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Otago Daily Times
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Wins for POB, Baabaas in last premier round-robin games
Cold and wet weather greeted Southland club rugby players and supporters for the 13th and last round-robin games of premier club rugby on Saturday. The Eastern Northern Barbarians locked in third position for the finals after they beat Star 26-23 at Oreti Park. Star, the defending champions, were already out of finals contention but they were keen to finish the season on a high. Star led 17-12 at halftime. Barbarians' fullback Tayler Peterson played at fullback in his 50th game for the club and converted three of the Baabaas four tries. Barbarian wingers Harry McKenzie and Banuve Dretiverata had good games, while the veteran hooker Lachlan McCall worked hard for the 80 minutes. The Barbarians will now play Woodlands this Saturday in one semifinal while Marist will play the minor premiership winners Pirates Old Boys for the second week in a row. Pirates Old Boys softened up Marist 48-10 at Surrey Park on Saturday. Marist had won their previous five games and POB was eager to halt their momentum. A strong POB lineup took the field and went to work. Fullback Kaea Nikora-Balloch scored the first 13 points of the game. The Marist scrum was under pressure, conceding a pushover try after 25 minutes and then giving up a penalty try before halftime that made 27-0. Marist earned most of the ball in the early stages of the second half and were the next team to score through left wing Te Hura Wilson. Wilson got his second try midway through the half but POB were back in control; scoring three more tries out wide, the last one to Jaye Thompson who glided to the line. The dead-rubber match between Invercargill Blues and Woodlands was cancelled. Star beat Albion 46-10 in the women's final at Rugby Park. Fullback Fiona van der Poel scored a long-range try to help Star to a 15-5 lead at halftime. Albion got back to 20-10 during the second half but Star finished best running in four tries in the final 20 minutes. Van der Poel finished with a hat-trick of tries. Star's impressive loose forward and captain Karlee Cruickshank was outstanding in defence and at the breakdown throughout the final. A third Central Southland-bred player to impress for Star was lock Olivia Gill. The CSC student was recently included in a New Zealand Rugby U18 Pathway Camp. In the division one competition, the Waikaka/Riversdale Vikings beat Albion 23-7 on a wintry Riversdale afternoon, while Wyndham overcame Tokanui 17-0 in the mud at Tokanui. Edendale earned a 31-21 win in a physical encounter down at Bluff. The Magpies led 17-7 at halftime. Strong running from Jeremy McLeod, Kody Crump, Cole Williams and captain Luke Muir was the key to Edendale's success. Muir scored two of the Magpie's five tries in a man-of-the-match performance. Pioneer had a 60-5 win over Te Anau at Newman Park. In division two, Midlands overcame Drummond Limehills Star 8-0 in the wet on Club Day at Limehills. Division two: Woodlands 38, Blues 0; Waikiwi 33, Mossburn 0; Riverton 52, Otautau-Ohai-Nightcaps 5; Midlands 8, Drummond-Limehills-Star 0. Division three: Pirates-Old Boys B 34, Central Pirates 14; Collegiate 29, Wright's Bush 0; Waiau Star 15, Mataura 7. By John Langford
Morocco World
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Washington DC Declares May 8 as ‘WAC Day' to Honor Wydad Athletic Club
Marrakech – The District of Columbia has officially proclaimed May 8 as 'WAC Day' in recognition of Wydad Athletic Club's prestigious history and cultural impact. The announcement emerged while the Moroccan club participates in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. In an official statement, Wydad conveyed the news to supporters in Morocco and abroad. The club announced that the District of Columbia has dedicated May 8 of each year to celebrate the anniversary of 'Wydad of the Nation.' 'This recognition acknowledges our prestigious history and sporting and cultural influence at national and international levels,' the statement continued, noting the date would be officially known as 'WAC Day.' The resolution was adopted by the District Council and championed by Councilmember Robert C. White Jr. The official text acknowledges the contribution of Wydad, founded in 1937, to sports development and the defense of universal values. 'The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the history, achievements, and enduring spirit of Wydad Athletic Club, inspiring future generations in the Metropolitan area of the District of Columbia, and declares May 8, 2026 as Wydad Athletic Club Day in the District of Columbia,' reads part of the proclamation. Wydad expressed gratitude for this international recognition. 