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- By Head-knocked Nick
Who likes sports shorts? For those who like their sports brief – to the point, that is, not unnecessarily revealing! – we have a few short shots to share. If you think we’re not playing fair, and other teams deserve a mention, email editor@franklintimes.co.nz and he’ll look into them… the teams that is, not their shorts.
Snore points…
A former Counties Manukau Steeler and ex All Black captain stopped by his former home region recently. Click here to ‘Read’ all about it.
Cup comp hots up
Rugby’s McNamara Cup is already heating up since kicking off in late March. As it stands, Ardmore Marist is flying high, topping the table but the tables could turn as the season progresses. In particular, defending champs Karaka and 2025 runners-up Pukekohe are expected to impress.
Of Bull shots
The Franklin Bulls have been roaring in the opening rounds of the Sal’s NBA (National Basketball League. Unfortunately, they started off on the wrong hoof. After going down 95–115 to their cross-town rivals, the Tuatara, in round one, they felt the bite from the Southland Sharks (94–86) in their first home game. This weekend, the Bulls will local horns with the Rams in Pukekohe – we’re hoping for a rebound in more ways than one. Best of luck, lads!
And Bull pits
Red Bull might not give him wins, at least not yet, but Pukekohe speedster Liam Lawson is swiftly turning heads in Formula One. Currently in tenth place in the drivers’ standings just three rounds in, he’s certainly not sitting still. All the best for a podium spot in Miami (May 1–3), Liam!
Nice tries finish first
Who scored all the meat pies? When Damian McKenzie dotted down twice against Moana Pasifika recently, he became the Chiefs top try scorer with a total of 44, surpassing the former record holder, wild winger Sitiveni Sivivatu. What’s more (or Morne), D-Mac is in a fast-track race with Beauden Barret to become Super Rugby’s top, all-time points scorer. With more than 1,500, he’s in fourth behind Barrett Morne Steyn and Dan Carter.
Help me, Honda
A Honda rider became the 2026 New Zealand Junior Motocross Champion recently. Unfortunately, it was Jack Ellingham from Herne Bay who claimed the crown, but Onewhero’s Ryan Foster took a podium spot, finishing third with Travis Taylor (New Plymouth) second.
Moana sunk
Since Super Rugby began in the mid-1990s, Jaguars, Rebels, Sunwolves and Kings have all come and gone. Throughout this time, many have been calling for expansion teams from the Pacific Islands to join.
They did and then (so far) they have performed rather well. Perhaps Moana Pasifika would’ve found more favour from fans if they were based in Pukekohe, south Auckland, than on the North Shore. Note for next time?
Pukekohe… (really) old boys!
Great to see festivities already underway for Pukekohe Rugby Club’s 70th birthday this year. Your players don’t look a day over three score and ten minus one!
Ina garden of Eden
All is well at Auckland’s premier rugby ground, Navigation Homes Stadium, but change is in on the horizon at Eden Park. A new agreement will see cricket out without scoring further, moving to Colin Maiden Park, while Auckland Rugby has ‘the ball in motion’ seeking a new home.
However, it’s not quite the end of play – the agreement will serve as a pathway to ‘modern, permanent, fit-for-purpose facilities for cricket and rugby in Auckland, while reinforcing Eden Park’s role as New Zealand’s national stadium. Exactly what that means remains to be seen.
