Rivals share glory

Rugby

Both teams were in a celebratory mood after Martinborough edged out Greytown 31-29 in the final series of matches in the Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Union's Chris Kapene Memorial Cup competition on Saturday.

The loss did little to dampen Greytown spirits as they already had the trophy in safe keeping going into the game, while for Martinborough it was all about honouring the memory of one of their favourite sons with a winning performance.

New Zealand Maori and longtime Wairarapa-Bush rep "Moose" Kapene was a legendary figure in his playing days and storming runs from the bulky prop featured in many a Martinborough victory.

Both teams were prepared to chance their arm on attack on Saturday and seven tries were scored, four to Greytown and three to Martinborough.

Nathan Hunt, Thomas Te Kani and Tipene Haira all touched down for the home team and Haira also landed two conversions and four penalties.

Hamish Meyrick, Tapaga Isaac, Taihana Brown and Taylor Fenwick scored the Greytown tries and Meyrick kicked three conversions and a penalty.

Bush Sports and Marist scored two tries apiece but the boot of Bush Sports Dylan Bennett gave them a 19-12 win.

Bennett kicked three penalties to add to the tries scored by Nick Fredricksen and Jack Buckley.

James Goodger and Malatai Malatai secured the Marist tries and Goodger kicked one conversion.

East Coast scored a surprisingly comfortable 27-5 win over Eketahuna, thanks to tries by Ben Holmes, Robert O'Neale and Nick Olson.

Olson also added three conversions and two penalties.

Rupeni Tamani managed a try for Eketahuna.

Goal kicking also had a big say in the result of the Gladstone v Carterton match, with Gladstone's Cameron Hayton landing five penalties in his side's 15-12 success.

Carterton, by contrast, ran in tries through Carlos Rimene and Luke Jones and Daryl Pickering kicked one conversion.

Final points in the Kapene Cup competition were: Greytown 35, Martinborough 29, Gladstone 27, East Coast 24, Eketahuna 18, Pioneer 17, Carterton 11, Bush Sports 7, Marist 6.

Matches in the main championship for the Tui Cup get under way next weekend.

Senior reserve results on Saturday were: Tuhirangi 37, Bush Sports 18; East Coast 30, Eketahuna 7; Pioneer 21, Masterton Red Star 19; Carterton 37, Gladstone 5; Martinborough 27, Greytown 3.