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NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Whanganui netball: Kaierau and Kaiwhaiki set the stage for grand final clash
The first quarter was even at 8-all before Collegiate broke the deadlock with a commanding 14–4 second term, built on impressive shooting accuracy and fierce contesting for possession. Marist refused to fade, winning the third 10–7 and storming into the fourth with renewed energy. They outscored Collegiate 14–8 in the final stretch, forcing errors and capitalising on turnovers, but the deficit from that second quarter proved too steep. Head coach James Laursen said the result for his side reflected a collective effort, bolstered by the support of players from various clubs who have contributed to Collegiate's trainings throughout the season. He highlighted the weekly partnership with the Pirates Premier team as being particularly valuable, offering experience and insight that have helped elevate the squad's performance across the board. With the Lower North Island tournament looming in two weeks, Laursen offered a heartfelt ngā mihi nui to all who've supported their journey, saying their 'time, guidance, and commitment have been vital in sharpening our game'. For Marist, the loss means their season isn't quite over – they now face a promotion/relegation clash on Monday, September 1 against the Premier 2 champions to retain their spot in the top grade. Later in the night, Kaiwhaiki A1 showed why they finished top of the table, dispatching Phillips Electrical WHS A1 51–22. WHS matched them early (8-all in the first quarter) before Kaiwhaiki pulled away 12–6 in the second and never looked back. In Premier 2, the 5th/6th playoff was a nail-biter. St John's Club Tech A1 edged Kaierau Gemini Pepper Construction A3 24–22, with Tech leading narrowly in three of the four quarters. Kaierau will now face the Premier 3 winners from the Saturday competition in a promotion/relegation battle to stay in the grade. The standout Premier 2 match was the 2v3 semifinal between Kaiwhaiki Gold A2 and debutantes Waimarino A1. Kaiwhaiki led 10–8 after the first quarter and stretched it to 22–15 by halftime, but Waimarino fought back with a 10–7 third quarter, setting up a tense finish. The final spell was locked at 8-all, giving Kaiwhaiki a narrow 37–34 win. Missing captain Pania Millar – currently overseas – the Kaiwhaiki side had to shuffle their mid-court and defensive unit around, a move that proved just enough to hold off a spirited challenge. Vice-captain Sharnarose Pehi made a timely return from injury, anchoring the shooting end with her composure and experience, providing the steady hand needed to close out the match. In the last match of the night Kaierau Air Whanganui A2 overturned a 6–7 first-quarter deficit against Mt View Marist A2, taking control with a 10–7 second quarter and running out 33–26 winners. Grand finals, Monday August 18, Springvale Stadium 5.45pm Premier 1 3rd/4th Playoff: Phillips Electrical WHS A1 v HP Pirates A1, Ct 1 5.45pm Premier 2 3rd/4th Playoff: Mt View Marist A2 v Waimarino A2, Ct 2 7.00pm Premier 2: Kaiwhaiki Gold A2 v Kaierau Air Whanganui A2, Ct 1 7.00pm Premier 1: Kaierau Mitre 10 Mega A1 v Kaiwhaiki A1, Ct 1 With the grand finals set, the stakes couldn't be higher – for some, a shot at silverware; for others, a fight to stay in the grade. Either way, Springvale Stadium is primed for another Monday night of netball at its best.
