Time to blow out cobwebs

Running Rugby: A Waikohu defender clings to Ngatapa player Matt Raleigh in a club game last year. The Ngatapa club is hosting a 15-a-side pre-season tournament on Saturday. Picture by Paul Rickard

RUGBY

RUGBY players will get a pre-season summer hit-out in the 15-a-side game at Patutahi on Saturday.

The Ngatapa club is hosting a six-team tournament at Paddy's Park, about a month before the start of Poverty Bay club rugby this season.

Saturday shouldn't be too taxing or serious but will be a chance to blow out the cobwebs.

Games will last 20 minutes, anyone who scores a try will have to attempt their own drop-kick conversion and penalty goals are banned.

Organiser and Ngatapa premier-grade coach Steve Hickey said the event was based on a popular tournament that used to be hosted by the Kereone club at Morrinsville.

“It's a good way of breaking the big boys into the season, and giving a big squad a run or trying combinations,” he said.

The six teams competing are Ngatapa, Pirates, Waikohu, YMP, Opotiki and East Coast side Tokararangi.

Hickey said they would be split into two sections, ahead of playoffs.

The day would include novelty events.

“We're going to create a fun day out there.”