Pirongia captain Mathew Findsen makes a break at FMG Stadium Waikato. Photo: Julie Gibson
Leamington and Pirongia both recorded wins on Saturday as the Waikato Club Rugby division 1A season got underway at FMG Stadium Waikato.
The magic round at the stadium saw five games across two days. Ōhaupō had a week one bye.
Leamington and Suburbs were the first teams of the season to clash.
The Waipā side recorded a 29-19 win over the Flagstaff-based club – a welcome start for the returning head coach Wayne Bootten.
Drew Bootten, Robert Day and hooker Liam Rickwood crossed the chalk for Leamington. Day added a conversion and four penalty goals off the boot for a 19-point haul.
Pirongia loose forward Jay Seebeck runs at a Taupiri defender at FMG Stadium Waikato. Photo: Julie Gibson
In the next game, Pirongia come out on top in the battle of the mountain men. They beat Taupiri 24-12.
The white and black hoops scored four tries to two in the first match of their 150th year. Ōhaupō prepare for their first games this weekend, hosting Taupiri while Leamington is at home to Te Rapa.
All division 1B teams all kick their seasons off this Saturday too.
“I know that watching all of the other teams at the Super Round last week has got the boys excited to get our season underway, especially with our first game being at home,” Ōhaupō head coach Connor Larsen-Cross said.
“We had a good preseason with some challenging fixtures along with welcoming in some new faces, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how that all comes together on Saturday.”
Leamington’s colts beat Eastern Suburbs 33-19 in a preseason encounter.
Hautapu, Kihikihi, Te Awamutu Marist and Te Awamutu Sports teams’ competitions are yet to start.
