Wakely Shield games power on through Napier rain

Haami Ora Nukunuku, playing for Wairoa, tackles Oasis Maru on the ball for Central Hawke's Bay in the Betta Inspect It Wakely Shield tournament 2022. Photo / Paul Taylor

Taradale's Tareha Park continued to host close rugby games and a cohort of spectators for the Wakely Shield through rainy weather.

The Betta Inspect It Wakely Shield 2022 tournament also saw a clash of the minds with its chess tournament and side events like a kick-off and sprints.

The under 50kg development event first began in 2003 to assist the development of Hawke's Bay junior rugby and is named after Adele Wakely who passed away in 2020.

Sarndra Spice, from Betta Inspect It, said there was some awesome rugby on display for day three.

"It was raining all day, but the kids just went out there and had an amazing time," Spice said.

Legend Smith playing for Hastings East against Central Hawke's Bay in the last game of the day for the Wakely Shield on Wednesday. Photo / Paul Taylor

She said there had been some "very tense" games and she couldn't pick a single highlight.

Supporters stood in the rain to watch local teams clash for day three of the under 50kg development event. Photo / Paul Taylor

Among the eight teams are sides from Napier, Hastings and Wairoa.