Wakatipu Premiers co-captain Tom Ria prepares for his 100th game, while local rivals Arrowtown reflect on a recent defeat ahead of upcoming club rugby fixtures.
Self-nicknamed the ‘South Waikato Steam Train’, Wakatipu Premiers loosie and co-captain Tom Ria’s “pretty chuffed” he’ll run out for his 100th game in blue against Maniototo in Queenstown this Saturday.. The Tokoroa-raised 28-year-old, who first suited up for the rugby side 10 years ago, admits he didn’t think he’d reach the milestone.. Asked for his highlight, he says “I just enjoy every Saturday pretty much”.. Unusually, he’s yet to score a try this season, so
his 100th game would be a good time to break his duck.. “We’ve got a few people not passing the ball, like, Logan Beggs doesn’t pass any more,” he quips.. Maniototo’s coming off their first win this season — Ria notes “they’re forward-dominated and I think it’s gonna be shitty weather”.. Having had just one loss, Wakatipu will be looking to get on a good roll with a White Horse Cup challenge in Wānaka looming
next Saturday.. They won’t want to emulate Arrowtown, who were thrashed 54-0 in Wānaka last Thursday night after two big home wins on the bounce.. Captain Ryan Egerton, who was blue-carded, the equivalent of a head injury check, after receiving a head knock in the first half, says “we definitely should have had a better crack at them, but they just overwhelmed us with how fast they were playing and just held on to the
ball and were just too strong for us”.. “At least we now know the standard if we want to be in the top four and have a crack.” Arrowtown have a bye this weekend before playing Matakanui Combined in Omakau on the 16th.. Wakatipu v Maniototo, Saturday 2.30pm, Queenstown Recreation Ground scoop@scene.co.nz
Wakatipu Premiers, Tom Ria, Queenstown rugby, Maniototo, Arrowtown, local sports, White Horse Cup