Issue 1,246
Local News for Local Communities
Friday 14th August 2026
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Shop Local Winners Page 4
DARFIELD DUCKS MARCH INTO NATIONAL U85KG CUP ROUND 3 The Darfield Ducks U85kg team has secured a place in Round 3 of the National U85kg Cup after a gritty 22-7 victory over a determined Waihora side. The National Tournament is an exciting knockout-style competition and this year is the first time Darfield have entered a team. The hardfought result keeps the Ducks’ unbeaten tournament run alive following their clinical 46-15 win over West Melton in Round 1. Darfield is now the last Ellesmere sub-union team
remaining in the national bracket. Waihora came out fighting from the opening whistle and scored early to put the pressure on Darfield. The Ducks were forced to defend strongly for much of the match, particularly when Waihora dominated possession in their own half. The breakthrough for Darfield came 25 minutes into the first half when Hamish Inch crossed for a try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving Waihora with a narrow
7-5 lead at the break. Darfield took control in the second half. A well-executed team try saw Fletcher Mason cross the line, with Cam O'Donnell adding the conversion to put the Ducks ahead 12-7. A Darfield penalty goal, made by Cam, with 10 minutes remaining extended the lead to 15-7, putting the Ducks more than a converted try ahead. The victory was sealed in the 77th minute when Dan
Roughan made a perfectly timed intercept and ran away to score near the posts. Cam added the straightforward conversion to bring the final score to 22-7. Coach, Chris Lea was proud of the team’s effort, particularly its defensive performance. “The boys played clean and did not give away too many penalties on defence while Waihora were down in their own try-scoring area,” Chris says. Continued on page 13…
Kirwee Say Goodbye to PO Boxes Page 6
Local Dancers Excel at Competitions Page 12
Darfield’s Player of the Match, Ferg Gunn with the ball. Photo credit: Raewyn Kars.
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