Two Wairarapa winter sporting codes were celebrating notable successes over the weekend.
In rugby, Wairarapa-Bush produced one of their best all-round performances in recent years to wallop Lochore Cup holders Poverty Bay 46-14 at Memorial Park in Masterton.
And in football, Wairarapa United overcame the odds to beat defending championsMiramar Rangers 3-2 in a crucial Central League fixture played at Dave Farrington Park in Miramar.
The rugby success meant Wairarapa-Bush retained the Jeremy David Memorial Cup, a trophy named after a highly talented outside back who played for both provinces during a career cut tragically short when he died in an accident.
Nine tries were scored in the match with Wairarapa-Bush scoring seven of them.
The home team started strongly to race out to an 8-0 lead early on and they were never headed, leading 22-7 at the break and dominating the second half scoring action.
With the forward pack maintaining a high level of intensity throughout the 80 minutes, the Wairarapa-Bush backs were given ample opportunity to display their attacking skills and they responded with an impressive display of slick passing, strong running and astute option taking.
Wairarapa-Bush now confront Horowhenua-Kapiti at Memorial Park this coming Saturday before commencing their Heartland championship programme.
It can fairly be said that Wairarapa United won their Central League fixture with Miramar Rangers the hard way. They were down to 10 men when defender Waisake Sabatu was red carded going into the last quarter of the game, the resultant penalty evening the score at 1-1.
Wairarapa United showed huge character and resolve to hit back to lead 2-1 but Miramar Rangers levelled again at 2-2.
However, it was the gutsy Wairarapa United who had the final say, Fijian international Esava Naqueleca heading home what was to be the winning goal about six minutes from fulltime.
The win was vital for Wairarapa United as it now means they are still on track to take the Central League title for the first time. Victories over Lower Hutt City at home next weekend and Napier City Rovers away on Sunday, August 26 and the spoils will be theirs.
