Weekend sport wrap

Rugby

Grassroots rugby takes centre stage in Marlborough this weekend.

On Saturday the Marlborough division two semifinals are contested, along with a First XV match, then, on Sunday, the Marlborough Red Devils return to action after a two-season hiatus, attempting to defend the Seddon Shield against Heartland Championship side Buller. That match kicks off at 1pm at Lansdowne Park.

The division two semis are expected to be a couple of even encounters.

Top qualifiers Waitohi meet MBC Old Boys at Picton’s Endeavour Park, while Central take on Awatere in repeat of the 2021 final at Lansdowne Park. Both matches kick off at 1.15pm.

Meanwhile Marlborough Boys’ College First XV are up against Selwyn Combined as the Falcons bid to cement their spot in the top eight.  That match will be played at Renwick, with an 11am kick-off.

In Nelson, the Tasman Mako women play their second match in the Farah Palmer Cup on Saturday. They kick off against Taranaki on Trafalgar Park at 2.05pm.

Football

Rangers AFC need only a win or draw against FC Nelson to clinch the Nelson division one title for the second time in three seasons. The sides meet at Guppy Park at 3pm.

The Rangers AFC women’s team are also on the road. They play Golden Bay at Ngawhatu with a 1pm start.

All junior football has been cancelled in Marlborough due to the state of the grounds, with just a few of the senior grade matches going ahead.

In division one Central Wolves play BV Masters at A&P Park, Central Buccaneers meet Rangers Clubs of Marlborough at Renwick while Rangers Development and Call Care Hotspurs do battle at A&P.

In division two Picton sides Young Guns and Crow Tavern meet at Endeavour Park while Call Care stablemates Reds and Youth play at A&P.

All games begin at 12.30pm.

Netball

The action heats up in premier netball on Tuesday, with points at stake during the final qualifying round.

Pelorus and Tokomaru meet at 6pm, with MGC and Harlequins doing battle from 7.40pm.