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Otago Daily Times
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Teams jostle for a top-six spot
The wrap Last weekend proved we still have a genuine contest for the "mythical six" as Varsity routed Green Island at the Toolbox. The Bookworms flew out to a big lead which Green Island couldn't chase down in the second half. Predictably, Kaik put on a big score against AU on the high veldt but the Ponies showed some life of their own by running in four tries to snatch their second point of the season. In the game of the round at the Eelpit, Taieri got up with a last gasp penalty to beat Harbour. Harbour coach Pete McIntyre now has to take an oxygen tank and mask to games to keep his heart supplied. For the second week in a row they've lost the game in the last seconds to a mind-numbingly stupid penalty. Dunedin remain on top of the ladder and retained the Speight's Challenge Shield when they put away Zingari with comparative ease in blizzard-like conditions at Shark Park. The top seven teams are separated by seven points, and three teams — Southern, GI and Harbour — are on the same points. It'll take the full round robin to sort out the final six standing. This weekend is a debacle As I write this (Thursday afternoon) a lot of clubs are not sure if they can field teams this weekend. We have two Prem teams squaring off at Logan Park (No 6) tonight. I don't remember a Prem game being played on an outside ground on a Friday night for years. We have the insanity of the Prem Women having a semifinal being played tomorrow night at the same venue. Have you seen how bad the forecast is for the next couple of days? Well, imagine playing at night as well! Why, may you ask? Well Varsity exams are on this weekend and next week before that institution shuts down for four weeks. The university now seems to be scheduling more exams at night and on the weekends. While it is their right to schedule exams anytime they like, have they really considered the wellbeing of their sports-minded students? From memory, student numbers have fallen dramatically over the past few years, so it can't be the pressure of too many students. Isn't our current vice-chancellor a former minister of sport? If rugby is facing this crisis I assume netball, hockey and basketball will be having the same dilemmas. There must be a way to resolve this? How about this for a radical idea — perhaps the ORFU board may want to help us out? Could they not sit with Grant Robertson and his team to find a way forward? Surely we can educate our future leaders and let them play sport at the same time? I'm happy to chair the meeting. On a cold Friday night Speaking of cold Friday nights at Logan Park No 6, I was there last week supervising at a Junior Colts game between the Dunedin Tigers v Kaikorai Undertakers. Let me assure you, it was bloody freezing, so you can imagine my amazement when a sturdy streaker leapt out of the gloom at halftime and stormed towards halfway. The Tigers' diminutive replacement halfback "Jack" then chased him down in a stirring sprint and bowled him over in a pile of mud, much to the enjoyment of both teams and the hardy souls in the crowd. Sadly that was Jack's best tackle of the night as the Tigers were second-best. Down on the farm Well the Topp Cup has found a new home after Central got up in a cliffhanger over South Otago at Meads Birthday Weekend — great work, lads. One question though; why was there no rugby played in the North or the Deep South? They don't play much rugby now, so you'd think the players would want to take every opportunity to suit up. Can somebody explain? Women's semis Yes, you have read that correctly, the Women's semifinals are on this weekend. It is only a five-team comp and the four finalists have been found. Top seed Alhambra Union take on Big River Country in one semi. In the other second-seeded Dunedin take on Varsity. AU should be too strong for the South Otago girls and will make the final with ease. In the other semi both teams have beaten each other over the last few weeks. In a weird quirk Dunedin and Varsity played each other last weekend and will back up again tomorrow night. Dunedin won by eight last week, and with the bigger pack in the wet conditions may be too strong for Varsity. AU and Dunedin have met in the last three finals, so no surprises there! This weekend Destroyed Thorn Parkes last week and he finishes his run with a -15 differential, so sadly no real challenge. On to Llew Johnson also from the Volts who boasts a +20 differential — I can't believe that. My work is cut out for me. Tonight the Sharks and Kaik go to it at 6.30pm at Logan Park 6 (behind the Cale), so if you're passing call in. Both teams are in form, and Kaik won the first-round encounter, but I'm picking Dunedin (13+) with their bigger pack may just wear down Kaikorai in the heavy conditions. GI (13+) storm down to the Pony Pit on Saturday and will stampede through AU to grab the much-needed five points. In the closest game of the round, Varsity (13+) host Taieri and it's nearly too close to call. Varsity were good last week and the Eels do what they do, find a way to win. I need the points, so Varsity get up big late! In the last game, Zingers are at home to a rampant Southern (13+) and this only goes one way. I was too good for the South's favourite son Ernie Muir last week. Up against Otago great Wally Lees this week, and he got first pick so I'm really struggling — but you never know. Alex (13+) are at home to Arrowtown and could win comfortably, but I'm praying the Bulls just stay in the fight long enough. Wakatipu (12-) should be too strong for Matak in the Basin but the Omakau lads will be in the fight for some time. They won their last game so will give the big city boys a fright — get into them boys! Upper Clutha (13+) are the champions elect and should dispatch neighbours Cromwell with consummate ease.
