Norris Woodbine

Jesse Wood

Thursday night rugby under lights brought a high level of excitement to a much-anticipated local derby.

Anyone not at the game would see a 69–0 scoreline to Waitete as an indication of a one-sided match up with total dominance across the park however the Waitomo pack showed otherwise.

With a blustery wind swirling inconsistently it was Waitomo who kicked off with it supposedly at their backs and after an early Waitete error inside the 22 they tore into their work and mounted the early pressure.

Unfortunately, an error caused a turnover and the ball ended up in the hands of Baven Brown Jnr who applied his after burners and a couple of sensational side steps before flying into the back field and unloading to Jared Crosland who scored in the corner.

Almost immediately it was Brown again surging down the grandstand sideline this time outpacing everyone to dot down himself for the first of his five tries in what was to become an individual haul of 31 points.

The left flank became a real problem for Waitomo as Brown’s dominance saw him set up Callum Hedley, a second for himself and Phayzen Marshall for tries for a lead of 31 points after 25 minutes.

To their credit the Waitomo pack began to exert some dominance and for the final 15 minutes of the half-spent time on attack and kept Waitete scoreless until the break.

After half time the Brown show soon kicked into gear and he was again on the score sheet this time on the terrace side and he nailed a great sideline conversion seemingly able to do everything.

Over the course of the second half Brown added two further tries, Crosland a second and Raiden Van Herpen a solo effort with Brown converting two.

The Waitomo coach made a few positional substitutions with 20 minutes to go and his big pack began to rumble the ball with 17-year-old lock Tipene Perawiti prominent along with Brooklyn Pye and Kees Muller who are garnering stature with every game

For long periods the visitors camped in the Waitete 22 and appeared close to scoring on many occasions but the defence remained resolute turning them away.

Finally, the attack wilted and the home side finished with a flurry completing an eight try victory.

In the wash up while the scoreline was impressive, the dominance of Brown was the difference and he is proving to be a class above other players who grace the local fields.

He demonstrates pace, size, and an ability to sidestep off both feet.

In other matches Taumarunui Districts proved too strong for Taumarunui Eels 34–7 and Tongariro United upset Taupo Marist 23-14. Leaving Waitete and Tongariro United as the only unbeaten teams.

The games will be played tonight with Waitete off to Taupo to challenge Tongariro for the Hetet Shield, Taumarunui Eels also heading to Taupō  to play Taupō Marist while out at Piopio we have another local derby as they host Waitomo.


Club Rugby Picks

Another good week for Pete Hurley and Craig McKellar who picked the Tongariro upset over Taupō Marist in club rugby. This week Christen Dimon is again an outlier going for a Waitomo upset over Piopio.

Pete Hurley  (3)

Tongariro United 

Taupo Marist 

Piopio

 Carlos Cressy  (2)

Tongariro United

Taupō Marist

Piopio

Craig McKellar  (3)

Tongariro United

Taupō Marist

Piopio

Christen Dimond  (2)

Tongariro United

Taupō Marist 

Waitomo


Celebrations on the island

Ōtorohanga fans had much to celebrate with two home victories at Island Reserve in Easter weekend Waikato club rugby.

The golds beat Fraser Tech, Hamilton 47-22 with help from the steady boot of second five-eighth Hamish Clapcott.

Clapcott added five conversions to his team’s six tries and penalty try.

Pivot Manaaki Rewi-Wetini and centre Manieta Vonovono scored doubles for Ōtorohanga, as did Hakaraia Richards-Coxhead for Tech.

Norman Wise, son of Ōtorohanga stalwart Anthony Wise, was one of Tech’s other try scorers.

The blues development team pipped Fraser Tech B 28-27.

Blues captain and halfback Liam Fox scored 18 of his side’s points. His tally consisted of two tries and four conversions.

The Ōtorohanga’s women’s premiership squad and the Kio Kio United Cattle Dogs both had a break for Easter.

Ōtorohanga women host Hautapu tomorrow at Island Reserve.

On Saturday, Kio Kio travel north to face Drury in the Waikato-Counties Manukau under-85kg competition.

Kio Kio is eighth on the table, one spot ahead of their opponents.

Clinical Waitete performance

Waitete made the best of outstanding Autumn weather conditions and a hard and fast field with an exhilarating display of running rugby to beat Taumarunui Eels 58-10 at the Maniapoto ground on Saturday.

Spectators were jostling for vantage points as speedy Waitete winger Riddick Rangitonga latched on to a bullet Carlos Karaitiana pass and sped across in the corner for an opening try after just four minutes.

Outstanding hooker Michael Lea latched onto a loose ball from a lineout 10 metres into Waitete territory and sped down the embankment touchline for 60 metres outpacing all defence for a great try.

Ahead 10 – 0 there was no let up as Phayzen Marshall, who was outstanding all afternoon at fullback, made an incisive break in mid field before sending Callum Hedley away to score which he converted.

Waitete attacked again and Athol Snedden scooted through from a scrum on the 22 before slipping a pass to Jared Crosland who crossed under the bar giving Hedley an easy conversion.

Finally, Taumarunui managed to gain field position and secured a lineout five metres from the Waitete goal line and mauled their way across to score a try out wide which went unconverted.

With halftime up on the clock the Waitete pack took complete control and were rewarded with a penalty try to set a 31–5 halftime lead.

Following the break the Waitete forwards began to run with freedom and Ryan Joyes and, Esekia Daveta, who shone in the loose both crossed for tries before youngster Wiremu Harris kept his 100 percent record in tact with another try.

The Taumarunui pack managed a consolation try from a driving maul however any dominance was short lived as Hedley bagged a second try after charging a clearing kick and Baven Brown Jnr put the icing on the cake crashing through some tired defenders for a trade like try.

Second five Karaitiana was outstanding in an impressive backline with Marshall earning the King Country MVP award while Crosland was the Waitete MVP.

Out at Piopio the home side secured a four try bonus point despite going down to Taumarunui Districts 41–28 while the hapless Waitomo side conceded 111 unanswered points to Tongariro United and look to be in real trouble going forward.

In the early game at Rugby Park in Te Kūiti the Waitete women’s side came within a whisker of running down Hamilton Marist losing by just two points 29-27.

After Marist has sped to an early 14 point lead Waitete showed great grit and determination to work their way back into the game and there were few people at the ground with a broader smile than coach Wayne Fraser.

The Kiokio Cattle Dogs went down in Morrinsville who are leading the competition.

King Country club rugby moves under lights tonight and local action will see Waitete start as hot favourites against Waitomo in Te Kūiti, Taupō Marist host Tongariro United and the home town derby in Taumarunui will see The Eels host Districts.

Pete Hurley, Carlos Cressy and Craig McKellar were spot on with their picks of Waitete, Piopio and Tongariro last week but Christen Dimond clearly felt Taumarunui's form in training would carry over into its match.

