Manawatu¯ women’s sevens team defend their title

The Manawatu¯ women’s sevens team have defended their title at the Central Regional Sevens in Levin on Saturday.

Manawatu¯ overcame Wellington 26-5 to win the women’s final, which doubles as a qualifying tournament for the national provincial sevens in January.

The top four women’s teams qualified for nationals.

The Manawatu¯ men finished second after a 17-7 loss to Wellington in the final.

The top five men’s teams advance to nationals.

Golfer farewelled

Long-time Palmerston North Golf Club member Owen Walter has died, aged 80.

Walter had been involved with the club as a player since 1979, but also did volunteer work.

A former livestock officer at the then Ministry of Agriculture, he was a top cricket umpire at rep level, and women’s cricket to a high level.

Home turf

Palmerston North’s hockey turfs are back to full capacity now the second turf’s refurbishment is finished.

Hockey Manawatu¯ held an official opening on Saturday for the new forest-green turf, after the old surface was pulled up and shock pad replaced in September.

The other turf will be redone next year.

Each end of the spectrum

Old and young both featured in the longest drive competition at the Palmerston North Golf Club’s Christmas Cheer on Thursday.

The up-to-23 handicap competition was won by 15-year-old Scott Eru, and the 24-and-above category was won by 86-year-old Ted Anderson.