach, Franky Bourke, told The News. “But our guys all really showed up when we played them again the following week in the final. They had faith in themselves and played some really good rugby.”

Piopio won the final 39–25 to claim the John Boe Cup.

Strictly speaking, Bourke’s boys aren’t regarded as the school’s first XV, but they may as well be.

“We have just one rugby team here, this is it,” Bourke said. “We only had 17 players fit and available to play in the final, which meant we only had two reserves on the bench, but we still won.”

What’s more, as the college has approximately 150 students, some of the players in Piopio’s under 16s are as young as 13.

By contrast, Hamilton Boys High has a roll of more than 2000 students and has been dominant across the rugby grades.

“Last year, the under-16s was won by Hamilton’s St Paul’s Collegiate School but Hamilton Boys’ had been on a real hot streak before that – they’d won it for four or five years in a row,” Bourke said.

Boys High, the grade’s number one ranked team, went into the final off the back of a 22–20 win over Piopio the week prior. However, the King Country squad promptly took the last game of the season by the scruff of the neck.

“We shot out to a decent lead early on; we scored two tries in quick succession, one straight after the kick-off. Then, still only about 15 minutes in, we were awarded a penalty.”

Piopio’s regular kicker, Keanu Edkins, came into the match after a tough day at the office the week before – he had missed all five of his attempts at goal.

Fortunately, the plucky second-five was able to shake off his demons and step back up to the mark when it really counted.

“All week leading up to the final, Keanu said he didn’t want to kick. I told him we had flushed the last game away, but that it was up to him to decide when he was ready,” Bourke said. “So, although he didn’t take the first couple of kicks, when that penalty was called, he took the shot and nailed it. He only missed one from five in total.”

Although there was still plenty of time for Piopio’s opponents to make up lost ground, the Hamilton team looked as though they weren’t used to playing catch-up rugby, Bourke said.

“They played in the style that got them to the final – kicking into the corners, winning lineouts and driving the ball in – and they scored five tries from that too. But we kept the scoreboard ticking over; we kept up the pressure and held our lead right up until the final whistle.”

While all 17 of Piopio’s under-16s contributed to the victory, the team’s fullback was on particularly hot form.

“Corey Mason was another standout. He really caused the opposition plenty of grief. Practically every time he came into the line, every time he touched the ball, he was really hard for them to contain.”

Other top performers throughout the season included team captain and number eight, Hunter Rogers.

“Hunter had a great season. He led from the front, alongside his twin brother, Quinn Rogers (flanker),” Bourke said. “And, although Aden Bradcock, our halfback, came in probably halfway through the season, he gave us a lot of go-forward ball from then on.”

Jayden Collins Kohe-Love (centre) and Ryshard Tapara (prop), both of whom are now playing representative rugby for King Country, were also noted by Bourke for their contributions.

His surname is well known in the Waipā region – Bourkes have been involved with the Hautapu Rugby Club for more than a century – but this is just a coincidence. While Franky Bourke is great mates with some of his namesakes, he is not related to the famous Cambridge family.

Originally from Takanini, Auckland, Bourke had previous successes coaching rugby in Hamilton before becoming a teacher and coach at Piopio College.

“I was coaching up at Hamilton Girls High School and we had some success with the first XV there. I’m now in my second year at Piopio College and it has been a challenge coming to a small rural school,” he said.

“I’ve really had to keep the boys engaged with an exciting type of rugby for them to play. They have come a long way and worked very hard, so they really do deserve to celebrate.”

School’s rugby giant-killers

A youthful Maniapoto rugby side is the new custodian of the endearing Peace Cup after romping to a 38-20 win over Central Bay of Plenty.,

The one-off match for the historic trophy was arranged after holders Hamilton relinquished it.

The trophy – humorously referred to as the ugliest in the country – dates back to 1919 and spent much of its time as a symbol of rugby sub-union supremacy.

It was also treated with a minimum of respect - resulting in its battered form.

An Eady Manawaiti selected Maniapoto travelled to a cold and windswept Rotorua on Saturday and produced a rugby performance up with the best.

The former King Country rugby player named a squad after his Bush United club was unable to field a squad this season. As he wasn’t coaching during the club season, he travelled the North King Country region to watch other teams.

“I went out to view trainings and games at Te Kūiti. Piopio, Waitomo and Kio Kio. I also took an interest in some of our Bush players who decided to play in Hamilton in division 1A for Suburbs,” Manawaiti said.

His team finished a two-match campaign with two wins – having beaten Counties Manukau Māori in a friendly match for the re-opening of Centennial Park. In Te Kūiti.

“We were delighted to have a presentation by Ngāti Maniapoto iwi member Doug Ruki on the history of the Tupuna Maniapoto,” Manawaiti said.

