JAB rugby
Eketahuna JAB rugby is off to a good start this season with all teams kitted out in new jerseys, thanks to sponsorship from the Mitchell families from Nga Puka Station in Alfredton, and, with the growing number of players from Mauriceville, Alfredton, Tiraumea and Eketahuna, a second order is already on the way.
All told Eketahuna have 53 registered players who are involved in one of four teams, under-6s, under-8s or two under-10s. The under-13 players are playing for Masterton clubs.
The JAB committee is led by Simon McKay and Marama Papworth, who have worked tirelessly on growing the game at this level, and all teams are fortunate to have excellent coaching staff. Trainings are at 4.30pm on Wednesdays at the Eketahuna grounds.
Last Saturday the Eketahuna Yellow under-10s took on Martinborough and it was Martinborough who dominated the first half, scoring six tries to Eketahuna's two.
However, Eketahuna almost evened things up in the second half when they outscored their opposition five tries to three. Freddie Smith was a standout player with his speed and skill and was Eketahuna's top try scorer.
Player of the day went to Megan Davis who lacked nothing on the score of determination.
The Eketahuna Black under-10s were to play Pioneer but the latter didn't show and they had a run around among themselves with Ben Croasdale being named player of the day.
Rams JAB supported their club's old-timers day in force and a fine set of results made it a memorable day.
It was a clash between two unbeaten teams when Rams and Gladstone under-13s met in the curtain-raiser at Memorial Park and unfortunately the game was called off early in the second half when a player suffered a neck injury.
Early reports are he is recovering well.
Rams won 7-5 but it was an extremely close battle and the next encounter is sure to be a cracker.
Player of the day Wilson scored the Rams only try.
The Rams under-11s continued on their winning way with a victory over Carterton and the under-10s had a well deserved win over a plucky Eketahuna.
Both Rams under-9 sides tasted defeat for the first time this year in matches against Martinborough and Carterton at Carterton and there were mixed fortunes in the under-8 and under-6 grades.
Rams player of the week was Sebastian Smith who scored two outstanding tries for the under-11s as well as making several telling tackles.
Results - Under 6: Rams White two losses, Rams Black two wins. Under-8: Rams White one win, one draw; Rams Black one win, one draw; Rams Grey one win, one loss. Under-9s: Carterton 25, Rams White 20; Martinborough 55, Rams Black 25. Under-10s: Rams 55, Eketahuna 25. Under-11s: Rams 50, Carterton 5. Under-13s: Rams Red 7, Gladstone 5.
Marist JAB under-13s had an even match with Greytown last Saturday, Marist winning 27-22, scoring five tries and one conversion. Player of the day was Oakland Dean-Pene.
Logan Wallis was player of the day for the Marist under-11s who lost to Greytown-Gladstone while the under-10s had a fine 60-45 victory over Greytown-Featherston.
Tries were scored by Jackson Iosona (3), Carlos McCrae (3), Ethan Wallace (2), Jack McHardy (2), Hayden Cooper and Jack Moser. Named sportsman of the day was Joel McCrae, the smallest Marist player on the paddock who defended stoutly and made several line breaks.
Also in the under-10 grade Marist White lost to Carterton with Dylan MacDonald the sportsman of the day.
The Marist under-9s went down 40-10 to Greytown but never lost heart while the under-8 Greens picked up their first win by outscoring Greytown five tries to two. They also lost to Carterton.
Philip Faaiuaso was player of the day.
The under-8 Whites lost to both Carterton and Eketahuna, but showed pleasing improvement.
In the under-6 grade Marist Greens lost to both Gladstone teams in very close games with Ollie Greonwald being player of the day, scoring a remarkable full field try.
The Whites played against Eketahuna and Gladstone and gave a solid account of themselves.
The Carterton under-10s JAB side were delighted with their effort against Marist which produced a sizeable win.
They were formidable on both attack and defence.
There was a stirring battle between Greytown Black and Martinborough in the under-13 grade with Greytown running in five tries in their 35-27 win.
Chris Hemi landed all five conversions.
The Gladstone under-9s were in fine fettle in their match with Featherston last Saturday, winning 65-20, while the under-10s lost to Rams in a hard-fought encounter.