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The game was well watched with Wellsford supporters turning up in force.
Both teams starred several northland representative players.
It was a mixed bag for Wellsford on its first match day of the season playing defending champions Waipu on their turf in Caledonian Park.
Wellsford’s reserve team started the day strong, trouncing Waipu 43-14.
Wellsford’s premiers also started off well, catching Waipu unaware and scoring a try within the first play after kick-off.
However, Waipu’s prems quickly picked up momentum and scored the next two tries, successfully converting both.
While defending a third push from Waipu, Wellsford forward Sean Sweetman was knocked out cold and the game was halted.
The referee said he was lucky not to have been put in an ambulance.
The game resumed and after several consecutive scrums, Waipu scored a drop goal to lead 17-5 at half time.
Waipu gained a further advantage when four Wellsford players were forced to leave the field due to injury and they scored two runaway tries. Waipu clinched the game 29-10.
Wellsford has two upcoming home games, playing Moerewa Kawakawa United on Saturday, July 4, and Kerikeri on Saturday, July 11, at Centennial Park.
Wellsford president Mick Sweetman said it was tough playing the defending champions in their first match, but trainings were progressing well and local fans were assured some good games to watch.
Meanwhile, local teams fared well in Northland Rugby Union’s south zone championship.
The Otamatea Hawks won their first-round game against Dargaville 46-24 and Tomarata beat Tikipunga 34-7.
In the Auckland Union, Mahurangi won its preseason game against Drury 36-12.