Ruki also wrote a haka for the team’s short campaign. “The history lesson itself created an opportunity for the players to connect to that side of their whakapapa or genealogy, whether Māori or non-Māori,” Wanawaiti said.

Maniapoto’s pack took command from the kick off against Central Bay of plenty and had the home side pinned in their defensive zone for the opening 20 minutes.

As a result, a 14-nil scoreline had the visiting supporters in good heart after number 8 Jayden Pari had scored two fine tries capitalising on the dominance of his tight forwards and fullback Ben Hedley nailed two conversions from out wide.

CBOP converted a handy penalty goal before scoring a long range try against the run of play with an intercept and the scoreline was down to 14–10 as halftime approached but the action did not tail off.

Right winger Jake Laurent once again showed what a great talent he is scorching away from cover defence for another try in the corned and Hedley latched his radar onto the posts and banged over another great conversion.

CBOP completed the first half scoring a try from a botched Maniapoto lineout and at half time the 21–15 scoreline left an air of expectation for an interesting second half.

Again, from the restart it was the visitors who profited and Pari scored a third try which was arguably his best, bursting away from a midfield maul and dashing 40 metres to finish under the posts. It provided Hedley his easiest conversion.

Hedley was to the fore shortly after scoring his own try and another conversion before Maniapoto skipper Kauri Coffin franked the victory with a further try and Hedley had a rare miss with the kick.

CBOP completed the scoring with a late try but it was Maniapoto -nicknamed The Leftovers - who celebrated an historic victory returning the Peace Cup to their North King Country base.

“To complete our campaign unbeaten with unexpected victories against quality opposition demonstrates there is some real talented players in our Rohe,” campaign manager Paul Senior-Partridge said.

“Now with the Peace Cup residing here we can forge ahead with planning for our defence next season, and we have already fielded interest from potential challengers.”

One of the most pleasing aspects of the campaign was the promotion of some great younger local players such as Waitomo’s Brooklyn Pye, Freemin Te Whare and Tipene Perawiti.

Waitete’s Wiremu Harris and Riddick Rangitonga, Piopio’s Kyan Reymer, Jayden Pari, a real star in the making, and Brad Ostern who answered a call on the morning of the game and came in as a late replacement.

Bush United’s Isaac Wana was a standout player throughout and the young Te Kuiti pair Ben and Mitchell Hedley will continue the family dynasty - they are very clever players with youth on their side.

Skipper Kauri Coffin was outstanding in all aspects, and one astute observer credited his performance on Saturday as his best game ever, dictating field position with astute kicking, running at the right time and pulling off some punishing tackles.

“Few gave us much hope when we started out and hopefully these young men will get the respect they now deserve moving forward and to see the development under our experienced coaching panel puts them in my hero category,” Senior-Partridge said.

Maniapoto iterations have a history in the Peace Cup with a win in 1941 and then again in the early 90’s.

‘Leftovers’ pieced it together

Making a Waikato debut is a highlight - it’s even better when it comes in a 36-35 win over neighbours Auckland.

That was the story for Ōtorohanga born prop Taipari Quinnat the start of the month when he featured in Waikato’s NPC win at Eden Park.

Quinn, 22, is a fifth generation Ōtorohanga resident. He attended Ōtorohanga Primary School and college before starting an apprenticeship at Action Electrical Te Kūiti.

His workplace has been very supportive of his rugby journey.

Workmates echoed each other’s remarks, they missed seeing his bubbly face every morning but were proud of him progressing in his rugby career.

At rugby and at work, Taipari is a team player.

Rugby means a lot to him and he’s sure to add his bubbliness to the Waikato team that he brings to the Action Electrical team every day.

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Taipari.

He came off the bench, donning the number 17 jersey in the Stan Thomas Memorial Shield victory – celebrating 50 years of the trophy and 100 years after Thomas made his first appearance for Waikato.

After spending time at Ōtorohanga Sports and Te Awamutu Sports rugby clubs, Taipari made the move into the big smoke of Hamilton this season, joining Fraser Tech.

There he has been mentored by the likes of former Waikato, Chiefs and Fiji front-rower Greg Smith.

Fraser Tech were defeated 21-20 by Hamilton Marist in the semi-finals, but that didn’t put a dampener on Taipari’s year. He was selected in the New Zealand Harlequins team (Waikato B).

Waikato head coach Ross Fillipo then called him saying, “can you come up to Hamilton for training tomorrow? We want to see how you go.”

Taipari impressed at training and was asked to stay on in the NPC environment.

He played a pre-season fixture in the red, yellow and black jersey against Hawke’s Bay in Taupō on July 25.

The following Wednesday, he was named for the round one clash in Auckland.

Taipari became the 1266th Waikato representative, debuting alongside 34-year-old former All Black Lima Sopoaga as well as fellow Fraser Tech clubmate Liam Anderson and Hautapu’s Rui Farrant.