Otago Daily Times
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Dunedin rugby player shared secret sex video with team-mates
A member of New Zealand's rugby club of the year secretly filmed a woman in the midst of a sex act and sent the video to a group of team-mates. Thomas Ryan, 24, is co-captain of Green Island Rugby Football Club's Premier 2 team "The Battlers" and has remained part of the team since charges of making and posting an intimate visual recording were laid in the Dunedin District Court last month. And his coach Stu Turner confirmed to the ODT the player would not be stood down for this weekend's semifinal against Harbour, despite pleading guilty to the charges last week. Mr Turner described the defendant as "[a] really good dude". "I think [he's] pretty upset with everything that's going on and [he's] going to be getting punished enough as it is ... [stopping him from playing] would just be adding further punishment, I think," he said. Green Island was named club of the year at the national rugby awards last year, just months after winning its first premier title in 46 years. According to the club's website, its fundamental values were "family, pride, discipline, integrity and inclusivity". Chief victims adviser Ruth Money could not comment on specific cases, but said sexual violence, in all its various forms, was a nationwide "epidemic". "We have a long way to go in Aotearoa New Zealand to address harmful sexual behaviour and the attitudes within certain sectors of the community that enable it," she said. According to court documents, Ryan and the victim met after consuming alcohol early on June 8 and returned to his home. During the ensuing intimacy, the defendant, unbeknownst to the woman, took out his cellphone and recorded a five-second video. Shortly afterwards, he posted the clip to the team's Snapchat group, which featured more than 30 people. "Up the battlers," he wrote as the caption. The victim only discovered what had happened when a partner of one of the group members sent the video to associates who recognised her. Mr Turner said he was a member of the Snapchat group but had not seen the footage. It was not only rugby players among the recipients, he said. "There's probably 50% active guys and then just a bunch of randoms ... and there's guys from other teams that are in that group as well," Mr Turner said. "[He] really regrets what [he's] done. And obviously, if [he] gets a charge on it, it's going to hang around forever." An Otepoti Communities Against Sexual Abuse (OCASA) spokesman stressed the rate of sexual violence was growing. "This affects our whole community and needs to be acknowledged and prevented at every level," he said. "OCASA condemns all forms of sexual violence and would condemn any organisation that elevated the reputation and wellbeing of perpetrators over that of survivors." In 2017, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) released its Respect and Responsibility Review, sparked primarily by reports a stripper was manhandled by Chiefs players at a boozy end-of-season party. Then-chief executive Steve Tew said the organisation would focus on driving change, highlighting the sense of entitlement exhibited by some younger players as a specific area for work. NZR failed to respond to questions by deadline. Green Island chairman Brendon Hollows told the ODT he had heard about the incident but would not comment as the matter remained before the court. Ryan's counsel Anne Stevens, KC, entered guilty pleas on her client's behalf last week, but asked that no convictions be entered. She indicated there would be an application for a discharge without conviction at his sentencing in October. For that to be successful, a judge would have to accept the consequences of a conviction for Ryan would be out of all proportion to the seriousness of his crimes. — Rob Kidd, Court reporter
Otago Daily Times
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Club member filmed woman in sex act, posted video
A member of New Zealand's rugby club of the year secretly filmed a woman in the midst of a sex act and sent the video to a group of team-mates. Thomas Ryan, 24, is co-captain of Green Island Rugby Football Club's Premier 2 team "The Battlers" and has remained part of the team since charges of making and posting an intimate visual recording were laid in the Dunedin District Court last month. And his coach Stu Turner confirmed to the ODT the player would not be stood down for this weekend's semifinal against Harbour, despite pleading guilty to the charges last week. Mr Turner described the defendant as "[a] really good dude". "I think [he's] pretty upset with everything that's going on and [he's] going to be getting punished enough as it is ... [stopping him from playing] would just be adding further punishment, I think," he said. Green Island was named club of the year at the national rugby awards last year, just months after winning its first premier title in 46 years. According to the club's website, its fundamental values were "family, pride, discipline, integrity and inclusivity". Chief victims adviser Ruth Money could not comment on specific cases, but said sexual violence, in all its various forms, was a nationwide "epidemic". "We have a long way to go in Aotearoa New Zealand to address harmful sexual behaviour and the attitudes within certain sectors of the community that enable it," she said. According to court documents, Ryan and the victim met after consuming alcohol early on June 8 and returned to his home. During the ensuing intimacy, the defendant, unbeknownst to the woman, took out his cellphone and recorded a five-second video. Shortly afterwards, he posted the clip to the team's Snapchat group, which featured more than 30 people. "Up the battlers," he wrote as the caption. The victim only discovered what had happened when a partner of one of the group members sent the video to associates who recognised her. Mr Turner said he was a member of the Snapchat group but had not seen the footage. It was not only rugby players among the recipients, he