Hi ,

Walk for Wellbeing 

The 27th of April was the date of the inaugural “Walk for Wellbeing” initiative by the Wellington Rugby Football Union in collaboration with Youthline Wellington. I enclose two paragraphs from the Welcome notes.

As we are all aware, Wellbeing is a bigger subject today than it ever was. The days of “harden up” are well gone. However, there is work to be done and we feel that our national sport is a very good springboard on which to start. 

Youthline is a 24/7 nationally-recognised organisation that is primarily set up to help young (and not so young) people in need. The purpose of this Wellbeing Walk is to showcase Youthline so that people in need can feel comfortable reaching out for support. Who knows, you may even like to become a Youthline volunteer. 

Saturday, which was gorgeous weather-wise, was very disappointing with a very poor turnout. Now I know that life is different for many people with work and family commitments etc., but not one person from Tawa RFC (to my knowledge) turned up at Ngati Toa Domain. Mind you, Tawa RFC was not the only club to not participate. I was at Hutt Rec where only Petone and Wainuiomata people participated. 

The purpose of this Walk for Wellbeing was to show a united front in an effort to identify the issues of Wellbeing in Godzone. There is heaps more to come from WRFU in this Wellbeing zone, even if only to help Wellington Rugby Clubs acknowledge the existence of this issue.

Enclosed is an interesting article from Stuff about a local Family in Porirua and their loss. I am sure not just my condolences go out to Cassius, Cherie, and Julius on the loss of their daughter and sister, Brooke.

Whānau who lost daughter suddenly want to help spare others their 'everlasting' grief

Rugby

Not a great day at The Fortress last Saturday, unless you were there as an OBU Fan. In the Premier game I did notice a classy first-five in the OBU colours – Callum Harkin. Watch this guy. 

Our Tawa Ducks kept the flag flying, by winning against OBU Scallywags. OBU was the team that beat our Ducks twice in as many weeks last season. A couple of very exciting games indeed.

This weekend, the Tawa teams travel to Hutt Rec for four Games against Hutt Old Boys Marist. HOBM Premiers are top of the table, with Tawa at 10th. The Prem 2s table has HOBM at 2nd and Tawa at 6th. HOBM Colts are at the top with Tawa at 9th. The U85s have the Ducks at 1st and HOBM at 3rd. I have a feeling that three of our teams will alter their positions this Saturday, with the Ducks continuing on their winning way. “Duck shooting season” kind of takes on a whole new meaning, with our Ducks doing the shooting!

Remember, Old Timers Day is coming up on Saturday 18 May. Kick-off is at 12.00pm with the Presidents vs Johnsonville, followed by 1.00pm Colts vs Johnsonville and 2.45pm Premiers vs Johnsonville. Mark this in your calendars!

Our Presidents team is short on players. If you are over 30 and would like to play for the Tawa Pressies, contact Fonzy on 027 244 1991. 

Our Canes are back into winning form. This weekend will be an away test against the Blues. My pick is Canes by 13+.

Motor sport

The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix was won by Lando Norris in a McLaren (yes, the famous Kiwi’s name is still there), with Verstappen in a Red Bull 2nd and Leclerc 3rd in a Ferrari. This was Norriss’ first GP win in Formula 1. However, he did have a GP win in New Zealand at Manfield Autocourse at the tender age of 16. I was there that day to witness the magic win in 2016. As a matter of interest, a current F1 Driver, Lance Stroll, won the NZ GP in 2015 at the same age. Yes, I watched his race as well. As a matter of interest, Liam Lawson won the NZ GP in 2019 at the age of 16. I just can’t wait for Liam Lawson to get a full-time drive. Riccardo, who seems to be keeping Lawson out, had another poor showing. 

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See you in the Hutt this weekend!

Allan G Davidson

President & Life Member