Keegan Harris celebrated his Leamington blazer game in style, a 68-0 victory.
Hautapu premiers beat Ōtorohanga 40-26 at Cambridge’s Memorial Park to pip Hamilton Marist to first round honours and the Ron Crawford Shield.
Both teams won seven and lost once – and picked up points for the win over Melville which is not playing in the competition – but Hautapu finished with nine bonus points to Marist’s seven.
Pirongia fullback Sarah Moorhouse. Photo: Emma Denize
Its points differential was huge – 417 – compared to Marist’s 221.
The Ōtorohanga win provided a great celebration for halfback Rui Farrant who played his 50th game in the red and white hoops.
Club stalwart David Morris helped himself to a double, as did outside back Marae Nepia. Winger Josh Brunger was among the other scorers in the six try to four victory. First five-eighth Alapati Soagia slotted five conversions. Club stalwart David Morris helped himself to a double, as did outside back Marae Nepia.
Winger Josh Brunger was among the other scorers in the six try to four victory.
First five-eighth Alapati Soagia slotted five conversions, kicking at 83.3 per cent.
Pirongia Rugby Sports Club hosted all of their senior rugby teams on King’s Birthday Weekend as they celebrated 150 years – a first in the Waikato.
Their division 1B side, alongside the high-flying Leamington division 1A team, remain unbeaten.
Te Awamutu Sports lost 43-21 to University in Hamilton. The students put on seven tries to Sports’ two.
Veteran former King Country loose forward Matthew Towers and Southland Stags prop Joe Walsh crossed the chalk for Te Awamutu.
An instant seven points also came their way in the form of a penalty try, while midfielder Kees van der Heyden was successful with both conversions.
Austin Frederick celebrates after scoring a try against Ōhaupō. Photo: Julie Gibson
In the earlier premier B matches, Hautapu B beat Ōtorohanga B 38-19 and Te Awamutu Sports premier development won against University B 41-24.
Left winger Kobe Jakeman scored two tries for Hautapu B in the six tries to three win.
Rory Blyth, Sam Veart, Jese Ravunacagi and Callum Beckett also grabbed five-pointers.
Hautapu fullback Dillon Martin kicked four conversions in front of the home crowd.
Hautapu B won the Waikato Rugby Union Cup after finishing on top following round one.
The Te Awamutu Sports B victory was a great way to celebrate front-rower Cameron Maake’s 50th match for the side.
Hooker Jack Wallace grabbed two tries on début and Dylan Jeffries crossed the line once again.
Centre Kaleb Chapman, Kowhai Nepia and Josh Hewlett were fellow try scorers.
Keiton MacDonald added two conversions and Chapman one.
In division 1A, Pirongia beat Ōhaupō 37-17 under the mountain.
Winger Daniel Belk scored a brace, while midfielder Austin Frederick, Jason Hill, Finley Pitts-Brown, Sunia Ragede and Ty Demler-Findlay also crossed the line.
Hill also added a conversion.
First five-eighth Dean Fullerton kicked seven points for the visiting side.
Fellow Ōhaupō backs Scott Thomas and Queyst Michael-Tapu scored tries.
Cameron Maake in action during his 50th match for Te Awamutu Sports premier development. Photo: Justin Miezenbeek
Leamington dealt to Frankton 68-0 to retain the Clarke Family Cup in Leamington. They finish at the top of the division following round one.
Lock Yianni Hilder, Cameron Collins and centre Jonathon Kelly scored two tries each.
Number 10 Keegan Harris and hooker James Nelson both scored tries in their blazer matches.
Others to score were forwards Thomas Medley and Drew Bootten.
The impressive Robert Day added 18 points off the boot.
In division 1B, Pirongia B won against Ōhaupō B 33-17.
The combined A and B scores saw Pirongia retain the McInally Cup (Ōhaupō Hotel Football Challenge Cup).
They also received a shield for finishing the first round on top.
Leamington B won by default against Frankton B.
Mel-tap (Melville-Hautapu combined) headed to South Waikato and defeated Putāruru 31-10.
The unbeaten Pirongia Bs continued their winning run on Saturday. Photo: Julie Gibson
Two tries were scored by winger Eden Early. Tiare Dixon, Maya Tebbutt and Lachyn Moeke also registered five-pointers.
Fullback Keira Russell successfully kicked three conversions.
Pirongia were pipped 30-24 by Morrinsville Sports in the women’s championship.
Emma Foss and Amy Kerr got a try apiece, while fullback Sarah Moorhose grabbed two.
Moorhouse converted two of the tries.
Kihikihi head to Hinuera, thrashing them 50-7 at Wealleans Park.
Rinoa Day registered 15 points for the visitors and Sarah Payne grabbed two tries.
Charlize Waters, Stella Tamaki-Whatarangi, Valentine Tavita, Mikayla Kahura and Leeza Riddell also scored.
In the under 21 division, Te Awamutu Sports beat Suburbs colts 34-14 in Hamilton and Hautapu pipped Morrinsville Sports colts 22-18 in Cambridge.
Pirongia defeated United Matamata Sports’ under-21 side 26-7, while Leamington colts were trounced 83-5 at home by Thames Valley United.
In a Friday night presidents clash, Pirongia Mountain Men played against Waikato presidents, winning 21-15.
Keegan Harris celebrated his Leamington blazer game in style, a 68-0 victory. Photo: Leamington Rugby Sports Club
