Coast fans eager to see teams in action

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The floodwaters have receded and tomorrow Ngati Porou East Coast men’s club rugby will make its return.

“We can’t wait — it’ll be wonderful to get the families out and about, reconnecting in fine weather,” said NPEC president Campbell Dewes.

“Everyone from north and south will be congregating tomorrow for the H Blackbee Contractors NPEC men’s competition. East Coast rugby’s like a caged animal, rattling the cage.

“It’s fabulous to have Waima back, too; they were strong in my time. To set aside the other pressures of life, get out and enjoy ourselves is important.”

Waima — a club in the former Tokomaru Bay sub-union that included Tokomaru Bay City, Tokomaru Bay Wanderers and Waipiro Bay — will make their return to action after more than two decades away.

Tihirau Victory Club, who beat Waiapu 39-17 in last year’s final at Cape Runaway, begin their defence of the Rangiora Keelan Memorial Shield tomorrow at the headquarters of NPEC rugby — Enterprise Cars Whakarua Park in Ruatoria.

TVC’s 1.45pm clash with Tokararangi, under referee Eruera Kawhua on the main ground, will be preceded at 12 midday by the game between Ruatoria City and 2022 beaten finalists Waiapu.

Matt Richards will control that match, with former NPEC head coach Whetu Haerewa to officiate the Hikurangi-Waima meeting on Field 2 from 12.30pm.

Tokomaru Bay United’s withdrawal from the competition means Hicks Bay have the bye.

“My message and hope is that we want the supporters to turn out in force, because it’s been a tough four months,” said NPEC chief executive LeRoy Kururangi.

“The clubs have been working hard to organise teams — Lisa Muller with Waima, Moana Mato with TVC, Aaron King with Hicks Bay, Rapata Haerewa with Tokararangi, Tanetoa Parata with Ruatoria City, Pakanui Webb with Hikurangi and Braxton Botica with Waiapu.

“The men will play for the Kath McLean Memorial Cup in the first round.”

Kururangi, game development officer Southern-Rose Hiha and NPEC staff have not stopped running in preparation for rugby’s return. The union’s decision to delay the start of the six-team Enterprise Cars women’s competition until next week was made to keep the venues and timings in line: men’s and women’s club teams will play at the same grounds, on the same days, where possible.

Week 1, H Blackbee Contractors Ngati Porou East Coast men’s club rugby draw —

Enterprise Cars Whakarua Park, Ruatoria —

12 midday: Field 1, Ruatoria City v Waiapu, referee Matt Richards.

12.30pm: Field 2, Hikurangi v Waima, referee Whetu Haerewa.

1.45pm: Field 1, Tihirau Victory Club v Tokararangi, referee Eruera Kawhua.

Hicks Bay have the bye.