Hi ,

On Monday morning, we were awakened with the terrible news that Cory Heather had passed away after a game of rugby between Beachlands Maraetai Rugby Club and Patumahoe on Saturday afternoon. As a rugby club, we are all shocked by this happening. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends along with the two clubs involved. Rest in peace Cory.

Our Colts had their own issues on Saturday afternoon, although fortunately not to the degree above. We had Pio Silva break (I believe) his ankle whilst a metre away from the try line. The game was called off with Pōneke in the lead 16-10. Pio had to wait on the ground for the ambulance to arrive with two young paramedics who were incredibly empathetic, understanding, and professional. After a short time, of which Pio probably thought was a lifetime, several of us helped the paramedics move the gurney to the ambulance. 

The Premiers won 44-31 against a Pōneke side that refused to lie down. It was a fast-paced game with thrills aplenty. I'm still not sure about three points in front of the sticks, but then I guess that is why I am not a coach. I was not the only person on the sideline querying that though? Still, a W is a W!!

The Premier 2s took the game against Pōneke by 36-21. The game was a very fast encounter with both sides committed to a running game. This puts Tawa on 2nd equal on the table, with OBU one point ahead. We will find out at The Fortress next week what OBU are made of, for sure. 

Just prior to the Supercars race at Taupō, Sir Colin Giltrap passed away. I never met him personally, but I do recall being close to him a number of years ago at Manfield when a number of Kiwi drivers delivered Sir Colin some accolades after they raced the NZ Grand Prix. If you were standing where I was, you would not have picked him – a very natural guy. However, his influence in motor racing has been enormous. It is only fitting that Scott Dixon should win the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach April 22nd and Scott McLaughlin win Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix April 29th. Both drivers attributed their wins to Sir Colin. Sir Colin has a grandson racing in the Porsche category as well.

Not to be outdone, Formula E raced the Monaco E-Prix on April 27th, with two Kiwis taking the top places on the podium – Mitch Evans 1st and Nick Cassidy 2nd. Both drivers have had Giltrap's influence over the years and acknowledged this accordingly.

Taupō, where we all stood for a moment's silence for Sir Colin, was a great success. Race 7 was won by Kiwi Andre Heimgartner in a Chevrolet with a couple of blue badges following in the rain. Sunday weather was better with a much drier track. The race was much closer at the start, but as we all know, it is who finishes first that counts. Will Brown came in first with his team-mate Broc Feeney second, both driving a Red Bull Ampol Chevrolet Camaro. A couple of blue badges were next, with Kiwi Matt Payne in 4th with two Chevys next with Heimgartner in 6th.

You can never bank on the weather, but we are booked in for as long as the race is in Taupō. This extends my personal record to every Supercar race in NZ, except the very first – can’t recall why?

Junior grade games start this weekend. There are a number of games on Friday night and Saturday morning. Come along and cheer on our younger players.  

da

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!

This weekend we are home against OBU in all Senior grades. Two games at Redwood and two at The Fortress. Let’s get out there and make some noise!

Allan G Davidson

President & Life Member