“It meant the world to make my family, my fiancée and my friends proud,” Taipari said. “It was a feeling like no other running out onto that field, especially on debut.

“The nerves were high but I’m just super grateful that I got a crack.”

Mum Katrina Prescott Quinn said they were extremely proud to see Taipari wear the Waikato colours.

Dad Lukas Quinn had played for Ōtorohanga, Waikato Māori and North Island Māori teams back in his day.

“It’s been Taipari’s dream since he was little to get up to NPC level or higher. We’re proud,” Katrina said.

“He played rugby at primary school and then had a break. Then he started playing again for the Ōtorohanga club after college. His grandfather Robert Prescott played rugby and played the same position too.

“Taipari has done most of the hard work himself and made some good friends along the way that keep him grounded and help him with his training.

“The whole family is rapt that he’s starting to be able to achieve his dreams.”

Ōtorohanga’s Quinn makes Waikato debut

Staff Reporter

The King Country Development Big Horns have a home match in Te Kuiti on Saturday against a Counties-Manukau Selection.

Waitete will have a solid representation with Phayzen Marshall, Liam Knight, Finn Hahn, Ryan Joyes and Athol Sneddon amongst others.

Firebrand flanker Kees Muller will represent the Waitomo Club while Jackson Hurley will fly the Piopio flag after Isaac Griffin’s call up to the Rams.

The Big Horns suffered a shock loss to Whanganui Development in their only build up and will be looking to put that behind them against a professional union side.

The match at Rugby Park Te Kuiti will kick off at 2pm.

Big Horns in Te Kūiti

Maihiihi will host the Hoddle Road rally sprint on Sunday.

The event comes ahead of September’s Waitomo Rally, part of the North Island Rally Series and is a round of the Northern Rallysprint Series.

As it offers an exciting, although challenging run, the race attracts a solid crowd and number of entrants, round organiser Lukas Ramsay said.

“Hoddle Road used to be a WRC (World Rally Championship) test road, so it is high profile. It has lots of camber, but it’s fast and requires technical skill to drive as well – it has a bit of everything for every driver.”

The road is, effectively, Hamilton Car Club’s home ground.

“We use the sports ground as well as Maihiihi School to service the vehicles,” Ramsay said. “The community has been really supportive ever since we started racing there in 2022.”

Beginning in northern Waikato in March, the rallysprint series is now tight at the top.

“There are three drivers that have a real chance to win but anything can happen on the day,” Ramsay said.

Carlin Leong (Thames Valley Car Club) and Northland’s Ben Huband are locked on level pegging at the top of the overall standings. Sam Broadbent, also Thames Valley, is just a few points behind.

Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast Motorsport Club isn’t too far in front in the club categories and, as it’s a veritable traffic jam in various class contests.

The course is shorter than an average rally stage.

“The road’s nine kilometres long and we race it four times. After each time, you come back to the sports ground, service your car, check it over, maybe change the tyres and you go and do it all again.”

Ramsay has competed in a few races in this year’s series but he’ll be side-lined at Hoddle Road.

“I can’t race this round because I’m organising it, but I’ve raced there three years in a row so I know the road pretty well. That is an advantage, to a point, because drivers don’t get to travel the road before the event.

“Every year, we have a little competition for Rallysprint of the Year and Hoddle Road won it in ‘23,” Ramsay said. “I think it’s one of the best in the series and there’s a fair few people who would agree with me on that.”

Rally eyes on Maihiihi

Twelve Special Olympics swimmers have their sights set on the Christchurch-based 2025 National Summer Games in December.

There will be 42 teams, 1205 athletes and 479 team management members involved across more than 10 sports at the event.

Cambridge’s Keziah Clark and Jarrod Gilbert will join nine Te Awamutu athletes and Hamilton’s Deshan Walallavita on the journey south.

Longtime Ōtorohanga resident Jennifer Clark, Peter Crawford, Sarah Griffin, Sarah-Jane Hudson, David Smith, Matthew Smith, Caitlin Thomas, Robert van der Wee and Ella Yarndley make up the rest of the cohort.

Head coach Shelley Blair and support coaches Cherie Thompson and Bruce Blair will accompany the squad.

“The support from the families is awesome. We train on Sunday mornings. Jennifer’s mother was bringing her from Ōtorohanga for training but now she lives in Te Awamutu,” Blair said.

“Both Keziah and Jarrod’s families bring them over too and the same with Deshan coming from Hamilton.

“They’ve all been involved for several years and the whole team have competed at nationals before.”

Nationals are held every four years , though the last was held in Hamilton three years ago following a Covid delay.

“Christchurch is a different kettle of fish. There’s a new state of the art venue being built – the Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre,” Blair said.

“We’re hopeful, fingers crossed that it’s finished by the time we get there. Otherwise, there’s a plan B venue.”