Waitete run Taumarunui ragged

Round One of The King Country Club Rugby Premiership got underway last Saturday with one local losing a cliffhanger and the other being well beaten.

Waitete 39 beat Piopio 25, Taupō Marist was rampant in beating Waitomo 95-0 while Tongariro United took the Hetet Shield from Taumarunui Districts 24-3.

The local match of the day was played out at Rukuhia Domain in Piopio and Waitete travelled up State Highway 3 full of confidence after a solid preseason campaign culminating in victory over a powerful Frankton side.

Any over confidence was soon brushed aside as the local side crossed for try within two minutes of kick off and spent long periods on attack adding a penalty goal for an 8–0 lead.

Finally, Waitete gained some momentum and big lock Esekia Daveta smashed his way over for a try converted by Callum Hedley. Almost immediately, star back Baven Brown Jnr scored out wide to take Waitete to a 12–8 lead.

Piopio refused to yield, and their pack put the visitors under pressure before they scored another try for a narrow 13–12 lead. It was short-lived as Carlos Karaitiana scored right on halftime and Hedley converted to set a 19–13 scoreline.

The second half saw a fired-up Piopio take charge of the game and within six minutes they had crossed the Waitete line for two superb tries one of which was converted for a 25–19 lead.

Waitete are known for their steely resolve and fought back with a Hedley penalty then took charge of the last quarter with tries to 18-year-old debutant Wiremu Harris, winger Kelvin Sopepa and icing the victory with the pack driving their skipper Shaun Burr across



Outstanding young lock Finn Hahn was awarded the Waitete MVP while standout performers included Caleb Foote, Isaac Griffin and former Rams midfielder Stephan Turner.

Out at the Waitomo Domain competition favourites Taupo Marist turned on a stunning display of running rugby humiliating the local side 94 – 0.

While the Waitomo pack was highly competitive the backline looked like possums caught in the headlights facing a King Country Rams laden backline who ran in tries almost at will.

The bright lights were the outstanding performers in Brooklyn Pye and Kees Muller who tackled themselves to a standstill while Kenneth Perawiti was joined by his son Tipene in the middle row of a pack that actually had the better of their opposites for long periods.

In Te Kuiti, the Waitete women’s side began their Waikato Club championship campaign with a 36–10 loss to a strong Taupiri side who were just too well organised.

Out at Maihihi the local Cattle Dogs outplayed a team from Bombay to snatch a 10-8 victory playing in The Counties Under 85kg competition.

This week will see Waitete at home against Taumarunui Eels, Piopio also at home against Taumarunui Districts while Waitomo face a long road trip to Turangi for a Hetet Shield challenge against Tongariro United with Taupo Marist having the bye.

Craig McKellar kicked off the “experts” picking comp with three from three last week. Carl Cressy and Christen Diamond had two right – but Peter Hurley was stumped in all three games. The Fab Four are almost in full agreement with their selections this week.

Tough for locals

Staff Reporter

The visit to Waitomo by current Chiefs and All Blacks halfback Cortez Ratima was a rip-roaring success and thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated.

At 6.30pm the playing field was packed with at least 20 keen and committed rugby players as Cortez arrived and began to take control of proceedings.

After an official welcome, club president Julian Dimond entertained the gathered crowd with some historical anecdotes including an exposé that Waitomo is in fact the only club in the King Country that Cortez has represented in 15 a side rugby.

The playing team then gathered around and enjoyed a video session outlining some of the latest training techniques and how they can be applied in a real time game situation, the concentration was reflected in insightful answers to questions.

Following on everyone took the field and put many of the scenarios into practise where the skill levels and fitness were impressive keeping a host of youngsters on the sideline entertained.

Coach Steve Edwards was beaming and clearly impressed with his players.

“To see our boys out there lapping this up is really rewarding and hopefully will set us up for the season”, he said.

Cortez Ratima is obviously something of a local hero and there are many items now carrying his signature that will be treasures in the future.

Cortez brought the goods

Jon Rawlinson

At 12, Sam Gray is top of his class. Unlike most keen students at Ōtorohanga South School, however, his class is motocross’ 85cc, 9-U12 (nine to 12 years age group) and he’s been making top marks.

Sam has ridden raced since the age of five and trains at the North King Country Motocross Track in Te Kūiti. Thanks to these grassroots – or muddy ruts – as well as hard work, he’s well placed for sporting glory when jumping across the Tasman.

“At this stage, I am focused on Australia, to win the Sunshine State MX Series,” he said. “I think the Australian riders were pretty surprised that I came over and won, but I have made some really nice friends over there.”

Fifth in round one, Sam topped the podium in round two, claiming the Red Plate for his overall points lead in the six-round series. Last weekend’s third round was cancelled due to a storm and he will need speed and strategy to leave his rivals in the dust during the final two rounds.

New to trans-Tasman competitions, youngster from Honikiwi is a veritable veteran in the New Zealand Junior Motocross Championship. He has been finishing in the top six and hopes to have a winning ride this weekend in Pukekohe, southern Auckland.

“My aim is to finish in the top five,” he says. “But, as I’ve learnt in the past few years, anything can happen on race day, so top three would be great.”

Looking further down the track, Sam has Loretta Lynn’s Championship in his sights.

“I want to go to America and become a motocross rider,” he says. “I would love to ride in Loretta’s.”

Now known as the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, the competition is considered to be the final showdown before riders turn pro.

As high speeds and high flying jumps can lead to spectacular crashes, avoiding such pitfalls requires riders exercise the top two inches in order to protect the top two inches. Regular training helps them sharpen reaction times and learn how to avoid accidents, and a lot of pride can outweigh a few falls.

“Motocross is a challenging sport and Sam has worked so hard to get where he is,” Sam’s mother, Kelly Gray, says.

“It’s taken a lot of determination and training. There are crashes, but he’s aware of the dangers and coaching helps make sure that, if he does get into trouble, he can find his way out, so I don’t worry too much.”

While there’s a long road ahead of him with many races to come, Sam’s latest success in Queensland was an especially proud moment for the young rider and his mum.

“When Sam heard his name called out, he was so thrilled. Winning for the day and points for the series was just out of this world for him,” she said.

“I couldn’t be more proud of them – Sam’s brother, Evan (9), also races. There’s nothing more amazing than seeing your children so happy and achieving their dreams.”

A mum’s pride may make the hard work worthwhile but, when it comes to his favourite parts of motocross, Sam’s answer is short but to the point: “winning and hitting big jumps,” he says.

Sam’s off to a flying start

A push to get younger players into indoor bowls saw a team of four school aged players compete in the King Country Championship Fours at Ōtorohanga last weekend.

The Te Awamutu Junior Indoor Bowls Club was formed last year, primarily to get Intermediate school aged children competing at the annual Aims games event held in Tauranga - but also in the hope that the King Country Indoor Bowls Centre could have a representative team to play in an event for junior players that the Centre hosts.

