World Footy News

The four NZ Leagues and the stand alone Otago Riot are all preparing feverishly for the National Provincial Championships to be hold on the 24-26th October. We take a look at where each league is at.

The Auckland League recently held their annual Lightning Premiership with the North Shore Tigers defeating the Mt Roskill Saints. This set the Tigers up to repeat the dose in Round One last weekend with a 13.9 (87) to 6.7 (43) victory over Mt Roskill. In the replay of last year’s Grand Final the Waitakere Magpies reversed the result over the University Blues with an 11.9 (75) to 7.9 (51) scoreline. In the final match of Round One last year’s two bottom Clubs squared off with the Manurewa Raiders taking the win over the Takapuna Eagles 9.8 (62) to 6.4 (40). The Reserve Grade saw wins to North Shore, University and Takapuna.

The Canterbury League has had three rounds so far with scores unavailable at this stage. The four teams are Christchurch Bulldogs, University Cougars, Eastern Blues and Mid-Canterbury Eagles. It remains to be seen what the effects of the devastating Canterbury earthquakes will have on this League. Best wishes from WFN to all those in the Christchurch area.

The Waikato League will look to commence their season shortly with the Mavericks, Tuis and Redbacks once again fielding sides.

The Wellington League commences on Sunday 12th September with a nine round season before the Grand Final on December 5th. This is a four Club league with the Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs, North City Demons, Hutt Valley Eagles and Wellington City Saints competing. The Bulldogs have won the last three Premierships but the Saints and Eagles have both commenced their Club training very early this year. The Wellington season also has two North/South games (Saints/Bulldogs = South, Demons/Eagles = North) which will double as selection trials/preparation for the NPC where the Wellington Tigers will be defending their title. Both these weekends will also have a scratch match so that newcomers can keep developing their skills with those not involved at the higher level.