Sporting fraternity back into action at weekend

After two weekends of relative inactivity at our sporting venues, winter sport is back with a vengeance.

With a wash-out on May 29, followed by a break during Queen’s Birthday Weekend, both senior and junior sportspeople will be primed and ready for action this Saturday.

Rugby

The Tasman Trophy premier competition is nearing a climax, with just two rounds remaining before the semifinals.

Waitohi and Central are both on the road this week, the Blues playing Waimea Old Boys at Nelson’s Jubilee Park, the Tohis taking on Stoke at Greenmeadows. Both games begin at 3pm.

In the women’s competition Moutere play Riwaka tonight at 7.30pm in Motueka.

In Marlborough division two action, MBC Old Boys take on Central at Lansdowne Park, Awatere and Moutere meet at Seddon and Renwick host Pelorus. All matches begin at 1.15pm.

The MBC First XV are on the road after their thrilling win over Nelson College last week. They meet Christ’s College in Christchurch. Kick off is noon.

Football

Rangers AFC have a chance to move to the top of the Nelson division one table on Saturday, taking on top side Motueka over the hill.

The unbeaten home side will have to pull out all the stops to hold off Rangers, who put up a bold showing against Nelson Suburbs Mainland League side in their Chatham Cup tie on Monday.

The BV Bullets women’s team are at home, playing Nelson Suburbs at A and P Park. Kick off in both games is 3pm.

In the local Mayfield Motorworld division one competition, BV Masters meet Central Buccaneers at A&P Park, top-of-the-table Call Care Trojans play Central Wolves at Athletic Park while Call Care Hotspurs tackle Rangers Development at A&P. All games begin at 3pm.

In division two, Rangers COM play Redwood Masters at A&P, Rangers Masters meet Call Care Spartans, also at A&P, while Picton host Central Privateers at Endeavour Park, that match kicking off at 3pm.

Hockey

There is no premier play this weekend, with teams travelling over the hill to take part in the two-day Top of the South clubs competition. Beawai/United will combine to form a men’s side, while an Arotea and a Kiwi team will play in the women’s draw.

Indoor bowls

Indoor bowlers will take centre stage at Stadium 2000 this weekend, when the 71st Summerset National Open and Masters championships are staged. More than 500 bowlers, plus their large band of supporters, will congregate in Blenheim from Saturday June 12 until Saturday, June 19.

Netball

Lansdowne Park’s netball courts will be a hive of activity on Saturday as senior and junior competitions resume.

It was originally intended that the premier sides would play a catch-up round on Saturday, but now it has been decided that they will next play at the Stadium on June 22.

Currently Pelorus lead the points table with nine, from Tokomaru and MGC on six, then Harlequins on three with Awatere yet to get off the mark.

Running

On Sunday the annual Mount Vernon Grand Traverse will take place. It starts from the car park at the top of Redwood St with competitors able to take part in a variety of events, including a fun run/walk and kids challenge. Registration is on the day from 9am.  The main race starts at 10am.