The Club plays on Tuesdays and will run during the school holidays.

Cruze Hardwidge, Taiwhenua Reuben, Mackenzie Harris and Kelly Armstrong, were included in teams that played in Ōtorohanga and while not among the winners, they acquitted themselves well.

The championship fours drew an entry of seven teams. Each team played four games, where two points were allotted for a win and one for a draw, and they had to amass five points to advance to the next round.

As there was an uneven number of teams there was a bye in each round, and after four rounds had been completed no team had qualified.

The four teams who had had a bye had to play their last game and three of had a chance of qualifying.

To cap off an extraordinary day only one of those teams, Brendon Hand (skip), Betty Herbert (three), Margaret Taylor (two) and Russell Vincent (lead) playing out of the Te Awamutu Indoor Bowling Club qualified and took the honours without having to play another bowl.

This was the first Centre title for all players in the team. Five teams ended up with four points and to find a runner up, one player from each team played one bowl to the Jack with the closest being the winner.

Bruce Grace (s), Arthur Pitcher (3), Susan Grace (2) and Diane Udy (L) playing out of the Waipa Workingmen’s Club were successful thanks to their skip

Young bowlers on the mat

A member of King Country’s Fagan family has won the Horse of the Year event this month.

Year 5 Ōtewā School student Javana Johnston, 9, won her category A show hunter class at the Tomoana Showgrounds in Hastings. The youngster has been riding horses since she was toddler.

There were about 1400 riders competing for titles. Javana and her pony Starlight Samara competed against children much older than her across four days.

Her mum Julia Johnston, niece of shearing legend Sir David Fagan, was proud of her daughter’s efforts.

“It’s the second time Javana has competed at Horse of the Year,” Julia said. “Last year she was the youngest rider competing in show hunter and came home with a couple of wins and placings. This year we brought home the big one.”

Javana also rode a category B class pony, Starlight Sahara.

“She had her challenging moments with Starlight Sahara this year though. She started off okay with sixth in her first class but ended up having a couple of falls during the week.

“She got a sportsmanship spot prize for the way she conducted herself and the kindness towards her pony after her falls.

Julia grew up in Te Kūiti before moving north to Whitianga.

The family moved to Ōtewā, on the banks of the Waipā River near Ōtorohanga, when Javana started primary school.

Along with Te Kūiti-based sister Tina Fagan, Julia competed in pony events in her youth too.

“I actually bred Javana’s ponies. Me and my sister Tina, we breed our Starlight horses and ponies. I’ve been breeding ponies since before I had kids in hopes that they would want to ride as well. I got lucky with my first one,” Julia said.

“I have always been trying to chase that quality of pony since I finished in pony Grand Prix way back in my day.

“This year, not only did one of my ponies take out the category A with Javana, but I also had my pony stallion take out the category C with one of my other riders, Te Kauwhata-based Cameron Young.”

Javana also placed in five other events as well as placing third in the national category A high point series, third overall in the 12 years and under national equitation series - the rider class, and third in the national series on her category B high points with Starlight Sahara.

In 2024, she placed sixth overall in all her high point series classes for the national series, bumping her way up three spots this year.

“Javana placed at the Takapoto showjumping event last winter as well, but we’ve concentrated on the show hunter this season because she wanted to go for those national classes,” Julia said.

“I think she would like to take out the win. She wants to chase those points for the national series.

“But it’s pretty amazing to win the pony of the year class this year. To come home as number one.”

It was a family affair for Javana and Julia. Tina and her two girls Hannah, 12, and Twyla Ashwell, 11, also attended.

Javana’s cousins both brought home wins and placings in show jumping.

Tina said the competitive spirit is part of the girls’ blood and they understand the commitment it takes in any sport to be a champion. 

Riding Starlight Storm, Hannah placed first in the pony 1.10m event and third in speed pony champion of the year 1.20m.

With her second pony, Starlight Irwin, Hannah came first in the equitation medal of the year 13 years and under event as well as third in the pony 1.10m championship.

Twyla rode Starlight Ishtar, placing second in category C high points and fifth in the equitation medal of the year 13 years and under.

Riding her second mount Quince, Twyla finished sixth in the pony 1.05m

championship category.

The sisters also represented Waikato in the Pony Club’s Show Jumping teams event gaining second place.

“The three cousins did very, very well for themselves,” Julia said.

“Tina and I always rode as kids, but to also have our three girls come through, compete and do really well is quite amazing.

“I think they’ve been very lucky to have mums that have ridden and bred horses.”

Javana stars at Horse of the Year

Supplied

Over the past few weeks there has been much conjecture as to the makeup of The King Country Club Rugby Premiership and now it is time for the talking to stop and the action to commence.

Two clubs who competed in the premiership in 2024 have withdrawn for 2025 which leaves a competition between just seven teams - which must place some pressure on the Union to scrutinise possibilities moving forward.

Bush United has been under pressure for some time as their player base has gradually shrunk and it reflects a trend among all North King Country Clubs fighting to attract a rapidly diminishing player base.

Their withdrawal is not a surprise to many.

It should be noted that there are now two rugby league clubs in the district which contributes to competition for player numbers.

However, the withdrawal of Taupo Sports club has sent shock waves throughout the community. To champions just two years ago after a stellar run on the top of the table to withdrawing is hero to zero so to speak.

It means last year’s champions Taumarunui Districts, Taupo Marist, Tongariro United, Taumarunui Eels, Piopio, Waitete and Waitomo will compete over two full rounds, albeit with a bye in each round.

Taupo Marist appear to be high on the radar as being favourites to improve on the 2024 second placing and will be well prepared having just completed a successful Spillane Cup tournament, winning their final over Whanganui Marist.

Tongariro United are rumoured to have a very strong squad having picked up some leading players from Taupo Sports while Taumarunui Districts will be defending their title with gusto.

The Te Kuiti outfit Waitete have an air of confidence in their camp with a new coach in Gareth Williams who will be assisted by Josh Ostern a very experienced player with a stellar career behind him.

They have a mixture of experienced players and some exciting young talent and completed their build up with an impressive 36–5 victory over Waikato First Division Club Frankton.

Head Coach Steve Edwards returns for his second season at Waitomo and appears to have built a committed group of young players as he looks to improve their position on the table.

Piopio has crept quietly along under the radar and have appointed the experienced Craig Bell as their head coach so should lack nothing in the form of fitness.

Over the last few years they have built up a solid reputation and this season should be no exception.

On Saturday Piopio will host Waitete at the domain in a match up that has seen some real ding dongs as local rivalry comes to the fore.

Waitete have enjoyed an extensive build up with preseason fixtures against Te Aroha’s Cobras and Frankton and will possibly be favoured as Piopio will be having their first hit out for the season.