Since founding Special Olympics Te Awamutu in 2008, this will be Shelley’s fifth nationals’ attendance.

“It will also be Deshan and Robert’s fifth – it’s a journey that all three of us have been on together. Bruce was also there at the first event in 2009,” Shelley said.

“I get a big kick out of watching the athletes. If you come and watch them at training, you’d think that they were at nationals anyway. They train like that all the time.

“I enjoy seeing them develop as athletes and making friends. Socially, it’s a big event for them all.

“Self-esteem and confidence, anything that’s related to those two words, they learn about how to handle themselves at these big events.

Some of the experienced competitors had great advice and encouragement to pass on to first timers.

“Buckle up, you’re in for a wild and awesome ride! Nationals is basically a mix of adrenaline, snacks, sweat and the occasional singalong on the bus,” Jarrod Gilbert said.

• Go to teawamutunews.nz for an extended version of this story.

Summer games for swimmers

A large crowd descended on the Centennial Park Oval last Saturday to see Maniapoto take on Counties-Manukau Māori and few left disappointed.

In scoring four tries with one converted Maniapoto were the victors 22-21 as the visitors managed three converted tries in a game where both sides played with flair and skill.

After the northern side of Te Kuiti was rocked with rousing haka where the Maniapoto side were supported by the champion Waitete Under 11 and 13 players laying down the challenge, the game kicked off on a superb playing surface.

It was immediately apparent the visitors, who fielded a huge forward pack, were a cohesive unit and set about their task with the benefit of combinations and an effective game plan.

After the early exchanges Maniapoto lost young lock Tipene Perawiti who broke his arm making a crunching tackle and his youthful team mates appeared to be caught in the headlights and shell shocked.

Counties/Manukau swooped and within the first 10 minutes raced to a 14-point half time lead. It was a different story after the break with Kyan Reymer receiving great service from his pack his outside men Kauri Coffin and Diego Rangi.

Fullback Maanaki Rhind sliced through after 10 minutes, scoring a great try, and soon after was across in the opposite corner as his side moved the ball deep in their own half and he kicked ahead before out pacing defenders with ease.

Time and again during this period of play only desperate cover defence kept the now rampant Maniapoto back line at bay but the dam had to break and Ben Hedley showed great agility and speed as he raced in a try from 40 metres out and Rhind kicked the vital conversion.

This spurred the visitors into action and their big pack again set about domination and were rewarded when crossing under the bar from an unstoppable maul to set up a 21–17 scoreline with eight minutes to go.

Maniapoto reverted to their back line moves and swept onto attack and appeared to have been held out before right winger Freemin Te Whare latched onto a superb passing move and produced a stunning side step before sprinting clear to dot down nonchalantly in the corner for the winning score.

Maniapoto in nail-biting win

The Maniapoto rugby squad selected to celebrate the refurbishment of Centennial Park in Te Kūiti now has chance to lift the 105 year old Peace Cup.

The team beat Counties Manukau Māori in a friendly match to mark the re-opening of Centennial Park last weekend.

Eady Manawaiti selected the group after his Bush United club was unable to field a squad this season.

The former King Country rugby player, who coached Bush for five years, said the lack of numbers had been a struggle for almost two decades.

As he wasn’t coaching during the club season, he had the chance to travel the North King Country region and watch other teams’ matches.

“This short two-game campaign has been really encouraging and uplifting for local players in Te Kūiti as well.

“Centennial Park has a long and proud history. Over the years, there’s been an under investment in the council ground and facilities. But this term we were determined to reinvest back into it,” Manawaiti said.

“The grandstand facilities were upgraded, new changing rooms, showers, disabled toilets, the field was upgraded, rugby posts were added and getting the rugby field marked was an exciting time for the community. Now they can get involved and participate with sport there.

“We’ve got King Country Touch relocating back to Centennial Park and we have a league tournament booked in September.”

On Saturday, the Maniapoto team have a unique opportunity in Rotorua.

“The current Peace Cup holders, Hamilton Rugby Union, pulled their team from the competition this year as there weren’t enough teams for a Peace Cup competition,” Manawaiti said.

Hamilton relinquished the cup, so Central Bay of Plenty and Maniapoto rugby will play a winner takes all challenge at Marist St. Michael’s rugby ground on Saturday.

Manawaiti said the community support for the side has been overwhelming.

“We were delighted to have a presentation by Ngāti Maniapoto iwi member Doug Ruki on the history of the Tupuna Maniapoto,” he said.

Ruki has also written a haka for the team.

“The history lesson itself created an opportunity for the players to connect to that side of their whakapapa or genealogy, whether Māori or non-Māori.”

About 25 players have put their names forward including former Waikato player Murray Iti.

The coach said the energy brought by the Waitomo club players in particular has been contagious.

