Kia ora ,

I was sitting in the lounge last Saturday watching the Premier 2s against MSP on Tawa Rugby TV, mulling over whether I would travel into town to watch the Premiers.

The weather bomb that hit the Porirua Basin in the morning made it appealing to stay put, but how often do you see someone run out in the Tawa jersey for their 200th Premier game while at the same time the captain making his 150th appearance? So I donned my blazer and tie along with my rain jacket and beanie and ventured to Evans Bay Park to see Randall Bishop play his 200th game and Hemi Fermanis his 150th. These are two true legends of the game in Tawa and deserve every accolade that they receive.

The weather was passable until just before half-time, when the heavens opened up and this supporter was saturated. There isn't much protection from the weather at Evans Bay!

But what the hell, the rugby made up for it. In an absorbing first half, both teams didn't give an inch and Tawa went into the last 10 mins leading 24-23. I don’t know what was said but out of nowhere Tawa went "bang bang" and went on to score a bonus point win 38-23.

Highlights for me:

Hemi breaking the game open when he broke clear, chipped the cover defense, caught the kick, and scored next to the posts. Pure magic.

Kalim Kelemete, who came off the bench then surged 50 meters, bouncing off numerous would-be tacklers to get us back on the attack.

Seeing the three Sao brothers (Hunter, Weston, and Ryder) playing together for the Premiers is an awesome achievement and I'm sure the whānau were very proud. From memory the last time that happened was when TJ, Hemi, and Isra Fermanis were playing together.

Great memories.

In other results...

The Premier Reserves came back late but lost 15-19 against MSP.

The Ducks won convincingly 55-nil against the Axemen. 

The Colts won 24-12 against Upper Hutt, reversing the result in last year's final.

The Reserves got the season off to a great start winning 54-25 against OBU.

Don’t forget that we have Old Timers Day against our southern neighbours Johnsonville on 16 May at the home of rugby Lyndhurst Park. Put it in your diary now.

After the success of our 75th anniversary we are intending to hold an 80th next year. We would like your feedback on a suitable date, e.g., Easter, Anzac weekend, etc., and events, e.g., luncheon with speaker, Friday golf or bowls, etc. This is your weekend so any feedback is gratefully appreciated. Email it to Danni at [email protected]. 

Good luck to Matt Treeby and Adam Preston who made the NZ U85s again this year and will be playing Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka over the next fortnight. Be sure to tune in on Sky.

This week we are away again to Pōneke at Kilbirnie Park with the Premiers and the Premier 2s. The Colts are away to Petone. The Ducks and the Reserves are having a rest.

It wouud be great to see you at the footy.

Steve Rogers

President