The Sun
sport
Friday November 3, 2017
Sport
sports talk
inbrief
With Jacob Page
Mo’unga has rugby fans cheering ‘Richie’ yet again Who would have thought Canterbury would have a new Richie to hail so soon after Richie McCaw. Mo’unga - Richie Mo’unga is now arguably the most trusted and respected man in Canterbury rugby and must be putting pressure on the All Blacks selectors to play more of a role in the black jersey. His record breaking 25 points in the NPC final against Tasman, including two sensational individual
tries effectively took the wind out of the sails of the Makos’ fast start. He and he alone was head and shoulders above everyone else on the field and his form, both in general play and with the boot, has been phenomenal since the Super Rugby playoffs. The 23-year-old could have his best years of rugby still ahead of him. Wellington’s return to the top flight of New Zealand rugby is long overdue and while they
made hard work of the extra time 59-40 final victory over Bay of Plenty, they may be strong challengers to Canterbury’s decade of dominance. It would be interesting to know if there is a level of regret with the All Blacks’ brains trust over not having Mo’unga on the bench during the loss to Australia last week. Damien McKenzie didn’t cut it at 10 since he hadn’t played there since high school. McKenzie is set to play in that
role for the Chiefs in Super Rugby in 2018. Mo’unga has had the breakthrough year that New Zealand rugby fans should be excited about. He can fill the third No 10 spot in the national ranks that was left vacant by the departure of Aaron Cruden. He was the shining light of this year’s NPC and that could mean come 2018 you may see him in more black than red and black.
Karters do well at Nelson Marlborough karters performed really well at the Mike Pero South Island champs held at Nelson recently. William Exton dominated the junior Yamaha class on the Saturday, winning both heats, the pre- final and final, to bag the first of what would be two South Island titles. In the senior Rotax lights Scott Manson drove well in a competitive field to finish third with Herbie Broughton finishing 11th after suffering some bad luck. On Sunday William lined up with Sam Buglar in the junior Max class. William once again won both heats and the pre-final to take the pole finish in the final. In what would be a 29 lap race of intense pressure, William used all his race craft to hold of three karters from Christchurch who were intent on taking the top step of the podium, but to no avail as William held them out to bag his second title in two days albeit by a very narrow margin. Sam drove his best race of the weekend after suffering electrical issues to come from the back of the field to finish ninth. Marlborough’s youngest karter racing at Nelson was Arthur Broughan, aged eight,
Skates on for disco The Blenheim Roller Skating Club is holding a disco event tonight to fundraise for some of their members to attend the New Zealand National Championships in Timaru. It will be held from 5-8pm. Skate hire is $5, or $2 entry if you have your own skates. Helmets are compulsory. There will be food available for purchase, cash only.
Early entries cheaper Entries in by November 15 for the January Waikawa Boating Club new year regatta will be rewarded with a discounted entry fee. The Lawson’s Dry Hills Regatta will be held on January 13 and 14 with the invitation twilight race starting on Friday evening January 12.
Fun on the river Scouts want to share their water craft equipment with Marlborough community and want to support the recent Marlborough District Council Riverside Park development, so on Sunday from 10am families and teenagers can have free use of Marlborough Scout Zone 20 sit-on canoes, life vests, helmets plus five mini rafts and have fun on the Taylor River within the Taylor River amphitheatre area. A barbecue will be running for food and drinks to be purchased. Gold coin donation is optional for equipment use. There will be limited supervision of the activities, so children need to be supervised by parents.
William Exton dominated the junior Yamaha class.
racing in the cadet class. Arthur unfortunately got caught up in some incidents early in the day which put him back in the field at the start of the final. In what can only be described as a race
well beyond his years, Arthur carved his way through the field to finish a well-deserved third. Kartsport Marlborough’s next meeting is on Sunday at the Cresswell Electrical raceway.
Speedway commentator wanted If you’re a bit of a petrol head this may interest you. Craig Douglas (Fuggles), who is the resident commentator at Eastern States speedway is on the lookout for some more company in the commentary box along with Mike McDonald who came on board last season. Craig says its nice to share the work load a little and a conversation between two people sounds a lot better, but if they could find a third person they “could get out of the box a little to do some driver interviews or just catch breath for a race or two. “An interest in motorsport would obviously be an advantage, the ability to think on your feet, and describe verbally what you can see in front of you, as Eastern States also broadcasts commentary on line,” he says. Craig says for anyone interested, coming out for a night in the commentary box would be the best way to get an idea of what goes on at a race meeting by just being in the box and there would be plenty of coaching available. “I don’t expect anyone to jump straight into a race.” Anyone interested can contact Craig by emailing fuggle@xtra.co.nz or phone or text 0274331997.
19
MILITARIA & GUN SHOW Saturday & Sunday November 11 -12 from 10am Clubs of Marlborough 42 Alfred Street Entry: Gold coin donation Hosted by the Marlborough & Nelson Antique and Historical Arms Association
SEED POTATOES LAWN SEED FERTILISERS PLUS - Animal Bedding - Horse Food and Supplements AND MUCH MORE
Call in and see us today 527 Old Renwick Rd Phone 5780468 Craig Douglas (right) in Eastern States Speedway’s commentary box with two junior members.
www.kiwiseed.co.nz