Martinborough The “Green and Blacks” win over Carterton on the opening day was all that separated the pair after seven rounds. Despite an ever-increasing injury list that included five front rowers, the biggest losses being Wai Bush prop Ty Waight, midfield playmaker Harry Eschenbach, and exciting outside back Shane Colton, Martinborough found a way to win. There was enough experience in the likes of veteran utility back Tipene Haira, flanker Ryan Knell, and No.
8 Cody Cunningham, who provided a damaging impact off the bench to get over the line. Their only loss was a 33-point drubbing by Marist. Martinborough is in the same position as last year, but coach James Bruce won’t want a repeat of 2023 when they missed the championship semifinals.
At full strength, the southerners would avoid that, but any more additions to the casualty ward could sink their season. Carterton The two-time defending “Moose Kapene” champions are hitting form at the right time. They have passed the half-century mark in the last three games, with the other being a win by default.
Their two losses came against Martinborough and away to Eketāhuna, but their attacking prowess ensured they picked up nine bonus points. The big wins, including a 50–10 pasting of fierce rivals Greytown, will reinforce that Carterton is again the team to beat when the going gets serious. With a solid, hardworking forward pack, soon to be boosted with the return of Wai Bush utility forward Logan Wakefield, an exci.