“The energy they’ve brought after what could be described as a very challenging season, is amazing,” Manawaiti said. “These guys have brought all the energy and enjoyment. They’re very engaged in playing for this team.

“Players are coming home from Hamilton and from all over the North King Country area to represent their roots. The response has been quite fabulous.”

Peace Cup chance calls

A haka before the final Wools of New Zealand Shearing Test may have spurred the Kiwis on to a dominant performance in Wales.

Although their win could not salvage the series, won 2-1 by Wales, King Country’s Jack Fagan and Northland’s Toa Henderson ended their tour in style.

They pair finished 4.05 points clear of Llyr Jones and Gwion Lloyd Evans at the Corwen Shears at the weekend. In the Open All-Nations final, Henderson was second and Fagan fifth.

“We had a good win,” NZ team manager, Neil Fagan (Jack’s cousin), said. “We go into each test hoping for a win, so the last test made for a positive end to the tour.”

In the test, Fagan posted the fastest time, secured best points in the pens and overall quality points, shearing 20 lambs in 11.23 minutes. Henderson, who was six seconds behind, had the best points in judging.

The Kiwis finished with a 3-3 record for their Northern Hemisphere tour, which also included a loss to Scotland and wins against England and France.

Fagan and Henderson secured numerous individual honours on tour.

Henderson won Open finals in France and at the Royal Welsh Show, was third at the Great Yorkshire Show and fourth at Lochearnhead in Scotland.

Fagan finished second in Yorkshire and France, third at the Royal Welsh Show, fourth at Cothi and Corwen. He also won four speedshear titles on tour.

“I’m very proud of them, they have shorn their best. It just goes to show they are both competitive over here,” Neil Fagan said.

Shearers finish  on winning note

After a somewhat intensive build up for administrators, players and supporters behind the scenes, the Maniapoto Representative Rugby side will join forces with Waitomo District Council to officially open the new improved facilities on the oval at Centennial Park on Saturday.

The day will feature a clash between Maniapoto and Counties-Manukau Māori.

In some ways the event will be back to the future for many rugby followers as the Maniapoto side will feature descendants of local rugby legends from by gone eras and a swathe of instantly recognisable names.

One such name is that of the Coffin family and the mantle of leadership for this group has fallen on the shoulders of Kauri Coffin who was presented with the captain’s arm band in an emotional ceremony by coach Tanirau Manawaiti on Sunday during a cultural presentation.

Many will remember the legendary exploits of Hutana Coffin Snr for both Maniapoto and King Country along with Uncle Phillip Coffin who became an All Black after representing Maniapoto.

Kauri will be joined by his cousin Josh Coffin who has recently experienced Heartland Rugby with both King Country and Ngāti Porou East Coast and will be passing his experiences onto the younger brigade of players in the squad.

Murray Iti has represented The Mighty Mooloo colours at NPC level and will be following in the footsteps of his legendary father Clarry Iti when he suits up.

Campaign Manager Paul Senior-Partridge said it was “entirely fitting we are creating a little bit of history here at Centennial Park... many of our boys attended the Centennial Park School and over the years the focus for our community centred on the park”.

“There has been some negativity thrown toward our players that they are not really “local” players because they now play for clubs outside our region however this is just a natural progression for young men hoping to improve themselves”.

“The fact that they have put their hands up to represent our rohe and support their mates means they have my utmost respect and what a great chance for locals to get down to the park and enjoy the rugby entertainment they will provide”, he added.

Counties-Manukau Māori will arrive in Te Kuiti sure to be primed for a big performance having enjoyed a comfortable victory over Central Bay of Plenty in Te Kauwhata last Saturday.

The mere fact a representative team from a professional union will be gracing a little country town with their presence is a great boost and a great opportunity for local players to test themselves at a higher level, Senior-Partridge said.

Kick off will be at 2.30pm and the venue is Centennial Park Te Kuiti and will be preceded by a Waitomo District Council ceremony to officially acknowledge the improvements at the grand stand.

Rugby feast for new look oval

With the King Country Premiership Club Rugby season now behind us with Tongariro United crowned champions with a hectic 17–10 victory over Taupo Marist it is time for local rugby supporters to turn their attention to the representative season.

Disappointedly there will only be one Heartland fixture at Rugby Park Te Kuiti when old foes Horowhenua Kapiti come to town on September 6. The Rams’ other home games are at Taupo (twice) and Taumarunui. There are only eight games in the overall round robin programme.

As expected, there is a sparse number of players named in the Rams squad from the North King Country Clubs with three from Waitete and one from Piopio in the 27-man line up.

New Zealand Heartland 15 number eight Caleb Foote would have been one of the first names out of the hat after an outstanding club season and he will be joined by New Zealand Māori Under 20 rep Rico Bell from Waitete in the loose forward mix as he continues to develop.

