Hautapu winger Waisake Salabiau helped his side to a 33-17 victory against University in Waikato club rugby on Saturday.
Waisake Salabiau runs in one of his two tries. Photo: Matt Gould
The Highlanders pre-season squad member crossed for two tries in the premier clash at the university fields in Hamilton. Lock David Morris, winger Manase Mataele and prop Levi Hazelton scored a try each while Quintony Ngatai kicked four conversions.
Fellow Waipā premier side Te Awamutu Sports fell 69-7 against Hamilton Marist on the artificial turf.
The Te Awamutu premier development side were on the wrong side of a 138-7 score line courtesy of Hamilton Marist B.
A silver lining came later that night when Tai Cribb, who has played for both clubs, made his Super Rugby début for the Highlanders.
Hautapu’s development side also took a tumble, losing 57-28 to their University counterparts.
In Division 1A, Pirongia had a bye week while Ōhaupō travelled to Morrinsville to beat Kereone 27-5.
Former King Country B squad members Cory and Trent Sargent both crossed the chalk in the five tries to one routing.
Ōhaupō B had a solid 41-17 win against Kereone B, with great guidance from club legend Lance Elrick at first five-eighth.
Leamington were beaten 31-12 by Southern United in Tokoroa and their B side also lost 44-15.
Hautapu women beat Waipā neighbours Kihikihi 62-10 at Cambridge Memorial Park.
In the women’s championship division, Pirongia were met by a tough Taupiri side, falling 54-10.
Two of the three Waipā teams in the under-21 grade succumbed to losses, while Leamington colts had a bye week.
Pirongia lost 27-3 against Thames Valley United and Te Awamutu Sports were beaten 46-14 by University.
The Hautapu under-21 side were victorious against Morrinsville Sports, 35-10.
Facing Morrinsville in the under-85kg competition, were the Kio Kio United Cattle Dogs who were beaten 41-7 by the Pukekos at Campbell Park.