'The Wydad Athletic Club extends its most sincere thanks to Madam Muriel Bowser for this prestigious tribute. It is a true mark of recognition for the club's glorious history and its major role in the great stages of Morocco's history,' the club wrote in its statement. They added: 'This international recognition is a source of pride for all components of Wydad, and pushes us to continue to fly Morocco's colors high on the world stage.' Philadelphia has also decided to mark this date in its official calendar. At the initiative of Cherelle Parker, mayor of the city, and in partnership with the local Moroccan community led by Hassan Samrhouni, also president of Wydad Washington, the city will now also celebrate May 8 as Wydad Day. This symbolic gesture comes as Wydad completes its participation in the 2025 Club World Cup. The team will play its final match against Asian champions Al Ain today at 8 p.m. Moroccan time at Audi Field in Washington. Already eliminated after defeats to Manchester City (0-2) and Juventus (1-4), the Reds aim to end their world tournament with a victory. During the pre-match press conference, assistant coach Brahim Nakach underlined the importance of this final fixture: 'We are fully aware of the responsibility on our shoulders. We want to conclude our participation with a victory, God willing, that will honor us and Moroccan football.' He also pointed out the competition's constraints: 'The Club World Cup comes at the end of the season, with closely scheduled matches and a high level of intensity. This will help us prepare well for the many challenges of next season, including the championship, the Throne Cup, and the CAF Cup.' Regarding the squad, there is uncertainty about defender Abdelmounaim Boutouil's participation due to a thigh injury. In economic terms, Al Ain boasts a more valuable squad, exemplified by Soufiane Rahimi, valued at €7 million, compared to 1.4 million for Wydad's Jamal Harkass, according to Transfermarkt. The match will also evoke memories for nostalgic fans: Wydad and Al Ain faced off in 2015 during the Friendship Cup, a spectacular match that ended 3-3 with the Emiratis winning on penalties. The game will have a personal dimension for several Moroccan players at Al Ain, including Nassim Chadli, a former Wydad player, Yahya Benkhalek, ex-FUS, and Houssain Rahimi. Tags: 2025 FIFA Club World CupMorocco and USWydad Athletic Club (WAC)
Otago Daily Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Waikiwi seniors have view from the top
The Waikiwi Rugby Club celebrated its 125th season last year and the club has a senior team in fine style, with their clubrooms full with past and present players, sponsors and supporters. The senior team made it through to the division two final last year and were beaten 32-27 in front of a huge crowd at Riverton. This year the club is again represented by a Senior team, a President's grade team and nine Small Blacks and Junior teams. The coaching trio for the senior team consists of former Waikiwi players Kiel McPhee, Matt Telfer and Doug McWilliam. First five Shawn Henderson is the captain of the 30-man squad. Waikiwi started the season strongly in an enlarged 17-team division that consisted of two pools. Waikiwi beat DLS 34-14 in the last game of the first phase on Thursday night before duck-shooting. Player of the day was Trent Hamilton with support from Juan Kyle in a physical encounter at Limehills. Waikiwi was one of the nine clubs to hold their place in the division two C.J. Soper Trophy competition for the second half of the season. Waikiwi has won all four of their games since then and earned three bonus points to sit on top of the points table with four games remaining. The 24-12 victory in Riverton on a wet and windy afternoon was hard fought. Waikiwi led 19-5 at halftime and defended superbly into the wind in the second half. Trent Hamilton scored the four tries but it was second five Josh Campbell who was recognised as player of the day ahead of Trent and prop Jono Van't Wout. A big crowd turned out at Donovan Park for Waikiwi's "Club Day" on May 17. The nine junior teams played in the morning, followed by the under-18 Southern Harlequins game against SBHS 3rd XV. Both of these teenage teams have been training at Waikiwi this year. The Waikiwi Veterans were beaten by Waikaka Senior Bs in the curtain raiser match, while Waikiwi beat Midlands 18-15 in the main event. Lock Jordan Peipi was man of the match in a bruising game against Midlands in front of a big crowd. Fullback Tim Docherty impressed in the rough weather conditions and scored one of the two tries. Cody Oughton was another player to make an impact. The following week Waikiwi beat Woodlands B 45-10. Man of the match was hooker Pete Connell who scored one of the seven tries at Woodlands. Centre Sam Hartmann and prop Dereck Anderson were the other key contributors. After having the weekend off club rugby for King's Birthday, the Waikiwi team beat Otautau Ohai Nightcaps 36-5 last Saturday. On a cold afternoon the game was a scrappy affair; a few moments of individual brilliance had the locals in front 24-5 at halftime. Lock Josh Mackie was Waikiwi's best, while Ben Maw scored two of the six tries. Waikiwi have a bye this weekend and then four more round-robin games before the finals. Waikiwi's Social team is in the Presidents' Grade with 10 other clubs. The veterans' next game is against Albion in Gore this Saturday at 1.30pm. On July 12, the Waikiwi players will put on a show at the clubrooms for their supporters and sponsors. By John Langford
Otago Daily Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Marist claims tight win over Woodlands
