Hi ,

Saturday afternoon at Sky Stadium at a quarter-final. A cracker day, hardly a breeze – perfect for a good game of Rugby. I guess Hawkes Bay had something to prove, with our Lions having picked up the “Log of Wood” a couple of weeks ago. The Game started with the usual gusto of finding out who or what each Team was up to. After 3 minutes, the Lions logged a penalty followed by a Rueban Love try, with our own Pepesana featuring. Half time 18-0 to our Boys. The crowd on the 3^rd floor lounge are feeling quietly confident. Someone must have got the half-time Oranges mixed up! After 13 minutes, the Magpies break through for 7 points. At 65 minutes it is 18-14 – the murmur in the lounge is pretty quiet. At 73 minutes we are in arrears by 3 points, 18-21. Then at 76 minutes our Boys take the Game back, with a final penalty by Garden-Bachop from halfway!. Lions in control and once again proving that their final quarter playing is up to the mark. Whistle blows to the relief of the Lounge Lizards! Watch out Auckland!! 

The Women’s World Cup got underway on Saturday. France cleaned out South Africa, England showed they are not here to take Prisoners in their ousting of Fiji. Our Girls got off to a wobbly start, being down 17-0 at the 28 minute mark. By halftime the Black Ferns were back to 17-12. That was the last points for the Wallaroos, as our Girls went on a bit of a rampage. I have said it before, but Cocksedge is a machine. If the Camera followed her instead of the ball, they would end up in the same spot, with possibly Cocksedge a fraction of a second ahead – what a player with incredible foresight! Our Wingers were finishing off as we know and knew they could, but the forwards were incredibly mobile and dominant once the ”jitters” were dealt with and the backline fired. A very fast Game with no Committee Meetings, no strange (silly) stoppages and very worthy of the record Crowd that turned out to watch a quality game. This was one of the best Games I have seen at this level, this season. There were more Games played with a close one between the neighbours, Wales and Scotland, Wales taking it out. Italy beat USA 22-10 and Canada beat Japan 41-5. The Game to watch this weekend (yeah, I know – if you have Spark??) will be the Battle of the English Channel! 

Bathurst!! What a Race, what a weekend! From rain coming down so hard on Saturday that several Races and the Top 10 Shootout (first time ever) were canned. Forecast for Sunday – more showers. An outstanding placement of 5^th off Pole (later elevated to 4^th) for Murphy and Stanaway to then finish a credible 11^th. As predicted, Shane van Gisbergen and Garth Tander came First racing a Holden with Chaz Mostert and another Kiwi, Fabian Coulthard 2^nd in a Holden. As a “died in the Wool” Holden Fan, I reckon a script could not have been written any better. The make of car we have grown up with is almost no more (except for those of us who just happen to have 4 Holdens), so what a way to honour a life style, an iconic motor vehicle and a dam good make of Car! Two Races to go. Roll on the Chevrolet.

On Tuesday night, WRFU sponsored the Club Awards evening. Our Tawa man, Jason Pine did a superb job as the MC, keeping it moving and spontaneous. As our Chairman was away, I was privileged to retrieve our Flags from the WRFU President, Kerry Walsh. We got our Flag for winning the Jubilee Cup 2021 by our Premiers, along with Harper Lock Shield Flags for our Premier Two’s 2021 & 2022 and the equally prestigious Ed Chaney Cup Flags for 2021 & 2022. Someone suggested to me that the Tawa Team around the table was one of the smartest dressed on the night – pretty cool compliment. Our photographer on the night was Amy with some shots enclosed.

A final thought provoking note – have you thought of refereeing? At the Delegates Meeting last night, Mark Fairmaid advised that Referees may be very tight in numbers next Season. Here is a chance to give back to our great Game. I can assure you that the Training you get is superb and the culture within our Referees organisation (WRRA) is extremely supportive. A number of people do not realise that there is a grading system within the WRRA, so you will not get dropped into a “Battle of the Bridge” Game as your first up. If you want further info, or just want to explore the possibilities, give me a call – and I promise not to tell the Coaches. 

Rugby on People!

Allan G Davidson

President 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Annual General Meeting    14 November    8pm    Clubrooms