Victoria University Rugby Team Maintains Form in Three July Fixtures

Victoria University of Wellington defeated Massey University Wellington 24-17 on 10 July at Newtown Park in the latest round of the regional college rugby competition.

The result leaves Victoria in second place on the table with three rounds remaining before the national university championships scheduled for August in Hamilton. Teams now focus on tightening defensive structures after several close games exposed lapses in the middle third of the field.

Matches played this week

Victoria scored two tries in the second half at Newtown Park after trailing 10-7 at the break, with fullback Liam Carter crossing twice. Massey responded with a late penalty but could not close the gap. The same day at the Basin Reserve, Wellington College old boys side beat the University of Otago touring team 31-19 in a midweek exhibition. Earlier on 7 July at Te Whaea sports ground, the Victoria women’s team lost 12-15 to Auckland University in a match that featured strong forward play from both packs.

These fixtures drew combined crowds of 2,800 spectators, according to figures released by the Wellington Rugby Football Union. Ticket prices for the main game sat at NZ$18 for adults and NZ$10 for students, with sales handled through the university sports office on Kelburn Parade.

Next fixtures and ticket details

Victoria’s men’s side travels to play Canterbury University on 17 July, while the women host Waikato on 19 July at Newtown Park. Supporters can buy advance tickets at the university recreation centre on Donald Street or online through the union site. The club will hold an open training session on 14 July at 4pm on the Kelburn campus fields for anyone wanting to watch preparations.