Waitete’s star Baven Brown Jnr was another certainty. His try scoring exploits earned him a cult following and he will be joined by first five Callum Hedley who gained in confidence over the season and is a fine goal kicker.

Interestingly brother Patrick Hedley has been named as a loan player from Hawke’s Bay and these two will be battling for a starting spot which will spark local interest.

With the Rams looking to improve on their fifth placing last season hopes are high that natural improvement will see them push into the top four this year.

There is a better northern representation in The Big Horns (KC Development) with seven North King Country players featuring - four from Waitete, two from Piopio and one from Waitomo.

Slim picking for Rams

Hawkes Bay won the Division Four North Patterson Trophy at Te Kūiti’s Gallagher Recreation Centre by just half a point from King Country at the Interprovincial Championships at the weekend.

Nationwide, four clubs claimed a Patterson Trophy for topping their divisions and Hutt Valley secured the Welch Trophy, winning Division 1 for the first time in decades.

Hawke’s Bay has a shot at promotion while King Country will compete in an amalgamated Division 4 next year, against teams from the North and South Islands.

King Country’s Paul Walker said the team did not expect to finish as high as second.

“We started off well and three of our players were in the top four after the first round. We managed to maintain that position for, pretty much, the whole weekend and the result wasn’t decided until the last bowl of the event.”

Next up, King Country will take part in an inter-division contest at Waihi Beach which includes teams of 16 from divisions one, three and four from the Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.

“It will give us a chance to compete against some of the best players in the country,” Walker said.

Bowlers finish second

By Jesse WoodŌtorohanga basketballers Khloe Christison, Pianika Emery and Tiana Hill-Brown were part of the national championships bronze medal winning Waikato under-16 girls team at the Akau Tangi Sports Centre, Wellington this month.

The three teenagers attend Hamilton Girls’ High School and were previously Ōtorohanga South School students.

Competing with the best of the best, Waikato were pipped by eventual champions Canterbury A by just six points in the semi-finals.

There were 20 teams competing - four pools of five – and Waikato finished top of Pool A.

Taumarunui born head coach Celine Selwyn led them to victory in every pool match, beating Counties Manukau, Otago A, Taranaki and Gisborne. In that quartet of games, Waikato scored 392 points and conceded 155.

“The girls had a fantastic campaign. We knew we could go all the way and get on the podium if we stuck to our game plan and did all the small things well throughout the week,” Selwyn said.

After defeating Tauranga 103-62 in the quarterfinals, they fell short in a tight semi-final against Canterbury A, 70-64. Waikato then faced North Harbour A in the third and fourth playoff, taking an 87-79 win.

Bronze for Ōtorohanga trio

Welsh duo Gethin Lewis and Llyr Jones won the first shearing test against New Zealand with a clear lead of 6.1 points at the Cothi Shears last weekend.

Jack Fagan (Te Kūiti) and Toa Henderson (Northland) set a blistering pace – Fagan shore 20 lambs in 13m 1s in the Open final and Henderson claimed the best time points in the test in just 11m 48s. However Welsh quality trumped Kiwi speed in both the Open final and the test.

As this issue of The News went to print, Fagan and Henderson were aiming to level the three-match Wools of New Zealand series at the Royal Welsh Show. The final test is at the Corwen Shears this weekend.

The first test loss against Wales follows a strong performance by the New Zealand team over the course of their European tour to date. Fagan and Henderson shook off a first-up loss to Scotland with wins over England and France prior to their showdown against Wales.

Welsh take test lead

With the club rugby season winding down and just an all Taupō premiership final to be played this weekend, local rugby supporters can turn their attention to the Maniapoto rep side.

This side will represent the five North King Country clubs and have received an added bonus of a direct challenge for the revered Peace Cup and Stan Meads Shield against Central Bay of Plenty in Rotorua on August 9.

To mark the opening of the new oval facility and improved Centennial Park Grandstand, Maniapoto will play Counties/Manukau Māori representatives on August 2 as a final tune up.

Over the past six weeks the Maniapoto selectors have left no stone unturned observing all the local rugby, engaging with players and coaches at their trainings and liaising with club officials for support.

“Our group has a focus upon providing our local players and rugby supporters with a level of community rugby which is a step up from club level and at the same time resurrect some pride in representing the time-honoured history of Maniapoto Rugby,” campaign manager Paul Senior-Partridge explained.

“With an outstanding coaching group featuring the vastly experienced Tanirau Manawaiti joined by Craig Bell and Sheldon Coffin this provides our young squad with some great learning experiences,” he added.

He said there had been “great buy in” from the playing group and to have a direct challenge for the Peace Cup was a real bonus.

His fellow New Zealand Māori Under 20 rep Rico Bell will be joined by brother Delane who was a star of the campaign in 2024.

Peace Cup competition rules allow “Players of Origin” and the inclusion of the experienced Murray Iti and Josh Coffin and cousin Kauri Coffin will bolster the ranks considerably.