said. "There's probably 50% active guys and then just a bunch of randoms ... and there's guys from other teams that are in that group as well," Mr Turner said. "[He] really regrets what [he's] done. And obviously, if [he] gets a charge on it, it's going to hang around forever." An Otepoti Communities Against Sexual Abuse (OCASA) spokesman stressed the rate of sexual violence was growing. "This affects our whole community and needs to be acknowledged and prevented at every level," he said. "OCASA condemns all forms of sexual violence and would condemn any organisation that elevated the reputation and wellbeing of perpetrators over that of survivors." In 2017, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) released its Respect and Responsibility Review, sparked primarily by reports a stripper was manhandled by Chiefs players at a boozy end-of-season party. Then-chief executive Steve Tew said the organisation would focus on driving change, highlighting the sense of entitlement exhibited by some younger players as a specific area for work. NZR failed to respond to questions by deadline. Green Island chairman Brendon Hollows told the ODT he had heard about the incident but would not comment as the matter remained before the court. Ryan's counsel Anne Stevens, KC, entered guilty pleas on her client's behalf last week, but asked that no convictions be entered. She indicated there would be an application for a discharge without conviction at his sentencing in October. For that to be successful, a judge would have to accept the consequences of a conviction for Ryan would be out of all proportion to the seriousness of his crimes. — Rob Kidd, Court reporter
NZ Herald
12-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Whanganui netball: Defending champs make winning start to premier season
Georgina Nauga stood out, with composure and accuracy under the post. Coaches were thrilled to welcome back De-Ann Tyrell, Kelera Kuruyabaki and Sarah Taki-Clarke – three talented mums returning after a season off. Their experience, poise and leadership are a welcome addition back into the squad. 'Kaiwhaiki showed experience, we showed newness, but it was good just to get the cobwebs off,' Collegiate spokesperson Elise Niu said. The young Collegiate team showed great promise on the court. Newcomer Sophie Bagrie made a solid debut, contributing positively. Kaiwhaiki took the win 51-29. The first Premier 2 game of the season was St Johns Club Tech A1 against Kaierau Gemini Pepper Construction A3. The first quarter was relatively even, with the Tech side taking the lead by nine at halftime. Kaierau Coaches Connie Hadfield and Carmen Karipa were pleased with their team's first outing, showing great teamwork, led strongly by Kiti Tumanko. With many new players and first outings at Premier level, the team are feeling positive about the season. Tech took the game 51-29. Second up in Premier 1 saw last year's champions Kaierau Mitre 10 Mega A1 play Phillips Electrical Whanganui High School A1. With captain Nevaeh Blake away for New Zealand Touch this week, new High School player Mischa Petley worked tirelessly at centre, combining well with WA Annabelle Brown, also a newcomer to the team. Coach Lisa Murphy was pleased with how well her team gelled. 'They grew each quarter as a team, which was nice to watch'. Shooters Ruby Bullock and Ella Campbell worked the circle nicely, with defensive trio Mae Emmett, Isla Jones and Elicia Thompson providing some nice turnover ball. The Kaierau side, with only two players from last year's squad and a new management team, is focusing on solidifying combinations and communication. With plenty of takeaways from the game, both teams are very satisfied with their first outing. Kaireau took the game 34-29. The next Premier 2 game was Kaierau Air Whanganui A2 against Mt View Marist A2. Marist A2 had a great first half, going goal for goal against the Kaierau side. Momentum was lost in the third quarter, with the experienced Kaierau side capitalising and taking the win 44-24. Marist's Aaliyah Grant in WD played a fantastic first game, while Lucy Somerville in GK showed some exceptional intercepting. While it was a loss for the team, they were happy with their performance. The Kaierau side took a bit for the dust to blow off their shoes, but some consistent, accurate passing and feeding to the shooters from Georgia Bronwal and Hailey Sinkinson in the third quarter saw the scoreline grow. The last Premier 1 game for the opening evening was a close match between Marist Mint A1 and HP Pirates A1. The Pirates side came out firing, taking the lead 24-14 by halftime, giving the very new-look Marist side a quick introduction to Premier level netball. With only three players from last season, the goal for Marist was to get everyone on court, shake off the nerves and get a feel for what is in store for them for the season. With some great defensive work from Kayana Tahana-Hopkins and Zeah Brewer, the Marist side were very pleased to peg back the score from a 17-goal deficit after three quarters to narrow that gap to 35-32 at the final whistle. Pirates were happy with a very solid start, with a new shooting combination of Shontaye Walker and Cheyann McDougall gelling nicely. Tuahine Hadfield and Brigitte Taiaroa fed some beautiful ball into them, with relentless through court defence. The last Premier 2 game of the evening saw newcomers Waimarino, who were promoted into the grade after last season's win in the Premier 3 grade, play last season's Premier 2 winners Kaiwhaiki A2. The new team showed a promising start to the season. Young 16-year-old Atahu Bishop paired up well in the circle with Deli Taylor. Another youngster, Paetyn Brown also stepped up in at WD, bringing ball strongly through court. Nerves, new surroundings and the big move from Saturday netball were all overcome, and the Waimarino took the win by a slim margin, 33-32. Results of the evening's games show we are in for an exciting season, so get your winter woollies on and come down to the stadium on a Monday night, and see our top netballers in action.
