Community support was clear on Saturday as hometown hero Keelah Bodle and the Waikato Farah Palmer Cup rugby team defeated Manawatū Cyclones at Cambridge Memorial Park.
Keelah Bodle stands in the defensive line. Photo: Dylan Grice
Waikato’s 15-10 victory in driving rain and wind at the Hautapu club saw the home side retain the JJ Stewart Trophy in front of several hundred fans.
Hautapu Sports Club president Dave Simes said the club were proud to be the first club outside of the Hamilton to host a Waikato FPC match.
“It was even more special that one of our own club players Keelah Bodle played and represented her province on her home ground in front of her family and club supporters,” Simes said.
He said the day went really well, despite the conditions.
“The ground and surrounds looked immaculate and the joint running of the event with Waikato Rugby and Hautapu Sports worked well,” Simes said.
“Obviously, the weather will have impacted on the walk-up crowd numbers, however luckily the covered seating alleviated that to some extent and there were still good numbers.
Keelah, a Chiefs Manawa representative and former Canterbury player, started in the number seven jersey after spending much of the season on the wing.
This is her first year in the Waikato team after making her first appearance in August.
Former Black Fern and Keelah’s mum Annaleah Bodle (nee Rush) is in London supporting the Black Ferns at the Rugby World Cup.
“I would love to have been there. Dan and I are just super proud of her achievements as she navigates her own rugby pathway,” Annaleah said.
“[It was a great opportunity] to have family and friends there to support her and the team.”
Mooloo watches the Waikato game from above Cambridge Memorial Park. Photo: Dylan Grice
