Hi ,

Please note that there has been a field change for this weekend's games. On Friday, the Premiers and Premier 2s are still playing at Lyndhurst Park, and the Colts are playing at Redwood Park. 

The bar upstairs will be open from 12.00pm. 

Saturday locations remain the same, with the Ducks playing at Lyndhurst Park and the Pressies playing at Porirua Park. 

Rugby

Another stunner afternoon at The Fortress. Last Saturday we had the Upper Hutt Rams come to play. As usual the Rams turned up with a full contingent of players and supporters. My good friend John Masters from the Rams looked me up for a catch-up and chat – and then the games started. 

At Redwood Park, our Tawa Premier 2s cleaned out the Rams 45-29. It was a resounding win, keeping our boys at #2 on the table.

The Colts game was another real good game, showcasing the talent of both sides with a number of young guys showing their potential. I have watched a number of Colts games this season and I have been impressed with the young men coming through in various clubs. This augers well for the future of rugby. Another win for our boys, placing them 6th equal on the table.

On to our Premiers. The Rams were ahead of us on the table, so a real good tussle was in the offering. I recall in the beginning a couple of our scrums got pushed around somewhat, which was a little disconcerting. Then the Powerade must have started to “kick in” as we began to hold our own, then push the Rams a bit in the scrum. In the meantime, one of the best games seen all season unraveled in front of the spectators. What a hell of a game. As Dion Waller and I agreed after the game, this was worthy of a final!! Who knows? Perhaps it may well be in the next round! We are now at #5 on the table.

The great game was somewhat marred by two red cards right at the end. Up until then, as mentioned, it had been played with great intensity by two very competitive teams. One of the red cards went to a Tawa/Rams player and the other to our water boy??? 

You think that is unreal, well my old club received a red card for the club on Saturday!! That will be an interesting judiciary for sure. 

Bottom line – we have to be thinking about our actions, the players, the spectators, and most importantly, the young people, male and female, who want to take up our wonderful game.

No doubt we all have an opinion about the All Black team named. Personally, I think it is a very strong 32 with a few players a bit unlucky. Most of the unlucky ones are young fellas who will gain their position perhaps before the World Cup. So good to see the Hurricanes with a strong contingent and more to come as we get closer to 2027. If you have not seen the three-part documentary with Scott Robertson on Sky Sport (one to come this Sunday), I suggest you should watch it and understand our coach. And I am not saying that just because he liked my mullet (pronounced “moolay” according to Jono Boyd) at Wainuiomata recently.

Junior Spotlight - Year 3/4 Rippa - Tawa Titans (sponsored by Mexted Motors)

Last Friday night, the Year 3/4 Titans (sponsored by Mexted Motors) faced the Upper Hutt Rams Kōwhai team at Lyndhurst Park. 

We played a very fast-paced and athletic game this week. We had to work hard against the Kōwhai team’s determined defence. Player of the Day went to Ridley, who did some awesome runs, and Good Sport went to Rosie, who was kind enough to play for one of the other Tawa teams who were down a player. 

Year 3/4 Combined Rip teams usually play on a Friday night. Why not come down one Friday night and cheer on some of our determined junior players? 

Another weekend at home, starting on Matariki with three games and Saturday with two games. We will be streaming all three games on Friday on Tawa Rugby Live.

See you at The Fortress. 

Allan G Davidson

President & Life Member