Soggy Saturday predicted

Weekend sporting spectators may be well advised to bring umbrellas and gumboots with a less-than-favourable weather forecast in place, especially for Saturday.

However, the sporting community is a hardy lot and will be out in force to support their team in any conditions.

Rugby

All four of the Marlborough-based Tasman Trophy sides will play on this side of the hill tomorrow.

Central take on Nelson at Lansdowne Park, Waitohi host Waimea Old Boys at Endeavour Park in Picton while Moutere/Awatere and Renwick will do battle at Awarua Park. All games begin at 3pm.

It will be a big day for the historic Moutere club at their home base, with their women’s side, playing in the women’s Tasman Trophy competition, taking on Wanderers at 2.30pm and the Magpies’ division two side meeting MBC Old Boys at 1.15pm.

The other division two games see Central play Havelock at Lansdowne and Waitohi play Awatere in Picton. They also begin at 1.15pm.

The MBC First XV have the weekend off after their midweek loss to Shirley BHS. On Thursday they play old rivals Nelson College in Nelson, as part of the traditional school exchange. The match also doubles as a Miles Toyota Championship match. It kicks off at 12.35 at Nelson College.

Football

Weather permitting, Rangers AFC will be back in action, taking on Nelson FC at A&P Park on Saturday, with a 1pm kick-off. The top women’s side, BV Bullets are on the road, also playing an FC Nelson side, at Nelson’s Neale Park, with a 3pm kick-off.

In Mayfield Motorworld division one action, Central Wolves play BV Masters at A&P, with a 1pm kick-off, while Call Care Trojans meet club mates Call Care Hotspurs at Athletic Park, this one beginning at 3pm. In the final match, Central Buccaneers play Rangers Development at A&P, kick-off 3pm.

In division two Rangers Clubs of Marlborough are scheduled to play Rangers Masters at A&P while Call Care Spartans meet Picton at Athletic Park, both games begin at 1pm. The other match is between Central Privateers and Redwood Masters and is due to be played at A&P Park at 3pm.

Netball

For the second consecutive week premier netball will be played outside, although players and officials may be wishing they were under cover in Stadium 2000 by the end of the day.

The 10.30am match features Tokomaru Crafar Crouch and Marlborough Girls’ College, Harlequins meet Pelorus at 12.30pm followed by Tokomaru Picton Motordrome against Awatere at 2.30pm.

Hockey

The Whitehaven premier competition games tomorrow see United take on MBC at 1.30pm and competition leaders Beawai Men play Arotea Kiwi at 3pm.