Players are expected to confirm their availability over the coming days and the team will meet up on July 27 for an iwi presentation and to perfect their haka before launching into training on three days later.

“ I believe the quality in this team is there for all to see and hopefully local rugby folk will get behind us and a big crowd will turn out to Centennial Park for our game against Counties/Manukau Māori”, Senior-Partridge added.

The initial squad is.

Props: R Joyes (Waitete), R Mulligan-Green (Waitomo), L Taitoka (Bush), P Astle (Piopio). Hookers W Harris (Waitete), N Crook (Piopio). Locks: J Coffin (Player of Origin), I Griffin (Piopio), S Wilson (Waitete), F. Hahn (Waitete), B Pye (Waitomo). Loose Forwards: I Wana (Waitete), M Iti (Player of Origin) K Muller (Waitomo), J Crosland (Waitete), R Bell (Waitete) T Proffit (Piopio). Halfbacks: K Reymer (Piopio), A Sneddon (Waitete). Five Eights: C Hedley (Waitete), K Coffin (Player of Origin). M Cumpstone (Kiokio Utd) Midfield: C Karaitiana (Waitete), S Daniels (Bush) D Tutaki (Bush) K Hodgson (Bush) D Bell Piopio): Outside backs M Reilly (Piopio), P Marshall (Waitete) J Jolly (Kiokio Utd). Fullbacks B Hedley (Te Kuiti)

Peace Cup bid

New Zealand shearers have secured wins against England and France in the latest legs of the Wools of New Zealand test series.

Te Kūiti clipper Jack Fagan and Northland’s Toa Henderson defeated a French pair at the French Shears in Boussac on Sunday.

Henderson and Fagan also finished first and second in the Open final and their positions were reversed in the speed shear.

Victory in France follows a test win for the Kiwis across the channel at the Great Yorkshire Show four days earlier. Fagan and Henderson defeated England’s Nick Greaves and Dean Nelmes by 4.3 points in Harrogate.

“It was good to have a win with Toa,” Fagan said soon after the July 9 test. “Both of us shore really well and we’re looking forward to the three tests in Wales.”

In the show’s Yorkshire Open final, defending champion Fagan was second to Welsh shearer Gethin Lewis with Henderson in third.

The duo is now set to compete against Wales at Cothi on Saturday, the Royal Welsh Show on July 23 and the Corwen Shears on July 26.

Test win in the shears

Surrounded by family and friends, June Fagan celebrated her 100th birthday at the Panorama Motor Inn restaurant, Te Kūiti, late last month. The following day she celebrated with fellow residents and staff at Hillview Home.

The Fagan family includes numerous champion shearers and June said she was equally proud of all of her children – Robin, John, Kenneth, Geoffrey, Helen and David – and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Matriarch’s milestone

Black Ferns legends Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Ruahei Demant were on hand to present Ōtorohanga players their grand-final jerseys ahead of the premier women’s final clash with Old Boys Huskiez.

“They told the ladies, regardless of what happens, you’ve made it. Just have fun,” Jodi Whitiora-Te Uira, said.

“Those little messages kept our ladies playing good rugby.”

The well-attended muddy finale was a culmination of a great season for Ōtorohanga.

Leading 7-5 at halftime, courtesy of a Libby Kearins-Te Whare try and conversion, the visitors were more than holding their their own.

Old Boys then kicked two penalties through Keira Russell and were up 11-7.

Ōtorohanga pressed and scored through former Black Ferns front-rower Grace Houpapa-Barrett.

But Old Boys, down 12-11 fought back as several penalties went their way and the visitors barely saw the ball again. The Huskiez then scored another try and sealed the deal on full-time with a third, for a 21-12 win.

Although Old Boys were crowned champions, rugby and family were the winners on the day.

Whitiora-Te Uira said the rugby community has been incredible.

“Every year we get higher and higher [on the table]. It was a huge achievement.”

“Hautapu’s physio volunteered to help with us in the final because we hadn’t had a physio all year. To have a volunteer put her hand up was huge. It was a big, warm heart feeling to have someone like her reach out to my ladies.

“The players said they felt the sideline support during the final. They definitely felt the presence of our community and they couldn’t be more grateful.

“Win or lose, that was something that they took away, to be proud. They played their hearts out because of that.”

The tale of the women’s final

With the King Country premiership club rugby season having completed the round robin format last Saturday we now have the prospect of semi-final action taking centre stage this weekend while the first division final will be played out at Piopio.

Over the past few seasons Piopio and Taumarunui Eels have fought out some torrid battles in what has become something of a traditional match up and the prospect of a continuation of their rivalry on Saturday offers rugby fans a mouthwatering contest.

Piopio have a 2-0 record over the course of the season but finals footy is another beast and the Eels have made steady improvement and are sure to arrive at Rukuhia Domain primed and ready for action.

