Weekly Newsletter

Published: Tue, 06/17/25

Updated: Tue, 06/17/25

Hi ,

Greetings all,

Sadly this week marked the passing of Stu Wilson, one of New Zealand's most charismatic rugby identities. Stu was one of five All Blacks in the 1985 Wellington Lions team that enabled us to wear the 'SHIELD COUNTRY' t-shirt. The four others were Murray Mexted, Bernie Frazer, Jamie Salmon, and Alan Hewson. Stu and Bernie, affectionately known as 'Ebony and Ivory', were both great finishing wingers for Wellington and the ABs, with Stu holding the AB's 51 try scoring record between 1976-83 until JK came along.

Unfortunately this week also marked the passing of Adam Vardey, whom Sam Butters wrote affectionately and respectfully of during the week. Adam was a big asset to the mighty and hugely successful Tawa Titans team. He was well-known and highly-regarded for his services to Norths and Paramata-Plimmerton as well, and this was reflected in an emotionally charged and powerful send-off from Maraeroa Marae on Saturday.

Super Rugby... Well, if you're a Canes supporter, you remain long-suffering of them saving forgetful performances for finals footy. Having said that, the Blues win v Chiefs probably reduced more suffering... Coops, your 'chokers' call is gathering more credibility each year. ;)

Our Premier 2s were transferred from Helston to Newlands Park for their match on Saturday v Johnsonville. The change of venue obviously didn't affect their preparation, as they were able to post a 67-15 scoreline with the help of some Tawa legends John Masaga and Toa Madar, apparently still running around like teenagers according to Zac.

The Premiers took the Carmen Cup on the road to Helston Park v Johnsonville. The local derby lived up to historical expectations, being a close, tough match against our 'mother club'. The holders got off to a great start with a try by Hemi from a powerful forward drive to the line after just six minutes. However Johnsonville struck back almost immediately from a backline defense 'mix up' which resulted in 7-7 after ten minutes and game on! At 31 all with 20 mins to go, Kalim broke the deadlock when he caught the blindside defense off-guard and scorched 40m for the turning point try of the game.

The 43-36 win and retention of the Carmen Cup was especially satisfying as we were depleted with some big name players injured. However after a last minute ring around, up to the plate stepped man of the match 'Middles' (Chris Middleton) with barn storming carries, solid defense, solid lineout work, and next to no recent training. Also to step up was Matt Treeby, whose transition from front rower to flanker was impressive, but not surprising after all the 85 grade rugby in recent years. Big thanks to those boys.

Our Colts made the most of their home ground advantage and #1 plays v OBU #8 placing on the ladder. Despite a heavy penalty count against them, they managed to prevail with an impressive 98-24 scoreline and worthy of top of the table status according to 'TT'.

With the Reserve Grade having their BYE, the mighty Ducks are the only other team to report on. They travelled to Hutt Rec after securing the first round JC Bowl title and got off to a second round flyer for the Paul Potiki Memorial Shield & Challenge Cup. They were able to redeem their first round loss v Wellington with a convincing 53-24 win. The game according to coach 'G man' Bloomfield was played at great pace with the Ducks spreading their wings at every opportunity, getting the ball wide and playing some great running rugby. Adam Preston was back in form getting player of the match, however Dams Creasy had the moment of the match when he had a clear run to the line only to be ankle tapped resulting in a face plant, spilling the ball forward and causing the crowd to erupt in laughter... Hard luck 'DC'!

Finally this week brings up Matariki weekend and the return to Lyndhurst of our Premiers and Premier 2s v Wainuiomata. The Colts will be facing 10th-placed Norths at Porirua Park; the Ducks will be against Johnsonville at Redwood Park; and Reserve Grade will face Paremata-Plimmerton at Ngāti Toa Domain.

So if you're not going away for the long weekend, let's get out there, enjoy the footy, and support our boys.

Rick Stonnell

Vice President & Life Member

UPCOMING GAMES | SATURDAY 21 JUNE

Grade	Home Team	Away Team	Location	Time
Premier	Tawa	Wainuiomata	Lyndhurst Park 1	2.45pm
Premier 2	Tawa	Wainuiomata	Lyndhurst Park 1	1.00pm
Colts	Northern United	Tawa	Porirua Park 2	1.00pm
85s	Tawa	Johnsonville	Redwood Park 1	2.45pm
Reserve Grade	Paremata-Plimmerton	Tawa	Ngāti Toa Domain 3	2.45pm

SQUASH CLUB NOTICE

This Matariki weekend, the Tawa Squash Club is having two free open days! TRFC has a good relationship with the Tawa Squash Club, and squash is a great way to stay fit when you're not out on the rugby field. See the notice below for more information.

Thank you,

Tawa Rugby Football Club

23A Lyndhurst Road, Tawa 5028, NEW ZEALAND

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