A sunny Sunday saw Otaki Domain swamped when 48 age grade teams of young rugby enthusiasts descended on Otaki for the Junior Rugby 7’s tournament.
During the morning the round robin games for each grade were played, with the top four teams playing off in the semi-finals after lunch; the winner of each facing off for the finals.
After a strong play through the round robin and winning all their games, the Rahui Under 10’s soundly beat Palmerston North’s Kia Toa 10-5 in the semi-final, but struggled against the bigger, heavier North’s team from Porirua, but only going down by two points 8-6 in the final moments.
Rahui U10’s were the only Otaki team to make the finals. Other age grade winners were U8 Paraparaumu, U9 Dannevirke, U11 Kia Toa and U13 North.
“The day went very well, including the weather, a sunny day!” Rahui tournament convenor, Makaore Beavan Wilson said. “Everything went without a hitch. I’ve had lots of positive feedback from locals and the clubs who travelled. It was good for our community. I’m looking forward to next year.”
This was the second Junior 7’s Tournament organised by the Rahui Junior Rugby Club. Teams came from rugby clubs in Hunterville, Dannevirke, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Wellington, Upper Hutt, Kapiti and Horowhenua, bringing over 1200 people to the Domain, with 10 players per team plus coaches, families and supporters.