Big crowd, big games for Dannevirke

A magnificent day for rugby at Dannevirke’s Rugby Park was matched by one of the biggest crowds in the season, as four Dannevirke teams took on Central Hawke’s Bay on Sunday, August 12.

The quality of the rugby matched the weather and crowd, Dannevirke winning the Trevor White Memorial Cup for junior rugby fixtures between the two towns. The cup was competed for by the Year 9, 11 and 13 teams.

Year 9s and Year 10s played first, the Year 9 game being won by Central in a really close contest, 8-5.

On the No 1 ground the Under 11s had too much firepower for Central, winning 36-22. Dannevirke’s size and pace, particularly in the backline, was the difference but Central never gave up, the halftime score being 19-17 to Dannevirke.

Dannevirke piled on the points in the second half but Central scored a consolation try on fulltime to make the result a fair reflection of play.

The senior game started with a hiss and a roar from Dannevirke, its forwards imposing their dominance and scoring after just two minutes. Central recovered to score a good try in the corner but Dannevirke’s forwards and backs combined well, Dannevirke winning 38-18.

Jamie Monaghan breaks the tackle and sets sail for the line scoring Dannevirke Under 11s’ fourth try.

A formidable Under 13 Dannevirke forward surge threatens the Central Hawke’s Bay line.

Manaia Hauiti scores Dannevirke Under 13s’ second try.

Richard Stephenson shows the way forward for Dannevirke Under 11s.