Rugby: City have first victory of season

Ruawai's first-five, Bradley Beattie, is fended off by City player Krestin Naera in the round three clash between City and Ruawai on Saturday.

City have claimed their first taste of victory this season, earning a hard-fought 24-22 victory over Ruawai in round three of the Bayleys division two rugby competition.

Sitting second to last on the table heading into the match, City were looking to prove they had the stature to break into the top half of the competition ladder.

Although the top teams aren't quite within reach for the City side, Saturday's win should hopefully boost them into the top six.

In other round three match-ups, Whangaruru made light work of Mangakahia, who remain bottom of the table after the first three rounds, after going down 45-5.

Kaihu Valley ground out a win over Pipiwai to remain competition leaders with a convincing 34-17 scoreline.

Southern proved they have what it takes to take out the division this year after demolishing Onerahi 65-5.

Tomarata had the round-three bye.

The Bayleys 2015 Southern District premier and premier reserve grades are set to kick off this weekend, heralding the arrival of premier level club rugby for the year.

Hikurangi will take on Mid Northern at Hikurangi, Horahora play Wellsford at Horahora Rugby Football Club, Kamo play Otamatea at Kamo 1, Mid Western host the Western Sharks at Maungakaramea Reserve and Old Boys Marist have a home game against Waipu.

All games start at 2.15pm.