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Family offers $50,000 reward for information as University of Oklahoma student vanishes in Taiwan
The family of a University of Oklahoma student who went missing while on vacation in Taiwan has offered a $50,000 reward after officials reportedly called off their search. Diego Dorantes Sanchez, 23, vanished from Da Bai Sha beach on Green Island at about 12.15 p.m. local time on Friday, according to his family. The anthropology student from Hidalgo, Mexico, was snorkelling with three friends off the small volcanic island, branded ' snorkelers ' paradise' for its vibrant coral reefs, which is situated about 20 miles east of the main island. Sanchez's friends, along with several snorkelers and scuba divers who were present near the group, began their search at about 1 p.m. after realizing the student had disappeared, the family told OU Daily, the University of Oklahoma's student newspaper. The Taiwanese Coast Guard was alerted, but adverse weather conditions delayed search efforts, the family said. Sanchez's family told the student newspaper that the agency conducted its search limited to Green Island. However, experts assisting in the search, who have analyzed possible drift paths, believe Sanchez could be near Yonaguni and Ishigaki, two small Japanese islands in Okinawa Prefecture, approximately 150 miles northeast of Green Island. Friends and family called for cross-national cooperation between Taiwanese and Japanese officials and local communities to begin coordinated search and rescue efforts. 'We urge everyone with access to these areas to please search and report anything that may help,' the family said. While friend Natalia Fabry told KOCO News: 'If you can please go to your shores and look for anyone who may be waiting for rescue. If you have a boat or you're a sailor or fisherman, if you're a diver, if you have a helicopter, anything, anyone, please help us.' However, officials concluded their search for Sanchez on Monday, according to an update posted by friend Luis Castro on a GoFundMe page set up to support the search efforts for the missing student. Sanchez's family, who are now in Taiwan, is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his location, according to the fundraising page. '+72 hours have passed since Diego was reported missing,' read an update posted Monday. 'Therefore, Taiwanese government has stopped the thorough search. Diego's family has decided to offer a $50,000 reward (group of people, organization, government, anyone) to intensify the search. His family has reached Taiwan.'
Otago Daily Times
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Poor handling of transgression
Well, first round for the Speight's Jug, as I've now found out, and Dunedin is the proud recipient of that. I apologise for saying last week it was for the Gallaway Trophy, but in my defence it has always been played lately for the ''round robin'' part of the season. Dunedin came out as though they were on steroids and were up 33 to zip after 20 minutes and things looked bleak for the Eels. They got an absolute serve from ''Yards'' Young at the break and nearly stole the game, going down by only three. Varsity and Harbour banged on 94 points in 80 minutes and Hawks led by one with seconds to go. Who'd be a coach as one of the Harbour boys indulged in a ''tip tackle'' in front of the posts and Varsity delivered a crucial win to remain in contention for the six. Southern posted 80+ on poor old AU to add to their season of misery. The Magpies end up third on the table on countback. Predictably, Kaik proved too strong for Zingers to comfortably sit in sixth spot. This comp is as tight as a drum with 8 points covering the top seven teams. I think nobody goes unbeaten in the next round. We got it wrong The Green Island vs Taieri game from two weeks ago is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons — a citing and suspension. Social media as per usual has bubbled over. I've had a lot of comment from club coaches, officials, supporters (unsolicited) on the goings on. I'm not here to re-litigate the event, that's for judicials and appeals boards. I've seen the video on numerous occasions and we just got this wrong. The incident while not deliberate, was reckless and should have been sorted at the judicial hearing Wednesday week ago. It was a difficult one as the officials missed it thus there was no card. Green Island cited the Taieri player post game. Following the judicial meeting, the player was handed a one-week suspension. Green Island were rightly not happy and appealed to the NZRU. As I write this column (on Thursday afternoon) no decision has been forthcoming. If the Taieri player had received a sentence commensurate with the transgression, say a four-week suspension, the matter would have been done and dusted. Nobody