Hi ,

NEWS FLASH!! 

If you have not been to the Movie, "Red, White and Brass", then I suggest you are missing a classic Movie based on a True Story. This Movie is essentially a home grown Wellington/Hutt Valley/Porirua/Tawa Tongan Community Movie about the Tongans at the New Zealand World Cup - specifically at our Stadium. I wont say any more, but ask anyone who has been and you will receive the same reply - :get there". A few good nostalgic shots of The Fortress as well as some Cameo acting. Tom Cruise - watch your back!!

My Saturday started with watching the Avalon Ladies take on the Pare-Plim Ladies. It was a very good game played in the usual good spirit (at least on the Field). Avalon had a number of attempts to break P-P's line, but the Pare-Plim Girls had a great defence game, but on a couple of times Avalon broke through. Pare-Plim kept Avalon honest with some good offence, of which they did score. Bit of a shame Pare-Plim Officials resorted to some Referee abuse at the end. As Readers will know, I abhor Referee Abuse! There is no place in our Game for this. On a positive note, I thoroughly enjoyed the Game. I believe that in my experience of watching Women's Rugby, the standard is raising exponentially. And Super Rugby note - there is no aimless kicking away of possession.

Next up was our Premier 2's vs Avalon Prem 2's. Half time had a score of 38-0 and you just knew it was not finished. I was putting the score on Tribe and Zac was keeping Sporty up to date. More than a couple of times we had to collaborate, as it was pretty intense keeping up with the scores. With a final score of 85, it sounds like it was all over the show, but not so. Our Boys were playing as a complete team both on attack and several times with desperate Team defence. Avalon did come away with 7 points, but at no time did our Boys "take the foot off the throat". (wonder if you are still allowed to say that?) Very convincing win with a bunch of Guys believing in themselves and each other.

The Premiers had to work hard for their Game. The first half was so intense, that a coffee was called for half way through the first half. There were more Hits than Saturday Night Live in the '70's. Cripes, I might be showing my age there?? Half time we were down 14-12 and it was one of the toughest halves Supporters had seen for some time. Clearly, there was so much riding on this Game that the spirit in which it was played was a great spectacle. There was a play in the second half where an Avalon Player broke out towards our Goal Line and I reckon everyone thought he was going to cross - except our Isi Saumaki! What a run over 50 or so metres to run the Avalon Player down. I reckon this also showed our Boys determination to continue the pressure to the end. It paid off with a 43-14 win. Congrats to the Boys who stepped up, namely Rob, Evan, and especially Jacob. There are others that could be singled out too, but the whole Team conected as a Unit. A formidable Unit!! Speaking with Referee Luke Pearce after the Game, he said he thoroughly enjoyed the Game - the spirit it was played in, the intensity of the Game and the huge commitment by both sides.

Speaking of Referees, there were three judicial citings last week of Referee Abuse - all upheld. Lets ensure Tawa RFC is never part of this. Referees are Volunteers like the rest of us, and what I can tell you is that if you so desire to be in the middle, you will be welcomed with open arms and given very good training. I can put you in contact or you can contact Mark Fairmaid on 021 748 855.

The Canes on the other hand seemed to squander a half time lead of 17-8 in a "Top of the Table" clash with the Chiefs. Like a lot of Club people, I had to watch by way of replay after our Club Rugby. Bit of a nuisance not to be there, but what was positive was the Crowd! A great Crowd for a Sunny Wellington afternoon. Maybe the secret is afternoon Games or possibly earlier evening starts, say around 1700 or 1800hrs.

Monday morning the IndyCars hit Long Beach for the Acura Grand Prix. Qualifying saw Scott Dixon in 5th, Scott MCLaughlin in 9th and Marcus Armstrong in 12th on the Grid. Just over half way through, Dixon was taken out by a doubtful overtaking manouevre, which probably contributed to his DNF. In the meantime, Marcus Armstrong foinished 8th and Scott McLaughlin 10th. On the points table, Scott Dixon is 6th with 38 points adrift, Scott McLaughlin 10th with 42 points adrift  and Marcus Armstrong 17th with 67 points adrift. By the way, Scott Dixon was one of eight inductees named to the 2024 class of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (coutesy of IndyCar News). I am absolutely certain that Armstrong is the current top Rookie.

Some exciting Club News! From now on Supporters, Players, Volunteers anyone, etc will be able to get a REAL COFFEE upstairs at our Home Games. We have purchased a Nespresso Coffee Machine which delivers a real Coffee along with a bit more food. We had American Hot Dogs last Game Day and we will have Cookie Time Biscuits and a few other delights for your enjoyment. The plan is to operate a regular Cafe whilst the Game is on. Do have a look and make suggestions if you have any.

Some exciting Club News! From now on Supporters, Players, Volunteers anyone, etc will be able to get a REAL COFFEE upstairs at our Home Games. We have purchased a Nespresso Coffee Machine which delivers a real Coffee along with a bit more food. We had American Hot Dogs last Game Day and we will have Cookie Time Biscuits and a few other delights for your enjoyment. The plan is to operate a regular Cafe whilst the Game is on. Do have a look and make suggestions if you have any.

This weekend our two top Teams are at Ngati Toa Domain.

Allan G Davidson

President 

UPCOMING GAMES | 22 APRIL

We will streaming the Premier 2 game live on Tawa Rugby Live Click Here.