Good draw for Wai-Bush
RUGBY
Wairarapa-Bush start their 2023 Heartland campaign with a home game against 2022 Lochore Cup champions Ngati Porou East Coast on August 12. Wai-Bush, who finished 11th of the 12 teams in 2022, on the face of it, have been handed a good draw, avoiding two-time defending Meads Cup champions South Canterbury and last year’s beaten semifinalists Thames Valley. However, they will play beaten finalists and six-time champions Whanganui and the other semifinalist, King Country, at home. The Championship will kick off two weeks earlier than usual – on August 12 – because of the Rugby World Cup.
Wai-Bush draw – Aug 12 Ngati Porou East Coast [home], Aug 19 North Otago [away], Aug 26 Poverty Bay [home], Sept 2 Horowhenua-Kapiti [away], Sept 9 King Country [home], Sept 16 Buller [away], Sept 23 Whanganui [home], Sept 30 Mid Canterbury [away].
Simpson in full stride
ATHLETIC
A fit again Darius Simpson strode to an easy win in the fifth race of the ACM Wairarapa Times-Age 5km series last Saturday, winning in 17 minutes 19 seconds. Andrew Hayes was 2min behind with Whana Gordon third. Brooke Miller headed a strong women’s field [21:48 and sixth overall]. Helen Gardner was second, and Vicky Paine third. The 2km race was won by James Hayes in 11:01 with Charlie Gardner second and Lucas Goodger third. The final race in the series is on Sunday, March 26.
Baillie cycles strong
CYCLING
Greg Baillie held on to take the win in the ACM Wiz Wireless Norfolk Rd handicap road race on Tuesday, cutting out the 29km in 52 minutes 15 seconds. Josh Duly was second and Peter Lee third. Gita van der Leek won the short course in a blanket finish.
