Selwyn_Times: March 13, 2024

• By Sam Coughlan
PREBBLETON looks set to host
its first ever provincial rugby
game later this season.
Talks are ongoing between
the Canterbury Rugby Union
and the Prebbleton Rugby Club
about potentially hosting a Farah
Palmer Cup game at Prebbleton
Domain this season.
The FPC draw was released
last week – with Canterbury’s
women’s side playing two
home games at Rugby Park
in Christchurch and a third
“to be confirmed” – it’s that
one, against Hawke’s Bay on
September 14, that could be
played at the domain.
Prebbleton has never hosted a
game of this stature before, and
club president Jeromy Knowler
said it would be special if the
game was to be held there.
“We’ve done a lot of
representative rugby along
the lines of Ellesmere and
Canterbury Country (which) is
probably the highest level that
I’m aware of.
“It’ll be great for everyone to
come down and see some top
quality first-class rugby being
played live in a country ground.”
Knowler said the expansion
of the opportunities available
for women and young girls at
the club meant it would be a
fantastic event.
“We’re getting more and more
numbers in the women’s game.
“It’s a real good opportunity
for those young girls to come
along and watch their heroes
play.”
Canterbury Rugby head of
engagement George Berry said
they would be delighted to hold
provincial rugby at the venue.
“There’s lots of things to work
through when considering
venues including broadcast,
performance, engagement,
ticketing, field and facilities to
name a few.
“We certainly hope that
playing games all around
Canterbury is part of our regular
season offering.”
SPORT 25
Provincial rugby stars could come to domain
HEROES: Prebbleton teams
may have the chance to
see superstars like Black
Fern and Canterbury player
Grace Brooker in action.
PHOTOS: PODIUM
PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY
IMAGES
Wednesday March 13 2024 Selwyn Times
Selwyn runners chase places in
junior world championship team
• By Sam Coughlan
TWO SELWYN middle
distance runners are chasing
qualification for the junior world
championships – one on the
back of a national record.
Cooper Wightman, 16, and
Daniel Prescott, 17, will compete
in the 1500m at the U-20 national
championships, starting in
Wellington tomorrow.
Wightman recently broke
the national U-17 record for
the 800m in a time of 1:50.46 at
the International Track Meet at
Nga Puna Wai, a race in which
Prescott set a personal best.
Last year Wightman also set
the record for the fastest time as
a 15-year-old New Zealander in
the 800m.
But neither will run the 800m
at the U-20 nationals. Instead
they are competing in the
1500m, with the heats on Saturday
and the final on Sunday, because
it is more of stacked field.
The junior world championships
will be held in August in
Lima, Peru.
Wightman said it would mean
a lot to represent his country if
he got the chance.
“One of my goals from when I
started running was to represent
New Zealand. So, just keep pushing
away at it and we’ll just see
how it goes.”
Despite both having achieved
The Christchurch Food Show
5 - 7 April 2024, Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch
Indulge in a culinary adventure!
Whether you’re a true foodie, wine
enthusiast, or simply someone
who loves to eat - this event is the
ultimate destination for all things
delicious. Explore over 120 exhibitors
showcasing the finest local and
international food, wine and more.
Join us at The Christchurch Food Show,
it’s a must-attend for all foodies!
WIN
TICKETS
www.foodshow.co.nz
We have 4 double passes to The Christchurch Food Show,
PLUS reserved front row seats in the NEFF Cooking Theatre and a
stocked goodie bag! Email: giveaways@starmedia.kiwi
Entries close Friday 22nd March 2024.
the required qualifying time in
the 1500m, they are far from
confirmed to take part.
Seven runners have achieved
the qualifying time, but Athletics
New Zealand can only select two
to compete internationally.
It makes this weekend’s race
TEAM-MATES: Cooper
Wightman (right) and Daniel
Prescott.
PHOTO: ANGIE PETTY
Left – Wightman battles
Thomas Cowan to the finish
line in the 800m at the
International Track Meet.
PHOTO: ALISHA LOVRICH
essentially a straight shoot-out.
“I don’t know if there’s ever
been that many other runners
that have ran that so it’s just
based off whoever gets top-two at
nationals,” said Wightman.
“They will get the advantage
for selection, so it really just
HEAT PUMP
sAlE noW on
• We will offer you the best quality brands and
option of heat pump for your home/business
• Providing Heat Pump solutions for over
20 years to Cantabrians
• We personally guarantee all our products
& installs for 5 years
(Providing annual maintenance has been
completed)
“A local team for local people”
comes down to one race.”
The pair represent Selwyn at
club meets and are coached by
former New Zealand Commonwealth
Games representative
Angie Petty and her partner,
Briton Sam Petty.
Angie Petty said it would
be ‘insane’ if the pair were to
qualify together.
“Of those runners (that have
made the qualifying time),
Daniel is second-fastest and
Cooper is fourth,” she said.
“But Cooper ran his in a local
event while all the rest were in
big meets like (the Sir Graham
Douglas International in
Auckland this week).
“It’s easier to run faster in
those big meets with other
runners around you and I know
Cooper’s got more in him.”
Wightman said the prospect
was exciting.
“It’s just down to one simple
race, who comes out better on
that day.
“I quite like that instead of
having points and stuff where
you have to worry about all the
races you’re running.”
Amazin’ Autumn Deals!!
80%
SubSidy
Warmer KiWi HomeS
Programme
*Eligibility criteria apply
PHonE uS ToDAy foR youR
frEE consUlTATion & qUoTE
41A SHAKESPEARE RD, WALTHAM
PH: 03 366 0525 www.enviromaster.co.nz