Tairāwhiti, Wairoa shine

Strong Showings: The four Gisborne clubs and one from Wairoa involved in the Junior Rugby Festival in Taupo at the weekend produced strong performances and two local players won MVP awards, with three others scoring highest points. Among them were this group of players from Uawa and YMP. Picture supplied

Tairāwhiti and Wairoa clubs that competed in the Taupo junior rugby festival at the weekend acquitted themselves well.

Pirates, Ngatapa, YMP, Uawa and Wairoa teams were among clubs from right round the country taking part in the festival.

“The festival is an annual event to give children the opportunity to experience playing others around New Zealand,” a Tairāwhiti spokeswoman said.

Over 1000 youngsters in age groups from under-10s to u13s took part.

“It was all about sportsmanship and fair play,” the spokeswoman said.

“Uawa, YMP, Ngātapa and Pirates all brought strong teams and did well in the grades.

“Our talented and resilient kids represented their clubs with pride and honour, and role-modelled great sportsmanship and fair play.

“Uawa and YMP ended the tournament with an in-house organised game, which was a great reflection of our tight-knit community of JAB rugby.”

Te Oranga Hape from YMP took out the u10s' MVP (most valuable player) award in the 46kg grade and Falcon Spring was named MVP for the u11s.

Te Oranga Hape and three other Gisborne players — two from Ngātapa and one from Pirates — received awards for highest points in their grades.