Winter sports in full swing

Peter Jones

RUGBY: Moutere under-13 player Zi Rui strides down the touchline at Lansdowne Park on his way to a try during the popular Junior Rugby Festival on Saturday. Interestingly, this was Zi’s first-ever game of rugby.

Winter sport in the region has kicked off in earnest.

FOOTBALL: Blenheim Valley player Hezekiah Tonga-Noa makes ground down the wing during his side’s first round 12th grade match against Renwick at Oliver Park on Saturday.

Hockey opened their winter competitions on Thursday afternoon, with a Kaikoura High School team taking on Marlborough Girls’ College opposition. Over the following three days both college and senior sides got into the action at a busy Puna Wai Stadium.

NETBALL: Rapaura Dazzle goal shoot Aria Altschwager looks for a team-mate during her side’s Year 7-8 game against Bohally White at Lansdowne Park on Saturday.

Future Ferns 1-4 netball started on Friday, while senior and social teams, plus Future Ferns 5-6 sides, filled the courts at Lansdowne Park on Saturday.

Junior rugby began with a well-attended Junior Rugby Festival, involving all age grade JAB sides, at Lansdowne Park on Saturday, putting parking spaces in the vicinity of the park at a premium.

HOCKEY: MBC’s Abi Adams and Kaikoura player Abe Pattinson contest possession during the season opener at Puna Wai Stadium on Thursday. Photos Peter Jones.

Marlborough’s young footballers also laced up their boots on Saturday with all grades - from First Kicks through to the Youth grade - joining their senior counterparts in games spread around the province.

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