Out at Waitomo Domain the home side face a mammoth task facing competition favourites Taupo Marist.

Waitomo had two preseason games against Waikato First Division sides Ōhaupō and Te Rapa and showed enough to suggest they will have an improved performance; Marist will underestimate them at their peril.

In Taumarunui there will be a mouth-watering encounter between the two heavy weights as Districts host Tongariro United in a match expected to go either way and hard to predict from a distance.

Taumarunui Eels have the bye so can sit back to see what unfolds.

All Premiership games kick off at 2.30pm.

…and four to pick them

Who can get the results right? Our rugby writer Norris Woodbine has lined up a panel and challenged them to predict the winners in the King Country rugby competition each week. Here’s how they see the opening weekend going…

Club rugby's a super seven

Ōtorohanga’s Trevor De Malmanche is no stranger to the chequered flag.

He recently won motorcycling’s New Zealand Cross-country nationals, securing the veteran (35-44 years) class.

“Yeah, it was really good,” he says. “I’ve been trying to win the series for a few years now.”

The final two rounds of the series, held in Gore recently followed two rounds in Rewa north of Feilding earlier in the year.

Competing as a veteran, Trevor is relatively new to cross-country racing, however he is an old hand when it comes to motorsport in general. Along with his father, Steve, Trevor was a regular winner at Kihikihi Speedway exchanging four wheels for two and back again.

“We went to speedway for years and won New Zealand titles in that,” he recalls.

“I was driving Falcons and set a record – three national titles in one season – that no one’s been able to beat. But I’ve always raced bikes, including motocross and other bits and pieces.”

While some of the best in cross-country haven’t needed to cross paths (or trails) with Trevor in the fiercely contested senior grade, at least one more Malmanche is on his way.

Son, Max, 15, contested this year’s nationals as a junior but he will join the senior ranks soon enough, Trevor confirms.

“We just finished a sprint series before we went down to finish the nationals – both me and Max both podiumed in that,” he says.

“In the cross-country, Max finished around sixth or seventh this time. He’s turning 16 next month, so hopefully next year should be his year, his last one in the juniors.”

Max isn’t the only one from the next generation of De Malmanches setting out to score big wins on the backs of bikes – Trevor’s daughters, Ella, 17, and Gemma, 14 have also been competing.

His children’s interest in riding rekindled Trevor’s own, he adds.

“I got back into riding when my young fella started. The kids were all knee high to a grasshopper when we began going to kids’ camps and now the whole family rides bikes now.”

The nationals also saw Taupo’s Brad Groombridge claim senior honours with Nixon Parkes (Te Awamutu) securing a clean sweep in the junior grade. Other winners included Stratford’s Megan Collins (senior women), Waitoa’s Chad McGovern (under-85cc class) and Rotorua’s Grace Fowler (junior women).

From track to trail and back

There was plenty of action on the water last week for Te Awamutu and King Country students competing at the Lake Karāpiro-based 2025 Maadi rowing regatta and Waka Ama Secondary School Nationals in Rotorua.

Te Awamutu College’s Maadi cohort saw Maiara Moimoi place second in the girls’ under-17 single sculls D final before joining Tessa Chappell to claim first in the girls’ under-18 double sculls C final.

Several other Te Awamutu single sculls competitors did well in their finals, just missing out on the top three.

Hunter Coleman placed fourth is his under-17 C final, as did Casey Lee Baker in her under-18 D final and Keegan Jordaan was sixth in the boys’ under-18 D final.

“All the rowers performed the best they have all season. Some crews came away with personal best times as well which was a win for them,” Te Awamutu Rowing Club representative Alya Mexted said.

“They all rowed extremely well, technique wise and effort wise, and the school rowing team finished their season on a high with these achievements. It’s a big positive moving forward into next season.”

Cambridge High School, Te Kūiti High School and Ōtorohanga College had competitors at the Lake Tikitapu-based waka ama event. The five-day event had a record 2200 students competing.

The Cambridge Te Oko Horoi crew placed first in the under-16 girls’ W6 250m Te Kei final.

Te Kūiti took home three third placings in the under-16 boys’ and under-16 girls’ W6 500m final as well as the under-19 girls W6 500m final.

Ōtorohanga College’s Darius Mulligan-Hughes after he finished 12th in the country in both the J19s elite divisions.

Crews shine at waka ama

An old TV show claimed that ‘Maverick didn’t come here to lose.’ Fortunately, Waikato Bay of Plenty Mavericks’ striker Owen Brown has no intention to lose, and he knows much more about hockey than hoakey TV westerns.

From Āria Primary and Piopio College to New Plymouth Boy’s High and Canterbury University, Brown credits his grassroots setting the foundation for his growing sporting goals.

However, it’s on turf – home or otherwise – that this King Country farmer’s son is coming into his own.

Asked if strikers get all the glory in hockey without having to do the hard yards, he says “No, there’s still a wee bit of running involved… If midfielders and defenders don’t do their job, you can’t get the ball in the circle to do anything useful with it.”

Next on the scoresheet for Owen is April’s Junior Hockey League (JHL). The tournament follows a rough season in 2024 for Owen’s Waikato BOP Mavericks as both the men’s and women’s squads were served wooden spoons. The squad’s juniors will have a point to prove.

“The JHL is the equivalent of Premier Hockey League (PHL) for junior players, under 21s,” he says. “The PHL was disappointing, but we have to look towards the future and how can we improve and be better next time around.”

Since first playing hockey at school, Owen has risen through the grades alongside another Piopio-Āria sportsman, Southern Alpiners’ midfielder, Gus Nelson.

“I’m a first generation hockey player in our family,” Owen says. “I played from a reasonably young age but it’s more a secondary school sport, so I didn’t really pick it up properly until then. Gus went to Hamilton Boys High a year before I went to New Plymouth Boys. We’ve played against each other at school, but we’ve also played together in the junior grades and for New Zealand.”

At international level, Owen and Gus are part of a promising next generation of Kiwi hockey players.

The Junior Black Sticks finished fourth among six teams at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia late last year. The tournament provided invaluable international experience ahead of the upcoming Junior World Cup in India.

“We didn’t actually lose a game in regular time. We won a couple, drew a bunch and then lost in shootouts in our final game,” Owen says. “But we’re putting a lot of work into the junior system to develop players, and we are looking quite promising at the moment, so I think we have a very good chance at the World Cup.”

While Gus graduated from Lincoln University last year, Owen is still working towards a Bachelor of Science at Canterbury University. He has been spending his summers back in the King Country often working on his family farm, however his future could take him much further afield.

“There’s very little chance of making a career from hockey here, you need another job if you want to play in New Zealand only. So, I’d like to play in Germany or The Netherlands, but I’d still want to play for the Black Sticks, 100 per cent.”