has won out of this, justice for the injured player and our guilty player is being tried four times. Twice by the judiciary, once by media, and by social media. The judiciary system in Otago in my view works pretty well as a rule but we've let ourselves down here. Also the ''secret squirrel'' process used for judicial inquiries makes no real sense. We need to look at what happened and make sure it doesn't recur. The second round The only people who have trouble with the scoring system for the split round of the Prem Competition are the ODT sports reporters and a few supporters. So this is the last time I'll explain it, so read carefully. We've had the first round and every team had a bye which no points were awarded for. In the split round over five weeks, there is two pools, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 2, 4, 6, 8 based on where you finished the round robin. You play across pool, so the first pool will all have a bye and initially no points are allocated for that. At the end of the round 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 points will be allocated to our first pool depending where they finish in the second round. The teams in pool 1 with top team first are Dunedin, Southern, Harbour, Varsity and AU. Simple really, and no correspondence please. Rugby, racing Sunday The last big meeting for the season for Otago Racing Club is on at Wingatui on Sunday starting at 11.30am. All sports clubs are invited to the event and to take part in the Punters Club and associated activities. Just get a hold of Noelle today, she is taking late entries on 022 035 8373 or gm@ There are great prizes and it's always a great day. I hear five rugby clubs are in, including Taieri, GI and West Taieri plus a few other sports clubs. Get involved I'll see you out there. Topp Cup on the farm It's that time of year again when the rugby comps in South and Central Otago are put on hold for the Mighty Topp Cup. This is where the best of South and Central Otago go to war in the annual tribal year it's being played in Alexandra at Molyneux Park. The Topp Cup is at 3pm with the Development game played as the curtain raiser at 1.15pm. There are kids' games late morning and a junior colts and women's development game thrown in. So if you're passing, drop in for a gander. There is no love lost between Central and South Otago when it comes to the Topp Cup. More fauna on the Taieri We all know there is fauna on the Taieri in the shape of Eels but there was another intruder behind the bar in the Taieri Club on Saturday afternoon. A few of the lads were having a beer during the game (shame on you!) when they noticed screaming from the bar and Fred the barman was wielding a softball bat with malice. As the fracas subsided, it came to light he was hunting a nefarious rat although he may have claimed it was just an extraordinarily large mouse. One question? How tough does it get out there on a Saturday night if he's got a softball bat behind the bar? The late mail I hear Southern's other stalwart lock Corban Agar plays his 50th game this weekend — good on ya mate. I also hear the DCC called off practice on council grounds last night because of rain. Calm down team, it hasn't rained for three months! I know it's wet at the Edgar Centre but the grounds are crying out for some of that! This weekend Destroyed Mayor Jules with a perfect 60 points (all games and margins) so he has had a forgettable year — bad luck mate. On to Otago Volts' best ,Thorn Parkes, who is starting out with a –10 differential, so he'll be an also ran come Monday. GI are at home to Varsity out at the Toolbox and chances are the track will be heavy. This game will be very tight as Varsity may have some ''NZU'' players back and GI will have a few Landers out. Green Island are the favourites but I'm smelling an upset as Varsity (12-) are their bogey team. Taieri (13+) are at home to Harbour for the second time in six weeks and the Eels are travelling well despite the narrow loss to the Sharks — they get up comfortably. Dunedin (13+) beat Zingers by 70 a few weeks ago, so go in as favourites. They've got a lot of experience out injured but should prevail. In the last game Kaik (13+) will be all over AU like a cheap suit. Down on the farm I suffered the worst loss of my career to Clark (Yam Fingers) Frew, so still struggling to sleep. Anyways, on to Ernie Muir, one of South Otago's favourite sons. Played rugby and cricket down there forever and was still reffing until recently — much to the horror of visiting teams! We go head to head on Topp Cup games, so I have my work cut out. In the big game I'll take Central (12-) at home in Alex but with no real conviction. In the Development game I'll also take Central (12-) but I'm positive they win. In the women's game, I'll take AU (13+) to beat Central because they need to win something!
