Six from six for TVC in East Coast men’s club rugby

It has been a memorable season so far for Ngāti Porou East Coast midfield back Treymaine Butler, pictured being tackled by Poverty Bay's Cohen Loffler in the King's Birthday derby. He made his debut for the Coast in this game, scoring a try, and his TVC club team are sitting unbeaten in top spot in the men's club competition. Photo / Paul Rickard

It appears not much can stop TVC in 2025.

The unbeaten Tihirau Victory Club beat Ūawa 29-24 to defend the Jury Harrison Memorial Cup and George Keelan Memorial Shield at Matariki weekend, while the TVC women won a thriller 26-24 against Waiapu.

TVC’s sixth straight win consolidated their place at the top of the eight-team Heke-o-Te-Rangi Blackbee Contractors Ngāti Porou East Coast men’s club competition with one week of round-robin play remaining before the semifinals on July 5.

They also secured the Kath McLean Memorial Cup as round winners.

In other games, on Friday, Tokararangi of Te Araroa beat Hikurangi Te Maunga 36-24 at Kahuitara in Whareponga, and Waiapu defeated Tokomaru Bay United 58-15 at Hatea-a-rangi Memorial Domain.

On Saturday, Ruatōria City outran Waima 55-14, and TVC prevailed at home, Te Kura Mana Māori o Whangaparaoa.

TVC’s win lifted them to 29 points. Tokararangi are on 24, defending champions Waiapu 22, Ūawa 22, Ruatōria City 13, Hikurangi 12, Waima 8 and Tokomaru Bay United 2.

The men’s Week 7 games on Saturday kick off at 2pm. Tokararangi host Ūawa at Te Araroa Domain, Hikurangi are at home to Tokomaru Bay United, Waima visit TVC with the Jury Harrison Memorial Cup on the line again, and Ruatōria City lie in wait for Waiapu.

The TVC women’s third straight win kept them at the top of the five-team competition with three weeks of regular season play ahead before the semifinals on July 19.

TVC beat Waiapu on Friday, and Ruatōria City outscored Hikurangi four tries to two in a 24-10 win on Saturday.

TVC have won four of five games and have 21 points, Waiapu have 17, Ruatōria City 15, Hikurangi 15 and Tokararangi 5.

On Saturday at 11.30am, Tokararangi visit TVC and Hikurangi host Waiapu. Ruatōria City have the bye.