Marist provided the highlight in round 10 of Southland senior club rugby last Saturday when they beat Woodlands 29-26 at Miller St. Marist No 8 Ben Fotheringham signalled he was about to play another high-quality game when he scored after five minutes. When prop Joe Turaganivalu scored after 16 minutes, Marist coach Derek Manson said it felt like his side was winning the arm-wrestle but a couple of long-range tries from Woodlands had the scores at 12-12 at halftime. Marist hooker James Moodie scored a converted try to make it 19-19 after 60 minutes. Woodlands went ahead 26-19 before Scott Eade kicked a critical penalty goal for Marist. Man of the match Hunter Burgess scored the game-winning try in the 80th minute. Burgess's locking partner Max Bryant also played his best game of the year. The Eastern Northern Barbarians beat the Invercargill Blues 33-26 on their Sponsors' Day at the Gore Showgrounds. Blues scored the first converted try but the locals settled into their work and led 21-7 at halftime. The Barbarians spoke at halftime about not letting Blues back into the game but after leading 33-7 after 65 minutes, Blues found some holes and scored some nice tries to earn two bonus points. Angus Simmers was man of the match, while fellow midfielder Vitali Roqica put in some big defensive tackles. Prop Troy McIvor played well and Morgy Mitchell slotted into No8 and did a fine job. First five Riley Stewart deserved a mention for his effort, as did prop Tom Scanlan playing his 50th game and Harry McKenzie for making his debut. Blues were without their captain Billy Andrews and they have a tough game against Pirates Old Boys this Saturday. With three rounds remaining, the Baabaas are third equal on the points table alongside Marist and Star. The three 2024 Stag members reuniting with the Barbarians this Saturday at Woodlands are Woody Kirkwood (lock), Leroy Fergus (openside) and Connor Collins (halfback). Pirates Old Boys were celebrating their 25th anniversary last weekend and the premier grade team beat Star 42-nil in the main event at Surrey Park. POB scored tries out wide to wing Sam Wheely and blindside Ben Keenan, both were converted by Kaea Nikora Balloch during the first 17 minutes. Right wing Isaac Rounds scored the next try after 26 minutes and POB held that 19-point lead through to halftime. Nikora Balloch kicked a penalty goal after the break but it took until the 68th minute for POB to score their fourth try to hooker Alex Fraito from an excellent lineout drive. Shaun Kempton intercepted a pass to score and followed that with his second try out wide. Halfback Kane O'Connor scored the seventh try on fulltime. Star will try to get some confidence back on their home ground against Marist this Saturday. In the division one competition Pioneer did well on their "Club Day" to draw 20-20 with the competition leaders Wyndham. In the second half, Pioneer first five Jhardyn Stewart scored his second try before Jordan Anderson kicked the conversion and added a penalty goal to push Pioneer ahead 20-17. In the closing stages, Wyndham landed their own penalty goal to ensure the competition points were split evenly. Pioneer blindside Troy Wyatt was confrontational at the ruck, while hooker Kerry Power, No 8 Damon Hurley and lock Reece Soper led a hard-working Pioneer defensive unit. Prop Braiden Patterson played his 100th game for Pioneer. Wyndham's best were halfback Nathan Bee, prop Oliver Woodrow and blindside Logan Dobbie. The Vikings and Edendale match on Waikaka's "Club Day" also ended in a draw, 15-15. Edendale was ahead 10-nil at halftime and increased the lead. The Magpies held the margin until the 75th minute when Vikings halfback Conor Niblock snuck around the ruck and scored a converted try. The Vikings then drew level when Jarrod Lindsay scored. Openside Matt Sinclair was the Vikings' best with support from Nathan Bokser and Hayden Stephen. Edendale lock Alex Burgess put in a big effort, as did first five Jahvis Wallace and halfback Connor Millane. Tokanui beat Bluff 28-24 in Tokanui, while Albion earned a 57-20 win in Te Anau. Albion lock Jack Cochrane was man of the match, while Richie Robinson and Sheamus McGuigan were also key contributors. The highlight of the division two competition was Midlands beating the defending champions Riverton 60-5. The Albion women's team crossed the railway-tracks to take on Pioneer and delivered a dominant 46-7 win. By John Langford
1News
03-06-2025
- 1News
Young man charged after Auckland rugby fields torn up by vehicle
A teenager is facing several driving offences, including intentional damage, after he allegedly tore up a rugby club's fields in Auckland's northwest over the weekend. The 19-year-old also had his newly-purchased vehicle impounded. Kumeū Rugby Club president Glenn Wheeler said in a statement to Facebook on Saturday morning that "some degenerates" had caused major damage to parts of the club's two fields. "It's heartbreaking for our Kumeū Rugby Club & the community to have this kind of stuff going on." Drone footage provided to 1News shows the extent of the damage, with tyre tracks spanning two fields. ADVERTISEMENT Police received reports of the damage on Saturday morning. (Source: Supplied) Sergeant Graham Bennett said police received reports of the rugby fields being damaged on Saturday morning. "A furore ensued on the community grapevines given a prized community asset had been damaged. Information was quickly passed onto police which was followed up and a vehicle of interest was identified." Bennett thanked those at the rugby club and members of the public for their assistance which led to the arrest. Wheeler told 1News that Auckland Council were aiming "do everything in their power" to have the field up and running by Saturday for Club Day. "It's mostly superficial damage, but some of the bigger holes will need sand to fill them up." He also thanked everyone who helped to contribute to finding the offender. "Unfortunately the satisfaction of finding the perpetrator doesn't take away the extreme disappointment of having our fields wrecked." The 19-year-old was expected to appear in Waitākere District Court at a later date on an intentional damage charge alongside other driving offences.
