Winger Daniel Belk crosses for one of his two tries
Waipā teams had a strong presence in the winner’s circle in Waikato Club Rugby last weekend.
Leamington sent hooker Liam Rickwood off in style, winning his final match before moving away. Photo: Dave Knowles
In the premier competition, Hautapu were dominant as they defeated University 66-14, while Te Awamutu Sports held the reins on the classy Hamilton Marist, eventually falling 22-14.
Hautapu produced a spectacle at Cambridge Memorial Park – a 10-try to two drubbing.
Nathan Stephens crossed for three tries and Rangiwai Lunjevich scored two in front of the home fans.
The skilful Patrick Hedley slotted seven conversions.
University B pulled pin on the earlier match, seeing Hautapu premier development win by default.
Evergreen loose forward Matthew Towers and outside back Coby Osborne were Te Awamutu Sports’ two try scorers at Albert Park.
Leo Scott converted both tries in the close tussle with Marist.
Sports’ premier development side were on the wrong side of a 79-10 scoreline.
Dylan Jeffries scored all of the Te Awamutu points, while Te Awamutu College alumnus Te Kapa Crown was one of Marist’s many try scorers.
In the women’s premiership, the Melville Hautapu combined team (Mel-tap) drubbed Putāruru 65-0 in front of Cambridge supporters.
Mel-tap registered 11 tries, five of which were converted.
Try scorers included Tiare Dixon (2), Keira Russell, Nikita Apiata and Dawn Hohua.
Ōhaupō fullback Hateni Tafolo scored in the final minute to beat Southern United in Tokoroa. Photo: Jesse Wood
The women’s championship division will kick off on Anzac Day – Kihikihi are set to host United Matamata Sports and Pirongia will welcome fellow “under the maunga” club, Taupiri to their domain.
All three Waipā division 1A sides registered victories.
Pirongia thumped Frankton to the tune of 84-7 at Swarbrick Park.
Forwards Ty Demler-Findlay and Liam McPherson both scored hattricks in a 14-try to one win.
Ōhaupō travelled to Tokoroa and pipped Southern United at the death. It was nil-all at halftime, then all of a sudden the home side were up 14-0.
Fashionably late tries to prop Liam Palaone, Italia Tualaulelei and Hateni Tafolo sealed the deal for Ōhaupō.
Number 10 Tualaulelei also added two conversions.
Leamington also registered a tough fought 15-8 win against Putāruru – all 15 points came in the form of penalty kicks.
Nevertheless, it was a great send off for departing hooker Liam Rickwood.
In division 1B, a strong Pirongia B beat Frankton B 33-5, Southern United B won 41-17 against Ōhaupō B and Leamington B pipped their Putāruru counterparts 14-12.
It was a rather tough weekend for the Waipā colts sides.
Pirongia claimed a win by default courtesy of Te Rapa colts. The young mountain men faced Suburbs in a friendly clash instead.
Hamilton Old Boys under-21 just came out on top against Hautapu 26-24, Hinuera colts beat Te Awamutu 31-17 and Leamington colts were beaten 90-10 by Hamilton Marist.
The Kihikihi, Leamington, Te Awamutu Marist and Pirongia presidents teams will play their first round on May 9.
Winger Daniel Belk crosses for one of his two tries in their demolition of Frankton. Photo: Julie Gibson.
