Kia ora ,

First off, a big thank you to the Reserve team who defaulted their match so that the other four Tawa teams could field good numbers in their matches. Not what we wanted but a reality a lot of clubs face now.

We are now looking at the viability of this team for 2026. It did bring back memories seeing some of our Tawa legends like TJ Fermanis and Jon Masaga running around with the second team, and let's not forget Peni Tokakece who just keeps on trucking along. Albeit his shoulder was a bit worse for wear at the after match! You can’t buy experience.

To the results. Well that was better. In perfect weather conditions (for spectators anyway), the Premiers won another cliff hanger 26-25, the Premier Reserves showed good resolve in a very competitive match losing 33-22, the Colts had an awesome win 76-10 (all games against Pare-Plim), and the Ducks scored late to beat their perennial rivals OBU 19-18.

The Premiers benefited from the return of some players which allowed some of the young players to return to the Colts (and wow how the Colts benefited from that). This was no more noticeable than the bench which played a pivotable role in changing the momentum in our favour especially in the closing stages.

No better sight than seeing George Risale in full flight and Ryder Sao knocking players over like playing ping pong.

Huge improvement and something I’m sure the coaches will fine tune for the challenges ahead.

Next Saturday we are on the road to Evans Bay to play MSP who have had their challenges over the last few years but have started 2026 with back-to-back victories against Norths and Ories and are sitting in top spot.

This will be another good test of our progress, so if you can travel, get to Evans Bay Park. Otherwise, the Ducks are the main game at the home of rugby Lyndhurst Park against the Axemen. Sure to be a good watch.

In other news:

The decision on the format of the Premier competition from 2027 onwards has finally been decided after an initail impass by the Clubs.

Next season will see:

• a reduced 10-round Swindale Shield series, i.e. you will not play three of the teams in the comp

• a full Jubilee Cup/Hardham Cup round robin series followed by semi and finals

• the club season ending at the end of July

Of the three options tables, this was Tawa’s preferred option.

The junior club have finalised their numbers for 2026, with the teams to be announced very shortly. Numbers have again increased from 245 in 2025 to 258 this season, which is testament to the excellent work the junior club is doing to promote the game at this level. This includes over 60 players in our nursery section which is outstanding.

This doesn’t happen without the need for financial support. If you or someone you know can assist in sponsoring a team, please contact Kieran at [email protected].

Don’t forget that Old Timers Day is quickly coming up. This is a good way to refresh old connections, so get hold of a former player and make a afternoon of it. Prehaps even into the evening, as on the big screen that evening the mighty Canes are playing the Blues at Eden Park! Further details will be out shortly, but please put Saturday 16 May in your calendar now. Tawa will be taking on board our southern neighbours Johnsonville.

Steve Rogers

President