With hockey cut from next year’s Commonwealth Games, these two promising players will have to wait a little while longer to go for gold. Especially seeing as New Zealand has only won one medal of any colour at the Olympics – the men’s team in 1976 – bringing Olympic laurels back home is a dream Owen agrees is worth pursuing.

“Winning an Olympic medal would be pretty awesome – yeah, almost unbelievable really. It’s too early to say yet, but I think we will have a good shot. There’s definitely been a lot of development into the next group coming up as they’re looking to reshape the Black Sticks for the next Olympics.”

Maverick Owen is no wild card

These youngsters riding on home turf had their families celebrating at the North King Country Motorcycle club’s King of the Schools event on Mangarino Rd recently. Ben Gaylor, Deklan Burton, Evan Gray, Mason Fordham and Sam Gray came home second overall in an event which attracted entries from 85 primary and intermediate schools in their section – and 127 school in total. Results: Primary-intermediate, St Joseph’s, Stratford 1, Ōtorohanga South 2, Whakamaru 3, Te Awamutu Primary 4. Secondary, Tauranga Boys College 1, New Plymouth Boys High 2, Hamilton Boys High 3.

Silver lining

Hautapu alumni Dylan Eti and James Thompson have been floating around the Chiefs rugby squad in 2025.

Hautapu lock Dylan Eti has been with the Chiefs and is now at the Super Rugby Under 20 tournament in Taupō. Photo: Matt Gould[/caption]

The pair of former St Peter’s School Cambridge students join a large cohort of Hautapu associated players who are involved in 2025 Super Rugby Pacific squads and wider training groups.

Luke Jacobson, Jacob Norris (replacement player), Ollie Norris, Simon Parker and Bradley Slater are others to be with the Chiefs this year.

Ryan Coxon (Western Force), Laghlan McWhannell (Blues) and Waisake Salabiau (Highlanders wider squad) are participating elsewhere.

Coming from the King Country and Bay of Plenty respectively, Eti is a fresh face to Hautapu, while Thompson has moved to Patumahoe (Counties Manukau) after several years at the club.

Eti was training with the Chiefs in pre-season and is now in the Chiefs Under 20 squad competing in the annual Super Rugby Under 20 tournament at Owen Delany Park in Taupō.

Pool matches were played on Saturday and Tuesday – and the finals will take place this Saturday.

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

“I’ve loved training with the Chiefs. It was definitely a step up. This time last year I was with the first XV, so it’s definitely a big change and an eye opener,” Eti says.

“It’s an insight into where I want to be fulltime in the future. It was a surprise to get invited to train.

“There are a lot of boys in my position that have played NPC, but I ended up getting a call up. I loved it.”

Eti says he enjoys being part of the under 20 squad too, giving him opportunities to develop his game.

He hasn’t forgotten his King Country roots and frequently visits his parents who still reside in Ōtorohanga.

“[My King Country upbringing is what] made me. I’m down there every other weekend. It’s always good to catch up with my mates from primary school there. I love it,” he says.

“Last year when Ōtorohanga played against Hautapu, it was down there. I spent the night back down there and it was amazing. There’s nothing like home.”

The young lock will return to play for Hautapu this year and has a bright future.

“By the end of this year, I’m hoping to make the New Zealand Under 20 squad and hopefully get an NPC contract or game time at least.”

Eti may follow in the footsteps of recent Ōtorohanga connected Super Rugby representatives Toby Arnold (2024 Crusaders injury cover), Haereiti Hetet (Fijian Drua) and Cortez Ratima (Chiefs).

Fellow second-rower Thompson is still at Chiefs training fulltime after joining as injury cover for Fiti Sa.

He’s no stranger to the Chiefs environment, having spent several years there previously.

Thompson is still waiting to make his franchise debut but got a taste of Super Rugby, in 2024 donning the Blues jersey.

He appeared three times for the Auckland-based side before reconnecting with the Chiefs this year.

“To be back with the team I grew up supporting is pretty special,” Whakatāne-born Thompson says.

“First and foremost, I’m keen to get out and debut for the Chiefs. Then get some time in the saddle and have a bit of involvement in important games.

“The biggest learning I took away from playing Super Rugby was the importance of being physical all the time, along with knowing your detail and nailing the little things.”

Thompson was a boarder at St Peter’s from Year 7-13, a school his father also attended.

After leaving St Peter’s he transitioned to Hautapu, playing several seasons there.

He tries to stay in touch with the club as regularly as possible.

“Hautapu is a special place to me. I’m sitting on 48 or 49 games, so I’m itching to get a couple more and tick over to that 50. If I can do that, it would be a proud moment for me,” Thompson says.

Eti gets the Chiefs view

Although the dust (and wool!) kicked up by many sets of clippers at the Golden Shears has now settled, there’s been little rest for New Zealand’s top guns competing across the country.

Despite the recent installation of improved air conditioning at Te Kūiti’s Les Munro Centre, the heat will be on during the NZ Shearing Championships, starting on Saturday week.

“As its run in conjunction with the New Zealand Shears running of Sheep, with the muster, we’re always guaranteed of a good crowd,” NZ Shears committee chair, Sir David Fagan, says.

After claiming the Golden Shears Open title recently, followed by wins at the Rural Games (speed shearing) and Kumeu Show, Northland’s Toa Henderson, is on hot form and will be tough to beat.

“The favourite would have to be Toa but he has a lot of competition. Very close behind him will be the likes of Rowland Smith (Hawke’s Bay) and David Buick (Wairarapa) as well as the usual candidates including Brett Roberts (Southland), Jack Fagan and Mark Grainger (both Te Kūiti).”

Another hometown competitor looking to pull the (wool) rug from beneath her opponents’ feet is North Island Woolhandling Circuit winner, Te Kūiti’s Keryn Herbert.

“Keryn’s performed really well. She’ll be a major threat in the woolhandling, I’m sure,” David Fagan said.

In addition, the third New Zealand v Wales Shearing Test, which sees Jack Fagan and David Buick take on Gethin Lewis and Llyr Jones, will be a major drawcard.

The chance to represent New Zealand in the United Kingdom and France is also on the line.

“The New Zealand Shears is part of the circuit for selection for the New Zealand team for the World Championships at Golden Shears next March,” David Fagan said. “Whoever wins will be in a good position with two places in the team up for grabs, for the Open winner and the Open circuit winner.”

The lower grades will also feature plenty of talent.

“There are some good juniors coming through. We went through the list for the parent-child whānau event the other day and there are some really competitive teams.”

He did joke that was “even though some of the fathers are getting a bit old”.

Among them will be David’s great niece, Sonya Fagan, and her father Craig.

Although there may be one or two dark horses in the mix, if not black sheep, this year’s event will feature numerous fiercely contested titles. In the meantime, activity at the Les Munro Centre is already due to start.

