Issue 1,244
Local News for Local Communities
Friday 31st July 2026
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
DARFIELD BRING COLEMAN SHIELD HOME FOR THIRD TIME IN FIVE SEASONS
Curling Takes to the Heights of Mt Olympus Page 2
Fencing and Property Maintenance Feature Pages 9 - 12
2026 Hunting Competition Results Page 14
Darfield Premier Rugby has reclaimed the Coleman Shield, defeating Prebbleton 20–6 in a wet, cold and extremely muddy Men’s Premier final at Lincoln Domain on Saturday. The victory gives Darfield its third Coleman Shield title in five seasons, following successes in 2022 and 2024. The 2022 win ended a title drought stretching back to 1967, the club’s first season in Ellesmere Division 1. For captain, co-coach and firstfive Harrison Groundwater, the
shield holds a special place at the Club. “If you ask the boys what they want to win, the Coleman or the combined country, 95 per cent of them would probably say the Coleman,” he said ahead of the final. “So, it does have a very special meaning to a lot of boys.” Darfield earned its place in the decider with a determined 41– 34 away win over round-robin winners Waihora in the semifinal, avenging an earlierseason loss in which they
conceded 50 points. The final was a tough, physical contest in difficult conditions, with handling made challenging by the mud underfoot. The opening stages were dominated by penalty goals before Harrison crossed for Darfield’s first try shortly before half-time. Harrison scored again early in the second half, while Alister Collins was perfect from the tee, converting both tries and landing two penalties. Darfield used all 22 players in
the final, with the Club also acknowledging the contribution made by Division 2 players who assisted the side during the season. Harrison said, “I am unbelievably proud of the team for their performance on Saturday. We have done a lot of work around our defensive connection and tackle height the last couple weeks and it was cool to see us execute it on Saturday.
Continued on page 16…
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