Renwick's rugby celebration

The Renwick Rugby Club celebrated 110 years of “passion, pride and community” in fine style at the Renwick Domain today.

Under clear blue skies at the country ground, “Green Machine” players, family and supporters gathered from early morning to acknowledge another milestone for the go-ahead club.

Nine junior rugby sides were in action from 9.45am – leading into a Golden Oldies game, put together especially to mark the occasion, then a senior A clash.

The Golden Oldies match was well supported and thrilled a sizeable sideline contingent. Awatere turned up with enough players to make two teams, ensuring the home side had plenty of competition. As usual the match was played in high spirits, with halftime shots, oversized scrums and even the temporary substitution of the match ball for a frozen chicken, adding to the entertainment.

Although the match was played under Golden Oldies rules there was no shortage of bone-jarring defense, from both sides, ensuring ice packs would be in short supply post-game.

Appropriately, and despite plenty of endeavour from both sides, the game ended in a draw - organisers suggesting that given the interest it generated, the fixture could become an annual event between the country cousins.

Next up was a senior A clash between the Renwick Mud Dogs and Awatere, both well in the hunt for semifinal positions.

In a tight contest it was the local side who came through. After leading 19-10 at the halftime break, Renwick pushed on to take the match 44-10. They were sparked by the influential duo of Jarad Bryant and Jarrod Ferguson, while midfielders Kyle Marfell and Matt Patterson were a threat throughout, along with wingers elusive Peceli Denicaucau and Mesake Cataki.

Awatere first five Angus Phillips led his side around the paddock, while loosies Sam Lunn and Wilson Meadowcroft shone up front.

In another senior A clash, Waitohi ensured their unbeaten record remained intact with a comprehensive 34-0 win over Pelorus in Picton, scoring six tries to underline their dominance of the season so far.

The third match saw Moutere claim a 28-10 win over Harlequins at Awarua Park, Spring Creek.

Meanwhile, the preliminary semifinals in the Miles Toyota First XV competition were played today, with one major upset.

In the battle between the third and sixth-seeded sides, lower-ranked Christ’s College got up 46-24 over their higher-ranked rivals St Thomas of Canterbury.

The other match went with seedings, fourth-placed Nelson College knocking out fifth-seeded St Andrew’s College 47-12.

Next weekend the Marlborough Boys’ College Falcons will host Christ’s College in Blenheim in one semifinal, while Nelson will travel to Christchurch to take on Christchurch Boys’ High School.

If Nelson and MBC prevail, the final will be played in Blenheim a week later.