“A large contingent of volunteers will begin work on the 24th,” David adds. “It’s a huge job for them, with all the sheep pens and staging, but their efforts are always appreciated.”

Shear delight awaits

With the commencement of the King Country club premiership season just three weeks away, clubs are gearing up with annual preseason fixtures.

While there is still some conjecture as to the final makeup of the competition both Waitomo and Waitete are hosting formidable opponents at home venues on Saturday.

Waitomo have been training for some time and had their first hit out against Waikato First Division club Ōhaupō last weekend at the picturesque Ōhaupō Domain and face a bit of a step up this weekend against a Hamilton City opponent in Te Rapa.

Due to a clash with Waitomo Sports day, they will be hosting the Charlie Ngatai coached Te Rapa side at Ōtorohanga’s Island Reserve at 1pm.

Ngatai was a star mid field back for the Chiefs and NZ Māori before enjoying an overseas career and has returned looking to see Te Rapa promoted to premiership grade.

Waitomo coach Steve Edwards, in his second season in charge, was very happy with his side’s performance in Ōhaupō and while conceding Te Rapa will offer a huge challenge is confident his side will build on their performance.

“Several of our boys were unavailable last week and will return on Saturday and we will train twice this week so we are well prepared.”

With seasoned forwards such as Rangi Mulligan-Green, Kenneth Perawiti, Dylan Coull anchoring a solid pack and former King Country rep and Waikato league star Sam Trangmar joined by youngsters Brooky Pye and Kees Muller their forwards will be a hard nut to crack.

The wily Eden Kawhena will lead an exciting looking young back line where Hurimai Turner, Freemin Te Whare and Brock Kawhena will be joined by the electric Hemi Keefe-Edwards who was great against Ōhaupō.

Of interest is the inclusion of former Waitomo star Thomas (Maui) Hayes at first five for Te Rapa. He is sure to have a target on his back.

In Te Kuiti on their home patch Waitete will host the Cobra’s Club from Te Aroha in the Thames Valley in what has become something of a traditional match.

Valley sides tend to be very well organised and although not too much is known of their strength this year the Cobra’s will provide a strong opposition for the men in blue.

Waitete continue to develop younger players, but Ryan Joyce will return to anchor a very solid pack with exciting loosies like Rico Bell and Liam Knight looking to continue their development.

Michael Lea and Livai To’ofohe have returned to strengthen the scrums.

The backs will be strong with Athol Snedden, Callum Hedley and Phayzen Marshall all now seasoned campaigners while they have a real star in King Country rep Baven Brown Junior who is sure to light up the paddock once again.

With the game in Otorohanga kicking off at 1pm and Te Kuiti at 2.30pm rugby followers will have the opportunity to take in both games this Saturday.

Let's go...bring on the rugby

Roy Pilott

Waipā and King Country interest in football’s Southern Conference men’s league has evaporated.

The league – one step down from the Northern League which takes in Auckland clubs - last season saw Cambridge crowned champions and win promotion.

Ōtorohanga, which had hoped to move up into the Southern Conference having won League One couldn’t because it doesn’t have an Under-23 team.

Te Awamutu finished bottom of the table and elected to drop down a division. But the competition that may have provided a clash between neighbours, League One, is likely to disappear.

Three clubs – Claudelands, Papamoa and Ōtorohanga pulled out of the league – in Ōtorohanga’s case because it did not have a qualified coach, a requirement of participation.

The next step is likely to be a confirmation that the remaining League One clubs return to their own Waikato and Bay of Plenty competitions – something of a backward step.

The restrictive rulings around participation are not popular with Waikato club administrators who say they might work in Auckland, but do not achieve their goal of improving the game in smaller communities like Tokoroa and Ōtorohanga. In fact, as Ōtorohanga can testify, the opposite happens – having lost players it is not in contention to enter a new look top Waikato league.

It’s expected the clubs in the top Waikato league will come from a pool of Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Claudelands, Tokoroa, Wanderers, Unicol, Huntly, Melville, Northern and Morrinsville.

Otorohanga ruled out

A trio of shearing tests is set to confirm whether a Welsh dragon or a silver fern will top the podium.

Two of New Zealand’s top gun shearers, Jack Fagan (Te Kūiti) and David Buick (Wairarapa) will take on Gethin Lewis and Llyr Jones in a three match series.

Following the first test, on Saturday at the Waimarino Shears in Raetihi, the second instalment will be at the Waitomo Sports Day the following weekend. The final encounter will take place at the New Zealand Shears in Te Kūiti on March 28.

"It's always good to host the Welsh here,” shearing legend Sir David Fagan told The News.

“The Welsh are great at looking after the Kiwis when they're over there, so it's nice to be able to return the favour and great to have them back in Te Kūiti.”

When touring the UK and France last year, Jack Fagan and David Buick were defeated 2-1 by the Welsh pair.

Masterton’s Paerata Abraham and David Gordon headed to the New Zealand Shears 2024 with a series over Wales already under their belts, but Lewis and Jones avoided a whitewash.

“The series will be very interesting as Wales got their first ever win on New Zealand soil in Te Kūiti last year,” David Fagan adds. “The New Zealand team will be out trying to stop that happening again.”

Close cuts expected in Welsh tests

One who climbs trees, another who cuts them down and a carter named Carter all secured plaudits at the Rural Sports Awards at the weekend.

Held in Palmerston North, the awards evening featured as part of the overall Rural Games programme.

In addition to common country pastimes, including timbersports, fencing, shearing, rodeo, sheep dog trials and harness racing, the games also included some less orthodox contests such as gumboot and cowpat throwing, tree climbing, egg roulette and many more.

Games founder Steve Hollander said more than 37,500 of people came along to watch and “have a go at the sports that built our nation”.

Among those securing awards was Taumarunui’s Jack Jordan, who secured the Sportsman of the Year title for the third year in a row.

The top chopper also claimed the Rural Games’ Timbersports NZ Men’s Championship for the fourth time with his brother, Shane Jordon (Stratford) second.

“I was really happy as a lot of work went into training,” Jordan said. “It’s a qualifier to get us overseas to represent New Zealand, so to come out on top again was really pleasing.”

The high standard across all categories made selections especially difficult this year, awards judge Te Kūiti’s Sir David Fagan told The News.

“Overall, there was an incredible line up of people with nominations coming in from many rural sports,” he said. “It is tough for the judges [to choose winners] when we get to that top three in each category.”

Another sportsperson with King Country connections, shearing’s Catherine Mullooly, was pipped at the post and Fagan, a 16 time Golden Shears winner, said she was a worthy finalist in the Sportswoman of the Year category.

“Catherine spent a lot of time shearing in Piopio and she set a world shearing record at Nukuhakari Station on the coast earlier this year,” he added. “It’s nice to see shearing sports represented at this level.”

