Leaders emerge in premier division

Hautapu leads Waikato Rugby Club’s Premier A division with a solid 30-12 win over Otorohanga Sports at the end of round seven games on Saturday.

Hautapu, captained by Mitch Jacobson, dotted down five times, added one conversion and a penalty while their hosts, captained by Te Amo Wilbore, managed just two tires and one conversion.

The tries for the visitors came through the backs, two each to right-wing Dion Berryman and fullback Dylan Taikato-Simpson, with one other from left-wing, Sheldon Tovio. First-five Todd Doolan kicked the extras.

For Otorohanga No.8 M.Iti and halfback H.Martin scored tries with fullback and captain Te Amo Wilbore kicking one conversion.

Hautapu now has five wins from six games and one loss so far into the season, leading on 26 points.

Otorohanga is in fourth place on the table, with three wins, three losses from their six games.

Hamilton Old Boys remain in second place after having the bye at the weekend, on 21 points.

Melville is in third with a 32-8 win over Hamilton Marist on Saturday.

Melville lead from start-to- finish in that encounter played at home. Declan O’Donnell picking up a brace of tries in their win.

Hamilton Marist sit at sixth on the table with three wins and three losses.

In other games on Saturday, Morrinsville Rugby and Sport had a chance to win their game against University with a penalty shot at goal near the end of the 80 minutes.

But the kick went wide and University won that match at Campbell Park, 17-16.

University sits at 5th on the table while Morrinsville is 8th, just one place off the bottom occupied by Te Awamutu Sports, who were defeated in another close game by Fraser Tech (7th on the table) 29-27.

This Saturday Morrinsville Rugby and Sports will travel over to Cambridge’s Memorial Park looking to upset Hautapu. Hamilton Old Boys return from the bye to take on Te Awamutu Sports at Fred Jones Park.

Hamilton Tech will play Hamilton Marist at Mill Street and Otorohanga will play University and Island Reserve.

Melville has the bye this weekend.

Hautapu winger Dion Berryman, during a game earlier this season against University. He scored twice against Otorohanga to help his team win on Saturday.