Dannevirke: Great day out at Sevens

Hawke's Bay's Jaydn Riha heads to the try line in the Hawke's Bay 1 loss to Manawatu 2, 24-19.

Dannevirke's first rugby sevens hit-out was a great day for the sport here, Craig Sweetman, chairman of the rugby sub-union, said.

He said the two teams each from Hawke's Bay, Manawatu and Taranaki put on an excellent feast of quick-fire rugby games last Saturday. Now, he's keeping his fingers crossed for more.

"We would have liked a bit more time to get organised, but those who followed the teams had a great day out," he said.

With Horowhenua pulling out at the last moment, Taranaki stepped up to take their place.

"It was brilliant rugby if you wanted to play on rock hard grounds and in that heat," Mr Sweetman said. "The beauty of this sport is you get the games rolling on without any breaks."

Mr Sweetman said ground announcer Craig Boyden added to the atmosphere of the day, stepping in at short notice.

Mr Boyden admitted his was an impromptu performance.

"I had one boo, boo, but it was certainly was a great day - one of Dannevirke's finest. I want this to become a regular event here.

"Rugby Park was looking good. Groundsman Buck Mackay did a good job.

"The referees were worn-out in the heat, but we had some banter about eating pies on such a hot day."

Mr Boyden said one of the standout players for Hawke's Bay was Mason Emmerson, who impressed with his play and attitude.

Conrad Waitoa, manager of the Hawke's Bay sevens team, said Dannevirke was a great location and he was keen for the competition to return.

"If we could get teams from Wanganui to come along we could make a real cool day of it," he said.