Winners were: Sportsman of the Year: Jack Jordan, timbersports (Taumarunui), Sportswoman: Steph Dryfhout tree climbing, (Tauranga), Young Sportsperson: Carter Dalgety, harness racing (Canterbury), Sportsperson with a Disability: Adam Hall, skiing (Wānaka). Lifetime Legacy awards: Alan Wallace, ploughing (Te Awamutu), Jack Davis, sheepdog trials (Cromwell), Sir Mervyn Tutuiri Church, rodeo (Bay of Plenty). Outstanding Contribution to rural sports: Ken and Karen Breckon, harness racing (Ōhaupō), Lyn Baigent, shearing (Wakefield). Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsperson from a Rural Background: Tim Southee, cricket (Northland)

Jordan swings a win (or two)

Mary Anne Gill

Almost 600 people took part in the annual Waipā fun run in Cambridge last weekend – including a good number from the King Country.

 St Peter’s Catholic School in Cambridge started the event 13 years ago as a fundraiser and only missed once since, during Covid.

This year $1 from each entry in the school challenge went to Cambridge Lifeskills, a not for profit agency which offers free counselling for children between the ages of 5 to 15. The rest will go towards outdoor shade sails for the junior school.

Organiser Donna Warwick said two other events taking place on the same day had an impact on numbers this year.

Rotary had 500 competitors for Run the Runway at Hamilton Airport while the North Island secondary school rowing champs were at Lake Karāpiro.

Melissa O’Brien of Ōtorohanga, recorded the bet women’s 5km time – 19m 28s  while Horahora farmer Lane Madsen won the 10km race for the second year running.

The Madsen family had a field day – Lane winning the 10kms while brothers Joshua and Vaughn were first and second in the 5km run.

Orchard Valley Glamping of Ōtorohanga won the teams’ event.

Running for fun

It was like winning an Olympic medal, and Keryn Herbert couldn’t hide the emotion.

The Te Kūiti mum was among the big winners at last weekend’s Golden Shears in Masterton, finishing first in the North Island Woolhandling Circuit final.

She was the first recipient of the Ronnie Goss Memorial Trophy – named in honour of Veronica Goss, who died in 2021 – and used to compete against Herbert.

Herbert also watched her daughter, Ngahuia Salmond, half of an Otiwhiti Station Land Based Training School duo, compete in the Student Shearing Challenge.

The 23rd Golden Shears International Shearing and Woolhandling Championships featured some surprises, and King Country successes

Keryn handles the pressure

Iprotech Security were crowned champions of the Ōtorohanga Club Summer Soccer competition after beating Maunga Lions 4-1 in the final last week.

The win was a reversal of the result from the previous season, when Maunga Lions took home the shield.

The teams had earlier finished third and fourth in the ASB Bank round robin series then accounted for the top two seeds TV Connect and King Country Autoglass in the semifinal.

For TV Connect, winners of the Lion Brown Trophy for winning the Round Robin by four points, a 4-3 semi-final loss to Iprotech was a bitter pill to swallow as they had been the in-form team all year, going undefeated and winning 14 matches and drawing three in the 17 game Round Robin.

TV Connect scored a 4-3 win over King Country Autoglass in the playoff for third.

PFC United won Division 2, beating Advantage Tyres 1-0, while King Country Kitchens were winners in Division 3, defeating Bailey Ingham 1-0. Darcy’s Raiders and Sniper Refinish drew 2-2 with Darcy’s winning the penalty shoot out to take out Division 4.

Most improved team went to Advantage Tyres, while most improved player was Hobbs Transport Services young striker Sophie Perera. Young Player of the Year was Maiao Keogh-Harmon, who plays for Main Road Kings.

Manager of the Year was awarded to TV Connect’s Nigel Walker. Referee of the Year was Michael Crook, while Alasdair Laws was awarded Personality of the Year.

Best Social Team went to Hobbs Transport Services, while the Team Sportsmanship award was presented to King Country Autoglass - the inaugural winners of the award. Player of the Year was King Country Autoglass’ Isaac Pethybridge.

Summer Soccer report

The fleeces were flying as some of the world’s best shearers and woolhandlers went hoof to hoof during The Golden Shears in Masterton at the weekend.

Although the winners circle included many from the King Country, there was one undisputed queen from the region, Te Kūiti’s Keryn Herbert. The master woolhandler finished first in the North Island Woolhandling Circuit final.

“Golden Shears is like Olympics for us,” she said. “This one made it twice in a row, I came second the year before and won it the year before that but I honestly can’t remember how many times I’ve won it over the last 20 years. It is a hotly contested circuit, and it was extra special this time because I was the first recipient of the Ronnie Goss Memorial Trophy.”

A woolhandling legend, Ronnie died aged just 53 after competing at the Taumarunui Shears in 2021.

The final was not without controversy, however.

“The timing system restarted which created quite a lot of drama. The organisers found some sheep for us so we did get to re-run the final. There was a lot on the line and emotions were high because the winner gets to represent New Zealand.”

As Herbert represents the Cook Islands, second place Ngaio Hanson (Eketahuna) earned the jersey.

While gun shearers tend to gather much of the glory, a skilled woolhandler is as good as gold and well respected in the shed, Herbert says.

“If they want to make more money, they need a good woolhandler. We’re the ones who make the money for the farmers. It’s what we do with their wool that makes or breaks their income.”

Arguably one of the biggest upsets was Northland’s Toa Henderson taking the prestigious Open Shearing Championship title.

Veteran shearer and commentator Digger Balme of Ōtorohanga told The News it was a weekend of upsets

“There were some big names that didn’t make the [Open Shearing] finals, including Jack Fagan and defending champ, Leon Samuels, and Roland Smith [eight-time winner] was knocked out in the semi-finals.

“I suppose it was a bit disappointing for the King Country region overall. We’re probably not quite as strong as we were about 10 years ago or so.”

However, Digger made the honours board.

He was in the Māori-Pakeha pairs event with Chris Dickson of Masterton.

“It was a good, fun event and we were pretty happy with second.”

The North Island West team, featuring Te Kūiti’s Jack Fagan and Taelor Tarrant (Mapiu) won the Regional Challenge. However, the New Zealand team (which also included Jack) was beaten by their Aussie rivals in the Trans-Tasman Shearing Test.

“The Test was pretty tough and the Aussies probably had a stronger team than usual,” Fagan said. “But Taelor and I won as ‘team King Country’, so that was pretty awesome.”

Despite claiming a major prize across the ditch recently, Fagan had to settle for fourth in the Open Speedshear as hometown hero, Masterton’s Chris Dickson, sailed home leaving all others in his wake.

“To be honest, fourth is not even worth me commenting on, so it’s probably best not to write anything about it,” Fagan said.