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica Launches 'Euphoria Weekend' Complete With Star-Studded Glamour, Music, and Wellness Experiences
GREEN ISLAND, Jamaica, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, escape to paradise for an unforgettable fusion of beauty, music, culture, and wellness during Euphoria Weekend, a premier four-day luxury experience held June 25–29, 2025, at the stunning Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica properties, Princess Senses The Mangrove and Princess Grand Jamaica. Presented in partnership with Miss Universe Jamaica and the Jamaica Tourist Board, Euphoria Weekend will transform Jamaica's most elegant beachfront resorts into the ultimate celebration of glamour and island vibrance. The event promises exclusive parties, top-tier DJ sets, fashion experiences, and wellness activations with a celebrity-studded lineup including: DJ D-Nice – Legendary performer and creator of Club Quarantine Spinderella – DJ from the iconic 90's hip hop group, Salt-N-Pepa DJ Kiss – Celebrity DJ who has performed at the Oscars, Good Morning America and more DJ M.O.S. – A well-known New York DJ who performs at high-profile global events Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 contestants – Showcasing elegance, confidence, and Caribbean beauty, including Rachel Silvera, who was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2024 "We are thrilled to host Euphoria Weekend in collaboration with Miss Universe Jamaica and the Jamaica Tourist Board. This event is a true celebration of everything that makes Jamaica extraordinary – its vibrant culture, world-class music, wellness experiences, and incredible fashion. It's an honor to welcome guests from around the world to experience the island's beauty in such a dynamic and unforgettable way," said Marc Pelfort, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica. Euphoria Weekend kicks off on June 25 with The Illusion Welcome Party, an unforgettable night under the stars featuring electrifying sets by DJ Kiss and the legendary Spinderella. Guests will be treated to handcrafted welcome cocktails, indulgent desserts, flavorful Jamaican cuisine, and vibrant hookah lounges, all set against a dazzling tropical backdrop. It's the perfect way to set the tone for a weekend of elegance, rhythm, and island magic. On June 26, the energy continues with the DJ D-Nice Dream Island Party, where guests are whisked away to a private island for an exclusive sunset-to-moonlight dance party. 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"The Jamaica Tourist Board is pleased to support Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica and Euphoria Weekend - an exciting celebration of fashion, culture, and the unmistakable vibe of our island. This event is a great way to showcase what's good about the destination in a luxurious, stylish setting, offering guests an unforgettable experience" said Peter Mullings, Deputy Director, Marketing at the Jamaica Tourist Board. Packages range from silver to diamond and offer various room categories, amenities and price offerings. Packages include access to all applicable events. Room rates start at $960 for a Princess Junior Suite at Princess Grand Jamaica and $1,095 for a Deluxe Junior Suite at Princess Senses The Mangrove. To find out all information and pricing per package and resort, visit For more information and reservations, please visit or to access the individual resorts visit Princess Senses The Mangrove and Princess Grand Jamaica. connected with each resort through their social media channels, Stay @princesssensesthemangrove and @princessgrandjamaica on Instagram. About Princess Hotels & Resorts JamaicaNestled on the pristine beaches of Jamaica's north coast, Princess Hotels & Resorts offers two new luxury, all-inclusive accommodations where Caribbean charm meets world-class hospitality. With curated experiences and unmatched service, Princess is redefining the way guests' vacation in paradise. About Princess Senses The Mangrove Located in the tranquil beauty of Green Island, the resort boasts 415 breathtaking ocean-view accommodations, including opulent over-water villas and swim-out suites. Unwind on the pristine white sand beach or bask in the tranquility of the rooftop infinity pool. This adult-only, all-inclusive resort is complete with ample activities - themed parties, specialty restaurants, multiple pools and water park, signature bars, nightly entertainment and a world-class spa. About Princess Grand Jamaica In the heart of Green Island is the ultimate family vacation all-inclusive resort. The Princess Grand Jamaica offers 590 spacious suites, thrilling kid's pools with exhilarating waterslides, aquatic park, an exciting selection of restaurants and bars, multifunctional sports filed and a plethora of family-friendly activities for an unforgettable adventure. CONTACT: princesshotels@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Otago Daily Times
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Round ends with virtual final
Green Island halfback James Arscott attempts to clear the ruck during a Dunedin division 1 game against Taieri at Peter Johnstone Park at the weekend. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON Club rugby fans will essentially be treated to a final tomorrow. Round one wraps up and the competition is tight at the top. The defending champions Green Island (27 points) lead the standings, but they have a bye. So that means whoever wins the heavyweight clash between Taieri (26 points) and Dunedin (25 points) at Peter Johnstone Park will move into pole position and claim the Speight's Jug as the first-round winner. Harbour (24 points) play University (17 points) at the University Oval in another important fixture. University are outside the top six and they will not want to slip further behind. They are still missing Ricky Jackson, Steve Salelea, Jeremiah Asi, Mac Harris and Mika Muliaina, who are on duty for New Zealand Universities. That is a talented chunk of players. The other two games could be one-way traffic. Kaikorai (20 points) will head to Montecillo Park to play Zingari-Richmond (seven points), who have been labouring this season. Their only win was against the winless Alhambra-Union (one point) in the opening game of the season. AU play Southern (23 points) at Bathgate Park. The Magpies are fresh from an impressive 31-15 win against Kaikorai. They should have too much strength up front for the visitors. They demolished Kaikorai at scrum time last weekend. After the round, the teams will be ranked into two pools. The teams which placed 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 will play crossover games against the teams which placed 2, 4, 6 and 8. As all teams in the odds pool receive an extra bye, additional points will be added at the end of the regular season based on their finishing position in the pool. Points will be allocated as follows: the highest ranked team will get five points, the second-ranked team gets four points and so on. The last-placed team gets one point. Hopefully, that is as clear as home brew. When you have an odd number of teams playing an odd number of fixtures, it all gets a bit murky.
