Busy sporting weekend in prospect

As winter sporting codes continue to roll out their competitions, the province’s fields, turf and courts will be hives of activity this weekend.

Rugby

Three Marlborough sides are in action during Saturday’s fifth round of the Tasman Trophy division one competition, all seeking much-needed victories to keep pace with their Nelson-based opponents.

Both Waitohi, who notched the season’s first cross-over win last week, and Renwick are at home. The Tohis will tackle the table-topping Kahurangi side at Endeavour Park, while the Green Machine host Nelson at the Renwick Domain.

Awatere/Moutere are on the road, meeting the powerful Marist crew in Nelson. Central, the best-placed local side, have a bye this week. All games kick off at 3pm.

In division two, Pelorus host MBC Old Boys, Renwick welcome Moutere to the domain while the unbeaten Central side will play Waitohi at Lansdowne Park. All games begin at 1.15pm.

In the Tasman women’s division one competition, Moutere are on the road this week, taking on Wanderers at Centennial Park, Brightwater.

The Marlborough Boys’ College First XV open their Miles Toyota [formerly UC] championship campaign against Mid Canterbury Combined in Ashburton.

It will also be a big day for the younger brigade, with age group and junior players kicking off their seasons around the province across a variety of grades.

Netball

Premier netball kicked off on Tuesday, now it is the other teams’ turn, with all senior grades opening their seasons at Lansdowne Park tomorrow.

On Tuesday, during round two of the premier competition, Pelorus and MGC meet in the 6pm game, Tokomaru Crafar Crouch take on Awatere at 7.45pm while Tokomaru Picton Motordome meet Harlequins at the same time.

Football

Rangers AFC are on the move this week, taking on Golden Bay Mountain Goats in Takaka in their second Nelson division one clash. In the Nelson division one competition, Marlborough side BV Bullets host FC Nelson at A&P Park, that match kicking off at 3pm.

Meanwhile, in Mayfield Motorworld division one action, Central Wolves meet Call Care Hotspurs and Central Buccaneers play Call Care Trojans at A&P Park, while Rangers Development and Bottle-O BV Masters meet at Athletic Park. All games begin at 3pm.

In division two, Redwood FC play Rangers Masters and Call Care Spartans tackle Central Privateers, both games at A&P Park, with a 1pm kick-off. The third game sees Picton host Rangers Clubs of Marlborough at 3pm.

Hockey

Action in Marlborough Hockey’s premier grade begins on Saturday. Four sides will contest the premier grade, Beawai men playing Arotea at 1.30pm and United meeting the MBC 1st XI at 3pm.