‘No easy games’ despite dominant victories

• Published date: 23 May 2023
• Publication title: Ensign, The

The Wyndham senior team has been one of the most dominant clubs in division one in recent years

After winning the Ack Soper Shield in 2021, Wyndham was beaten 35-34 by neighbours Edendale in extra time of the final last year.

Wyndham has retained the vast majority of its 2022 division one squad and has won five of its eight games.

After preseason games against Cromwell and Arrowtown, Wyndham were ready for the opening competition game at home against Pioneer.

Left wing Max Hill was man of the match on debut in the 54-15 win. Centre Hayden Diack and big second-rower Logan MacDonald were others to shine. Sam Hart and Stewart Phillips also made their Wyndham debuts off the bench.

In round two Wyndham took a while to get on top of DLS in scorching hot conditions at Drummond before earning a 43-26 win.

Wyndham required a big effort to beat Tokanui 25-17 on another hot afternoon during Tokanui’s centennial celebrations over Easter weekend.

Wyndham’s junior sides also had a run around at Tokanui.

After three solid wins Wyndham was then unexpectedly tipped up by Albion on Sponsors Day at Wyndham.

This was also halfback Luke Caldwell’s 100th game for Wyndham.

Caldwell played his 99th game in 2018 before it was time for a new hip and knee, which kept him sidelined until now.

Wyndham got back on track the following week with a 36-18 win at Edendale.

Prop Andy Howe, lock Arthur Shaw and halfback Conner Poyntz-Roberts all helped win this battle of the bridge.

The Waikaka Riversdale Vikings handed Wyndham its second loss of the season with a 29-18 win at Waikaka.

Loose forwards Garoth van der Straaten and Jaden Walsh did their best to repel the Vikings.

After a weekend off for duck-shooting, Wyndham took its frustration out on Te Anau with a 71-10 victory.

Big Logan MacDonald received his 100-game blazer after this match.

Last week Wyndham was upset by an improving Pioneer side 19-18 in Gore.

This Saturday Wyndham will host Drummond Limehills Star.

Utility forward Logan Howe is the team captain, while the coaching and management...