Wrestling: Katikati crowned club champions

Payton Sisson of Mount Maunganui in blue and Jett Sullivan, Waikato, in action at the New Zealand National Club Wrestling Championships at Katikati's Action Centre on Sunday. Photo / George Novak

Katikati are the national club wrestling champions following a series of impressive performances on home mats on Sunday.

The 31-strong club team held off challenges from second-placed Mount Maunganui and defending champions Hamilton, who finished third.

Coach Andy Roach said the event was a big success.

"We were very pleased with the turnout, especially with the young kids."

The club format, which saw 190 matches contested on two mats over seven hours, championed team results over individual achievement.

"That's the thing with the club champs - they are a numbers game. The more kids you have the more points you get for the club.

"It's a good tournament. Kids love representing the club and you don't necessarily have to worry about the individual results so much.

"It's great to see the 5, 6 and 7-year-olds wrestling and being equally important as our 18 and 19-year-olds."

Clubs will now focus on the build-up to next month's individual nationals in Hamilton.