With New Zealand Heartland number eight Caleb Foote leading the way and in superb form over the past few weeks the Piopio pack is a solid outfit and features former Ram Isaac Griffin who is a powerhouse.

Halfback Kyan Reymer has caught the eye of many good judges and can celebrate a call-up to the Maniapoto Representative side where he will be joined by Nathan Crooks, Josh Black, Matt Reilly, Griffin, and Jackson Hurley.

In the final week both these sides were defeated by Tongariro United and Taupo Marist respectively and these two sides have earned the right to host the premiership semi’s by completing the season in first and second place.

Taupo Marist will host Taumarunui Districts in a replay of last season’s final and in their last meeting only one try separated the teams at the final whistle.

Despite that Marist will start warm favourites as they are proving to be something of a juggernaut after posting some large scorelines over the season.

Waitete courtesy of a third placed finish will also have to perform on the road as Tongariro United wound up in second place by a narrow margin and did inflict the only defeat on Marist all season.

Both these sides have tasted success over the season having both won their home encounters and for Waitete the season has proved to be a marked improvement from their 2024 campaign.

The Waitete pack has been a formidable unit all season and will be looking to dominate up front before unleashing their exciting young backs.

Of concern is what appeared to be a serious injury to the strike weapon that is Baven Brown Jnr against District last week and the coaches will be sweating on his availability as he will be hard to replace.

Locals have the possibility of an exciting match at Piopio while we can be assured the Blue Army will descend upon Turangi to battle Tongariro United in force with an air of confidence a finals berth will be booked and on the horizon.

All games kick off at 2.30pm

Time for semis action

A packed sideline at Willoughby Park saw Old Boys win the Waikato women’s rugby premiership title on Saturday. But Ōtorohanga who came in as rank outsiders were within minutes of causing a boil over. Jesse Wood tells the story of a team which was just was the ‘Doc’ ordered.

Ōtorohanga women’s rugby side have built a family, a culture of support, and the fruit is now showing.

A magnificent chapter in their 2025 season came to a close on Saturday as they were pipped 21-12 by hosts Hamilton Old Boys Huskiez in the Waikato premiership final at Willoughby Park.

Under the eye of coach Murdoch “Doc” Whitiora-Reti and his assistant coach Murihiku Martell, aided by managers Te Arai Millar-Hetet and Jodi Whitiora-Te Uira, Ōtorohanga have become a strong unit.

They’ve stuck together for several years – three players received their 50 game blazers this season.

“Most of our players have been here over five years. There are long term players that come back after kids or play for another top tier club and come back,” Whitiora-Te Uira said.

“Doc probably has the draw in of 80 per cent of our team. They’re there for our coach. Lots of our players travel from the wider area. I suppose it’s a Ngāti Maniapoto thing.

“We have players from the coast, Taumarunui, Ōtorohanga, Te Kūiti - players from all those areas that want to play at premier level.”

The management are helping players become leaders and hope to inspire other women to represent Ōtorohanga.

“The whole team was amazing, but the likes of Grace Houpapa-Barrett and Rina Paraone’s leadership was great,” Whitiora-Te Uira said.

“Our number 10 Awa Whitiora, she’s the connection between our forwards and our backs. Without her mouth and her comms, the team folds.

“Superstars include our winger Ata Edwards and Libby Kearins-Te Whare who scored. She’s our kicker, our fullback and has just joined from Hamilton Girls’ High School. Those two play New Zealand women’s open touch. They’re from Kāwhia and they’ve come home.”

Whitiora-Te Uira believes support was one of the main secrets to success. The leadership from the players was also outstanding.

“It takes lots of getting to know your players. We have mainly mums and only a few players at school without children.”

“The secret is making sure the children are okay and making sure the relationship at home with the partners is okay. Without that, the mums won’t turn up.

“We have a lot of dads involved that cook for us. We’ve got about five dads that have given up their sports so that our ladies can get to play. I think that’s a bit of the key, the wrap around support.

“That’s what’s been our secret is making a family. Everyone’s wheels fall off but if the motor keeps rolling, they can always jump back on.”

Ōtorohanga finished third after the round-robin, winning six out of 10 games before beating the strong Melville side 13-10 in the semi-final.

After a tough semi-final loss last year, the team returned with fire in their bellies this season.

“It was always a challenge to play Melville. They’ve been one of the top two teams for about seven years now. Once we got that win, I think the whole Waikato was a bit shocked,” Whitiora-Te Uira said.

First seed Hamilton Old Boys had finished 21 competition points ahead of Ōtorohanga and previously beat them 46-0 and 38-19.

It was a completely different display in the grand final.

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King Country News, King Country Farmer and the King Country App are independently owned and published by Good Local Media Ltd – also publishers of the Te Awamutu News, Cambridge News and Waikato Business News.