Miserable weather couldn’t stop the celebrations at Jubilee Park on Saturday as Waimea Old Boys enjoyed wins aplenty on its annual club day.
The day started with each of Waimea’s 18 JAB teams playing in Richmond before the senior women’s team and the second division men’s team kicked off at 1.15pm.
The defending champion women’s side hosted Blenheim-based Central and with both sides short of players the game was played with just 13-a-side. That meant there was more room for Waimea to attack and they quickly racked up try after try, eventually winning the game 130-0.
The women’s players of the day were Stephanie Mitchell and Amanda Sim.
Superliquor Richmond Waimea Old Boys division two didn’t have as much space with a determined Takaka side taking it to the hosts.
Waimea had the opportunity to win the game in the dying minutes but a strong charge by Kerry Walker was unsuccessful when he dropped the ball over the line.
Waimea scored one try in the game to Sy Keelan and first five John Higgins kicked a penalty and conversion but lost 15-10.
In the division one game Waimea hosted Marlborough side Awatere, which had defaulted due to lack of players but still turned up and – supplemented by players from the Waimea second division side – put up a good fight.
Waimea won the game 43-17 with its backs too good once they got the ball in hand.
Fullback James Lowe was again outstanding, scoring two tries and injecting himself at pace in the Waimea backline. The other try scorers were Ben Jeffery, Corey McClelland, Joe Higgins and Dale Russ. Josh Rutledge kicked five conversions and a penalty.
This week Waimea travel to Brightwater to take on Wanderers in the semi final of the Tasman Trophy. The game kicks off at 3pm and the two clubs division two sides will fight it out in the curtain raiser, which kicks off at 1.15pm.
Club president Duane Whiting says it was a “bloody awesome” day with huge support from the community.
“It started with the JAB, the rain held off for them which was great. The rugby on the field was really good in the afternoon and later in the night it just carried on.”
Duane says the support the club receives from the community is a major reason for its success.
“From sponsors and supporters right through to members of the public coming down to watch the games. The club has a great atmosphere about it and we thank everyone who came down.”
