Wainuiomata and Avalon share the points

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata drew its latest match with Avalon in the latest round of Wellington Rugby’s Swindale Shield competition on 10 June.

Wainuiomata looked to have the match, played at Fraser Park, under control when they led 20-7 at half time.

A second half comeback by the home team saw them come back into contention, however, and the match ended with a 26-26 scoreline.

Niko Patelesio scored two tries and Kade Tiatia also dotted down for Wainuiomata. Tyler Kane kicked one conversion and three penalties.

The match was played for the Anthony Waldron trophy.

This trophy is named in honour of former

Wainuiomata first five eight Anthony Waldron. Both his sons, Thomas and Scott, played for Avalon and had long professional careers in the early 2000s. The inaugural Anthony Waldron Trophy match was played in 2018.

The Wainuiomata premier two team had a better day in their match, also against Avalon. Following a closely fought encounter, Wainuiomata emerged the victors by 26-24.

In what was a dress rehearsal for the final of the women’s Izzy Ford Cup the combined Wainuiomata-Hutt Old Boys Marist team met Paremata-Plimmerton in the final round robin match on 10 June.

Both teams were playing to achieve home ground advantage for next weekend’s final between these two teams.

Paremata-Plimmerton won the game 36-10.

Victory for Ulalei Puataunofo

Ulalei Netball Club’s premier two team, Ulalei Puataunofo, defeated Naenae Collegians United 3 63-58 at the Walter Nash Centre, Taita, on 10 June.

It was an early morning 8am game for Ulalei Puataunofo.

They had a slow start trailing by three goals 15-12 in the first quarter. The second quarter was even with each team scoring goal for goal, and Naenae maintaining a 30-27 lead at half time.

In the third quarter, Puataunofo began to find their rhythm with some excellent defence work and through court play with some sharp shooting from GS Bree Itula edging Puataunofo ahead 45-44 at the end of the third quarter.

Puataunofo continued to lift its game and maintained their composure to grind out at 63-58 win.

“I am so proud of the team’s performance today, “ says coach Faimafili

Tamaalii.

“For a newly formed team, I was really impressed with their display of determination and competing for the full 60 minutes.”

Puataunofo remain sixth in the standings following their 63-58 win.

Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball Club was proud to have four players and two coaches represent Hutt Valley and Wellington at the Betty Steffensen Tournament in Palmerston North on Sunday 11 June.

Oshyn Mulipola and Janique Te Wiki-Mu represented Hutt Valley in the Under 18 team, Hannah Smith and Leilani StempaGray represented Hutt Valley in the Under 16 (Gold) team, parent/ supporter Norah Smith coached the Hutt Valley Under 16 (White) team and Premier 1 coachPonifasio Smith coached the Wellington U16 (Black) at the tournament.

“We are very proud to see our players making representative levels in the Hutt Valley,” the club President Alannah Laban says.

“We are especially proud and grateful to their parents and family. We acknowledge the huge time and financial commitment to transport them to the additional trainings as well as travel to the tournaments to support their children. A big fa’afetai to them.”

Ulalei Moso’oi defeated Hutt Valley Marist 135-29 in the senior 3 competition to be placed first equal in the standings.

In other matches on 10 June Ulalei Aute lost to Upper Hutt Maidstone 145-60 in the premier 1 division, Ulalei Fuesina lost to Te Rito H kinakina23-27 in the senior 2 competition, and Ulalei Laga’ali beat Resene Netball32-24 in the senior 4 competition to be placed third in the standings.