It was a Taranaki Anniversary triple header as the TET Taranaki Masters Games started in style with events in Inglewood, Stratford and New Plymouth.

Stunning sunshine greeted athletics in Inglewood with a near record turnout of athletes across the event. While many familiar faces from local athletics fronted up, competition was further strengthened by a selection of imported talent with entrants coming from Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and Whanganui to compete. The 100m and middle-distance track events proved popular, along with the discus and hammer throw.

Spread over three days of play at the TET Multi-Sport centre in Stratford the pool competition offered a range of events to test competitors on the tables. Singles 9Ball was played on Saturday with Singles 8Ball and Doubles 8Ball played on Saturday and Sunday.  

Organiser Jim Marriner of the Stratford 8Ball club said it was a “great fun weekend had by all”.

Over at the football, hosted by New Plymouth Rangers AFC, the over 45s grade gave some lively matches, with two teams from Manawatū travelling to take on the local talent. The five-a-side format suited the players, who showcased some deft touches throughout despite some signs of early season rust at times. Sunscreen was just as important as liniment for the players who turned out for four games on the trot with only brief breaks between games and a lunch break to recover.

• While the first three events are over for the year – there are still 13 more to come. The next series of events starts from 4 April. All details are here: https://www.sporttaranaki.org.nz/get-active-kia-kore/find-an-event/tet-taranaki-masters-games-2024

Article added: Tuesday 12 March 2024