Season now in sight

scrum feed: Ngatapa halfback Mike Livingston prepares to feed the scrum in a game against Hicks Bay at Patutahi Domain on Saturday.Picture by Lou Livingston

Waikohu and Ngatapa started their rugby season over the weekend with a 15s tournament hosted at the Patutahi Domain.

Waikohu came away with the title, beating Opotiki 7-5 in a hard-fought final.

Teams travelled from as far afield as Taihape, Ruatoria, Hicks Bay and eastern Bay of Plenthy for the day-long competition.

Rather than play one full game of rugby, teams played four 20-minute games across the day.

Ngatapa coach Stephen Hickey said it was a great opportunity to “break in” the players before the season started in earnest in early April.

“The 10s and 7s game doesn't incorporate the front rowers and the big boys,” he said.

Ngatapa netballers also ran a fast-5 tournament among themselves.

“It was a big community day and a big crowd,” Hickey said.

“The day was awesome . . . close games and good rugby.”