Hi ,

Rugby

Last Saturday saw another cracker sunny winter’s day in the capital. Awesome rugby weather with no excuses, no wind to speak of, and no rain at all. We needed a good day due to the pressures of two games in particular – those of the Premiers and Premier 2s, both in play-off games. 

The P2s played HOBM in one of the tightest games I have witnessed this season. Half time saw the score at 7-13 in HOBM's favour. Our boys definitely needed to lift the game in the second 40. Having said that, it was a real tough first 40 with both teams totally committed. The second 40 was a real cliff-hanger with great skill from both sides. Offence and defence were constantly tested. The time clock was moving slowly at first, until our boys found themselves in catch-up rugby, at which time the clock was not handing out favours. The score was even, and all the supporters knew what had to happen. The blue, gold, and red boys put their combined shoulder to the wheel with the resultant 5 points which secured the win with moments to go. A great result for a great team. A week off, then to semi-final week. 

Off to Rugby League Park for our Premiers vs OBU. After writing the above paragraph, I am afraid I may have used up all my adjectives. Another huge game with plenty to play for and heaps to lose. I find it interesting that teams when given a penalty in front of the posts, elect to kick for the corner. Both teams were a little guilty of this. In playoff rugby it is who has the most points at the end, not who got the most tries. But do not fear, we see this all the time in super rugby. 

Onto the game. This game was played at a pace only seen in top sides. The speed of the game was electrifying, the defence from both sides brutal and accurate. The force of both forward packs was such that the Aratere would have moved without a high tide first time up. Both sets of backs showed slick footwork, instantaneous decision-making, and a determination to get to and cross the white line. However, the same players were also dogged in their determination to thwart the opposition’s plan. All supporters were treated to an awesome competition with incredibly skilled young men plying their trade. For a time there was discussion within the supporters wondering what will happen if the game is tied. It was not to be. As the game descended towards an end with OBU in front, our boys found another cog, put the hammer down, then gained a point more than OBU. A week off and then into the semi-finals.

We wait with baited breath!!

Our Colts had a real tough day at the office. As a result our Colts have a playoff vs Petone at Petone Rec this Saturday at 12.30pm. The Ducks are back at The Fortress at 2.45pm vs Poneke in a semi-final match after a well earned BYE last week.

I guess we were all on edge for the All Blacks game vs England. Razor’s first shot at this level, some new names in the total squad, and an expectant tight tussle against England’s Roses. A true test match in every facet of the game. We did not quite measure up to the “rushing defence” that England had implemented to a finite degree. That said, a W is a W!! In test rugby, there are always moments, and the AB’s moment was the injury to TJ Perenara. What a blow to the most in-form number 9 in NZ at the moment. So disappointing for TJ and his multitude of fans who (like me) were absolutely rapt to see him “back in black”. Definitely a drop in this position when TJ went off. Looking forward to an AB improvement this weekend.

Supercars

Supercars raced at Townsville in the weekend. The blue badges finally found a competitive edge in the two races. 1st & 2nd race 13 with 1st, 2nd, & 3rd in race 14. The highlight was our Kiwi Matthew Payne coming in 4th in race 13, then on Sunday winning race 14.

The IndyCar race did not go so well for Kiwis, although Scott McLaughlin came 3rd and a McLaren car came 1st.

Formula 1 was at Silverstone in Great Britain. Lewis Hamilton took first place in his home Country Grand Prix, with Verstappen 2nd and Norris in a McLaren, 3rd. Like a lot of Kiwis, I just cannot wait to see Liam Lawson driving at this level on a regular basis.

Pressies

The pressies are on the hunt for some more players, if you are keen please let Fonzy know on  027 244 1991.

They have a game tomorrow at Redwood Park, 2.45pm kick off.

See you at the weekend.

Allan G Davidson

President & Life Member