Sports in Brief

Speedway promoters avoid race against time with weather
The risk of rough weather prompted Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway promoters to cancel their last meeting of the season on Easter Sunday.

Officials made an early call, last Tuesday, to pull the pin five days ahead of the Easter Extravaganza at the Appleby track.

They weren’t prepared to go ahead, face a poor crowd turnout and run at a financial loss.

Numbers had been disappointing for the penultimate event, Queen of the Clay, the previous weekend.

The highlight of the Nelson club’s six-month season was the New Zealand Superstock Championships in January and the return of the Nelson Tigers for team racing.

Big financial boost for Volleyball Tasman
Volleyball is one of the major winners from the latest NZCT community grants across the Nelson Tasman region. Volleyball Tasman was awarded $30k for travel costs and the contract fee for a development manager.

Volleyball Tasman president Brendan Crichton says that means they can now afford to fly to the inter-provincial championships in Wellington at King’s Birthday Weekend rather than travel by ferry.

“We have six teams going up. Mens, womens, U19 and U17. That’s 60 players and 12 coaching staff,” confirms Brendan.

Other recipients of the $137,402.82 pool included Nelson Bays Team Sailing ($6,000) for coaching, Tasman Hockey ($5,000) for training and playing fees and the Marist Rugby Football Club ($5,414) for a lectern and tables.

Whakatu Group Riding for the Disabled received $20k towards the salaries of a head coach and an assistant coach.

Rugby revival at Motueka High School
Motueka High School is renowned for its adventure racers and now rugby adventures are being planned at the school.

An U15 boys’ team will be competing in the Rural Livestock Tournament in Oamaru at the end of the rugby season.

“We are trying to develop more of a rugby pathway for our students, so we are intent on reviving the code. Girls’ rugby and touch are very strong, and we want young rugby players to be able to have the honour of representing the school as well,” explains Sam Hannan from the school’s Physical Education Department.

“While it is not at the elite level of Nelson College, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop skills and gain experience.”

Prior to the North Otago away trip, Motueka High School will compete in the annual Buller Exchange in Term 2.

“To build on that momentum, we are also planning an end of season tournament for our 1st XV featuring local schools,” Sam continues.

“We see these initiatives as reigniting rugby at MHS, strengthening our sides and fostering a strong rugby culture within our school and local community,” declares Sam, who is also keen to stage a town vs country fixture.

He reports student interest is high. Most of the Motueka High School players turn out for Kahurangi in age grade rugby.