BOI begins Taniwha defence
The Bay of Islands began their defence of the Taniwha Cup by thumping Far North neighbours Mangonui by 62-7 on the opening day of this year’s championship in Kaikohe on Tuesday and backing that up with 91-5 walloping of the Whangarei Bears on Wednesday.
Elsewhere, hosts Hokianga were competitive for most of their opening day match against the Whangarei Bears before going down 22-10, the Whangarei Grizzlies showed they will again be a force to be reckoned with by crushing Otamatea Rodney 69-0, and Northern Wairoa enjoyed a comfortable 45-19 win over the President’s XV.
Other results from day two yesterday were, Whangarei Grizzlies 70 Presidents 0, Mangonui 43 Hokianga 5, and, Northern Wairoa 70 Rodney/ Otamatea 12. Draw for day three today is, Bears vs Mangonui 11am kick off, Northern Wairoa vs Grizzlies 11.30am, Hokianga vs BOI 12.30pm, and Presidents vs Rodney/ Otamatea 1pm.
The event for primary school boys and girls aged under 13 and weighing under 57kg is being organised by Northland Rugby Union’s junior council and hosted by the Hokianga rugby sub union (who approached Kaikohe to have it held there as there were no suitable venue in their own area).
Spokeswoman Clare Farrell said everything had run like clockwork on opening day, and even the weather co-operated bar for a few heavy showers. Players are also gunning to make selection for the Northland Roller Mills extended squad, where they have an opportunity to earn a chance to represent their province for the first time. The Roller Mills takes place in Hamilton during the next term break.
“We are extremely lucky to have some really good referees this year,” Farrell said, and encouraged everybody to support their team particularly on finals day, Saturday.
■ Tomorrow is the final day of round robin play with Friday set aside for the semifinals before the grand finals on Saturday. Times are, 10am 7th/ 8th, 10.30am 3rd/ 4th, 11.30am 5th/ 6th, and, 12pm 1st/ 2nd.