The Northern sub-union team is as primed as they can be for their Bebbington Shield challenge in Ohakune this coming weekend after a 45-7 win away over Wairarapa Bush Barbarians on Saturday.

Playing at the Marist RFC grounds in Masterton, the 22-man Northern squad was fairly similar to the side which defeated Rangitīkei in their historic sub-union game on Matariki Friday, with the game played with rolling substitutions. 

Steelform Whanganui wider squad member Chad Whale had a strong match at first-five, while flanker Jack Kinder had to take on a new role out wide, where the ball was transferred rapidly.

“We put him out at No11 and he didn’t do anything wrong. We were a bit slim in the backs,” said coach Ash Transon.

Other standouts in the forwards included Utiku Old Boys stalwarts Gordon and James Coogan.

“The Coogan boys gave us structure up front,” said Transon.

“Young Sam Reeves, Taihape lock, he’s got a big future.”

Northern will now host Central Hawke’s Bay at Rochfort Park on Saturday to challenge for the Bebbington Shield, after going so close last year in a 29-29 draw at Napier’s Tremain Field.

CHB played the full Ngāti Porou East Coast Heartland team at Tremain Field on Saturday, losing 66-26.

Following the Shield match, Northern will take on McFall Fuel Whanganui Barbarians on August 30th.

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It was a tough start for the Whanganui Pasifika team, who took stepped up to give the Manawatū Māori Tane a game at Spriggens Park after their previously scheduled opponent pulled out.

Preparing for their big annual clash with Taranaki Māori, Manawatu got into their work and ran away with a 72-21 victory on Saturday.

Assistant coach Joshua Brown, looking after the team with head coach Mike Lama required for rugby elsewhere, said they want to build the team up from last year to provide another post-club pathway for players who might otherwise slip through the cracks when being considered for Heartland rugby.

“Two weeks ago, putting the feelers out there, had a wider group in terms of ‘on paper’.

“There’s definitely a huge pool of talent around and that’s what it’s all about.”

Standouts on the day were centre Emitai Logadraudrau and hooker Maene Etuale, while Joseph Rakesa took up the first-five role and did well.

Pasifika will next play Wellington Fijians away this coming Saturday, followed by home fixtures with the Pasifika teams of Manawatu and Horowhenua-Kapiti.

Results, August 2nd

McFall Fuel Whanganui Barbarians bt King Country Big Horns 38-12.

Northern Sub-Union bt Wairarapa Bush Barbarians 45-7.

Summit Electrial Whanganui U20’s lost to Wairarapa Bush U20’s 63-21.

Whanganui Pasifika lost to Manawatū Māori Tane 72-21.

Photo Credit King Country Rugby