King Country and Waipā results from the event:

Shearing - Golden Shears Senior final: Aiden Tarrant (Mapiu) – fifth. Intermediate final: Sarah Bryant (Arohena/Te Awamutu) – fourth. Shearing teams, Regional Challenge: North Island West, Jack Fagan (Te Kūiti) and Taelor Tarrant (Mapiu) – first. Māori Pakeha Teams Event: Digger Balme (Ōtorohanga) with Chris Dixon (Masterton) – second. Māori Pakeha Teams Event: Clay Harris (Aira) with Simon Goss (Mangamahu) – fourth. Student Shearing Challenge: Otiwhiti farming school (including Ngahuia Salmond, Te Kūiti) – sixth.

Woolhandling - North Island Woolhandling Circuit final: Keryn Herbert (Te Kuiti) – first. Golden Shears Open final: Vinniye Phillips (Taumarunui) – fourth. Les Field Memorial Trophy Best Quality points in woolhandling heats, senior – Kelly Barrett (Kawhia).

Herbert’s ‘special’ Masterton win

When the chips are up (and flying), Taumarunui’s Jack Jordan is expected to, yet again, cut the competition down to size during the annual Rural Games in Feilding next month.

The Timbersports world champ will be going for glory as the pride of the country competes in a diverse range of events, from the traditional to the avant-garde, including speed shearing, fencing and harness racing, as well as gumboot and cowpat throwing just to name a few.

However, unlike most of his counterparts, Jordan is up for more illustrious honours as a finalist in the New Zealand Rural Sports Awards, held as part of the festivities.

“This year’s nominations set a record for athletes and contributors,” convenor of judges, Paul Allison, said.

“The awards play a vital role in celebrating the outstanding achievements of rural sportspeople, from competitors excelling in their fields to those working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of these sports.”

In addition, accolades across further categories including a Lifetime Legacy Award, Sportsperson with a Disability Award, will be bestowed during a gala dinner on March 7.

The finalists are: Sportsman of the Year, Jack Jordan (Taumarunui) – Timbersports, Tim Garrick (Gisborne) – Fencing, Blair Orange (Rolleston) – Harness Racing. Sportswoman of the Year: Steph Dryfhout (Tauranga) – Tree Climbing, Catherine Mullooly (Gisborne) – Sheep Shearing, Samantha Ottley (Christchurch) – Harness Racing. Young Sportsperson of the Year: Rylee Ward (Cambridge) – Rodeo, Carter Dalgety (West Melton) – Harness Racing, Karaitiana Horne (Raetihi) – Motocross.

Axeman Jordan in the running

He has numerous New Zealand and Australasian titles already, but (arguably) Ōtorohanga’s fastest panel beater, Scott Coker, rates his most recent win as one of his best yet.

On Lake Karapiro last weekend, his grand prix hydroplane - named Howzat - bowled the competition over in round three of the Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Series. The win helps keep Coker’s chances to claim a series win alive.

“I’ve been racing in this series for about three or four years and, although I’ve had three or four thirds and a couple of seconds, it’s the first time I’ve won a round,” he said.

“It’s hard work as you have to be quick and reliable every time. There’s a lot more competitors these days as well, so it’s definitely more of an achievement than anything else I’ve won.”

With vessels almost literally flying, split second decisions can make the difference between triumph and tragedy with next to no margin for error.

“[Howzat] runs a 510 cubic inch, supercharged big block Chev’ with about 1300-1400 horsepower,” Coker said.

“When we’re racing, we’re moving really quick, doing about 150 miles an hour on an 1800 metre track in around 35 or 36 seconds. The race itself only lasts a few minutes, so you have your head in the game.”

Despite fast and furious races, winning on the water in his craft was only possible for Coker due to hard graft in the workshop midway through the event.

“We blew up a supercharger in one heat then had a massive oil leak in the spare engine in another.

The drive back to Ōtorohanga was not prohibitive “so we took the engines home, pulled them apart, worked all night and we were able to make one engine out of the two.”

While the setback cost Coker points in the overall series, moving from ‘blow’ to go was an achievement in itself.

“It put me out of a couple of heats, and I was the last qualifier for the final. I started on the outside but ended up winning it from the outside, which doesn’t happen that often.”

Racing since he was 18, Scott Coker (43) is riding his father’s wake to some degree – Selwyn Coker is also a veteran of the sport.

“I was only about four days old when I first went to watch Dad, so I’ve been around the sport my whole life. He had some wins that are right up there – he was very competitive in the early ‘90s then had an accident, had some time out and came back in the early 2000s. Dad’s retired now and spends all his time helping me out.”

Considering the high speeds achieved, the sport is not just dangerous, it can be fatal. However, safety measures have improved.

“When Dad had his accident, the equipment wasn’t as good. We’re now fully enclosed and on air, so if we hang upside down, we can still breathe, and we have great rescue craft. It might look dangerous, but it’s pretty safe. I spun the boat out on Sunday while doing about 130 miles an hour and I got out of it just fine.”

It’s not a team sport as such, but having the right crew – including his dad as crew chief and his radioman, Garry Denham – is essential, Coker adds.

He said he had also been helped out over the years by sponsors.

The first three rounds were held close to home for Coker lakes Maraetai and Karapiro. The South Island hosts the final two instalments of the Hydro Thunder Series next month.

Sitting in sixth out of 10 overall, Coker concedes a series win is unlikely, but as points gained in the heats go towards final standings, there’s still plenty more water to flow under this bridge.

Coker goes from blow to go

Te Kūiti shearer Jack Fagan has won world shearing’s richest cash prize.

Fagan won a little over $22,000 and the Laurie Evans Trophy after beating a field stacked with shearers from both sides of the Tasman.

The final of the Oberon Quick Shear in New South Wales was a noisy – and quick – affair.

Fagan’s shear was completed in just 19.78 seconds – as torrential rain fell on the roof of the open side shearing board.

The event was a highlight of the Oberon Show, about 50km south of Bathurst and 180km west of Sydney.

The sheep were composite lambs aged about six months, weighing an average of 35kg.

The win also includes a trip to Wales with the Wagga Wagga Speed Shear team. Fagan shore in Wales last July after winning the Wagga Wagga event three months earlier.

Otorohanga’s Sonya Fagan was among the winners at last weekend’s Aria Show – she won the junior shearing event and Keahrey Manson (Piopio) won the intermediate shearing.

Meanwhile, Laura Davis, who grew up on a farm in Piopio, is one of eight finalists in the Waikato Bay of Plenty young farmers regional final to be held at Waerenga School, east of Te Kauwhata, on Saturday

Davis studied a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University before starting work as a farm technician at Goudies Station in Reporoa.

She progressed to become stock manager on Sexton at Taupo, then transitioned into agribusiness as a territory sales manager at Agricom. Davis now works with Beef and Lamb New Zealand as an Extension Manager and is based in Hamilton. Her long term goal is to own land outside the city while continuing to contribute to the agricultural industry.

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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.