Rugby
Martinborough is making a huge impact on the JAB rugby scene in Wairarapa this season.
They are fielding seven teams, including two in the under-6s grade, an encouraging sign looking further down the track.
The under-8s have started the season strongly with the players adapting well to the tackle rule and showing steady improvement as the season progresses.
The under-9s showed their potential with a convincing win over Carterton last weekend. The windy conditions tested the accuracy of the players but they coped splendidly, running in 12 tries in their 60-15 success as they maintained their unbeaten record. Gray Boschma, who scored two of the tries, was player of the day.
Martinborough under-11s are sitting middle of the table and they have the objective of claiming the scalp of at least one of the two teams above them in the weeks ahead. They are playing some attractive running rugby with their passing and running into space being especially impressive.
The under-13s continued their good run of form with a 58-5 beating of Greytown Red last Saturday and the fact it was a team effort was shown by the try-scoring list. Scoring one try apiece were Edward Frost-Henry, Jack McLeod, Cooper Jamieson, Oscar Lau Young, Liam McCartney, Wade Hodgson, Reuben Harley, Eric Bargh, Sam Morison and Connor Malneek. Hodgson kicked four conversions.
Congratulations are extended to Sam Morison, Edward Frost Henry, Cooper Jamieson and Liam McCartney on making the Wairarapa-Bush under-13 squad.
There was a mixed bag of results for the Rams JAB last weekend with the big upset coming in the under-13 grade where the Rams suffered their first defeat, going down 32-5 to a well-drilled and disciplined Greytown Black combination. Greytown went to halftime with a 12-5 lead after an evenly-contested opening spell but the second half was all one-way traffic with Greytown capitalising on Rams' mistakes to score a well-deserved victory. Keegan Surridge was the pick of the Rams forwards and Jack Eschenbach was the best of the backs.
Rams under-10s were also up against it when they played top-of-the-table Marist. A late try took Marist to a somewhat flattering 25-15 lead at halftime but they lifted their game another notch in the second spell to win 65-25. Rams did, however, gain some consolation by scoring the last two tries. First-five Dre Rimene was top value on attack and defence.
In the under-9s grade Rams White had a resounding 70-20 win over Featherston with powerful attacker Regan McArley being their player of the day but Rams Black lost to Greytown 35-20 after leading 15-5 at halftime. Zane McPhail had a strong game for the Blacks, a try being just reward for his efforts.
Rams have three very competitive teams in the under-8s grade. First up the Whites played the Greys with the Whites reversing the result of their previous clash with a 35-20 win. The Greys then rebounded with a 35-15 victory over Marist Green and it was Cory Jenkins who took the limelight, scoring two tries and being named player of the day. The Whites also won their second game, beating Greytown. Jacob Gallon and Leo Rootman shone there.
Also in the under-8s Rams Black were in fine fettle, scoring convincing wins over the Marist White and Green teams. Cody Drysdale deservedly picked up the player of the day award. In the under-6 grade Rams White had two wins and Rams Black one win and one loss.
Greytown Black under-13s were the toast of their JAB section after their outstanding win over the Rams. They showed wonderful handling skills in the tricky conditions. Chris Hemi added to his try tally with four on this occasion. Greytown Red played Martinborough for the second week in a row and it was Martinborough who prevailed there.
In the under-8s Greytown battled to a win against Gladstone Yellow and a loss to Rams White and the under-9s scored seven tries to four in their win over Rams Black. Greytown under-10s beat Martinborough 40-30 and the Greytown-Gladstone under-11s were impressive in beating Martinborough as well.
Marist JAB will feature in an article in tomorrow's Times Age.