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Footy finalists

The finalists in Marlborough Football’s division two and three Knockout Cup competition have been found. On Saturday, Rangers Masters, who had a first round bye, beat Trojans Angels, who downed Rangers City in round one, 3-1 at Oliver Park. Meanwhile, in something of an upset result, Trojans Spartans, who accounted for Trojans Strikers in round one, downed Crow Tavern Picton 6-0 at Athletic Park. Picton, who also had a first round bye, were clear winners of the local senior division two league title while Spartans finished near the foot of the table. The final is scheduled for next Saturday, but not confirmed.

Strong start

The Marlborough under-16 rugby team had their first hit-out of the season on Saturday, romping past Buller 89-5 in Murchison. The young Red Devils led 33-0 at halftime, eventually touching down for 13 tries and 2 conversions. Leading the way was Justin Prestcott, George Adams and Jett Murrell, while Eli Lambert performed well in an unfamiliar position.

Pool prowess

Marlborough’s female pool players ensured the Seddon Shield remained in this province when the 47th annual competition was held in Richmond late last week.  Marlborough was reigning champion and, while the men lost to Nelson, their women’s team won enough matches to ensure Marlborough retained the overall title with 62 combined match wins.  Eight men and eight women from each region - Marlborough, Nelson, Buller, West Coast and Westland – did battle for top of the south dominance. Three individuals won all their combined doubles and singles matches – Marlborough husband-and-wife duo Brent and Denise Simmons, plus Tim Shanaher (Nelson men).  The Marlborough team. Men: Andrew Hickey, Greg Hammond, Brent Simmons, Wayne Palatchie, Glenn Cruz, Jono Chandler, Lewis Green, Greg Croudis (captain). Women: Caryn Robertson, Denise Simmons, Kimmy MacDonald, Janine Kennedy, Leigh-Anne Palatchie, Bridget Nolan, Nicole Chauval (captain), Celia Bason.

Netball awards

The Marlborough Netball Centre annual awards were announced the evening after finals. Netballer of the year was up-and-coming umpire Mandy O’Malley, who was also named umpire of the year, while livewire Pelorus midcourter Stormy Tupara picked up the Bridget Gane Cup for player of the year. The award for person contributing most to netball was shared by Tash Cook and Megan McKendry while Tokomaru player/coach Teish O’Connell was voted premier grade MVP and Pelorus captain Paige Lovell took out the award for most accurate premier shooter. The coach of the year trophy was shared by Michelle Stagg and Megan McKendry, while Maddie Hampton was awarded junior umpire of the year. In the premier grade, Paige was named most outstanding shooter, Stormy most outstanding midcourter and Teish most outstanding defender. MGC defender Violet Speakman was named rep player of the year.

Football awards

The Marlborough senior awards were presented at A&P and Endeavour Parks recently, players and officials being recognised for their outstanding contributions over the course of the 2025 season by their parent association.

Rangers AFC striker Keagan Mortimer was named Marlborough Football’s overall men’s player of the year after another outstanding season up front for the Rangers AFC side. Keagan’s tireless running and nose for goals in the Nelson division one league and cup competitions has been rewarded with the top prize locally. Luc Sherwood, also from the Rangers AFC side, was named goalkeeper of the year with team-mate Kane Elvy picking up the colt of the year accolade.

Two players from the newly-formed division one team Trojans Los Andes picked up awards, Tomas Lupani being named div 1 player of the year and his team-mate Francisco Zimmerman being awarded the golden boot. Craig Smart was voted referee of the year.

Grade winners 2025: Mayfield Motorworld men's div 1 - Central Buccaneers. Mayfield Motorworld men's div 2 - Picton Crow Tavern. Women's social competition - BV Chicks. Women's Zydenbos Shield - Picton women. Men’s div 1 golden boot - Francisco Zimermann (Trojans Los Andes). Men’s div 2 golden boot - Alex Duley (Trojans). Women’s social division golden boot - Hayley Semmens (BV Chicks). Referee of the year - Craig Smart. Goalkeeper of the year - Luc Sherwood (Rangers AFC). Colt of the year - Kane Elvy (Rangers AFC). Master of the year - Aaron Hayes (Rangers AFC). Men's div 1 player of the year - Tomas Lupani (Trojans Los Andes). Men's div 2 player of the year - Anthony Michaels (Trojans AFC). Women’s social competition player of the year - Alicia McLeod (Blenheim Valley). Men's overall player of the year - Keagan Mortimer (Rangers AFC).