Once again the weather was pretty good for Rugby. My day started with watching Tawa Under 12 vs Petone at the Petone Rec. My first observation was that there was a very good representation of Parents and Family Members on both sides. The second observation was the high level of Coaches – Gino (the Magic Boot) Johnson and Jon (the Legend) Masaga, ably supported by Renie and Kirsty as the Team managers. It is fair to say that Tawa was outgunned, but they never gave up. A great bunch of Girls & Boys who are enjoying the experience together. I also enjoyed the experience.

On to the Hutt Rec for HOBM Old Timers Day. As usual, there was a huge turnout of Old Timers to watch their Ladies, Colts, Prem Reserve, Premiers and Presidents. The HOBM Colts were a bit too good for our Colts on the day, but on a positive note, it was great to see Jacob Mua take the field after a tough couple of years just viewing the Games.

The Prem Reserve had a pretty tough day at the Office. Half time was 24-0 to the Eagles, but somehow this did not seem to be telling the full story of the game. Were the Eagles fired up for Old Timers Day? – or what?? Well I do not know who woke up our Boys, but things changed in the second half, but as so often happens when you are chasing, we ran out of time. A very good response with the Eagles taking the game 29-24. We are still in the Top 4 with a third equal spot.

The Premier game was a lottery with both sides scrambling and possibly trying too hard. Most Spectators I spoke to thought the game was very scrappy, and I think that was a fair appraisable. However, when the Teams did put things together, there was some spirited play. Half time 10-7 to the Eagles, Full time Tawa 17 – HOBM 10. A good result keeping us first equal on the Table.

Saturday night at Sky Stadium was a spectacle indeed. A Crowd of just over 20,000 were treated to one of the best games seen at the Stadium for some time. We all know and remember how fast Beaudie is over the ground, but what about Nani Lumape SMOKIN! Beaudie??  The crowd were on their feet for the better part of the game as the scoreboard slowly but surely rocked from one side to the other. But the Canes, not to be outdone by the Rangitoto Cowboys (as an iconic Wellington Coach once said), not only stood their ground, but did not take a backward step. At no time did the Canes seem to be overawed by the Boys North of the Bombays. Impressive display, great result!

 Indy Cars is underway with Scott Dixon having a second on Saturday and a 5^th on Sunday at Iowa Speedway. Our Kiwi Scott still leads the Championship.

Supercars are at Sydney Motorsport Park – with NO Crowd!! Kind of strange, but at least we have some racing. Scott McLaughlin took the Saturday night race 10 under lights and is now in contention to have more wins than the legendary Peter Brock!!  

Race 11 was won by Percat in a Holden, followed by two Kiwis in two Blue Badges. Race 12 was Heingartner’s first Pole start. Heimgartner (another Kiwi) finished second, with first to Le Broq and third to Hazlewood – all new Guys.

I left home to go out for Dinner. When I left the Chiefs were in total control. I got to my Dinner date to have my Son-in-Law tell me the Highlanders had won. Moral of the story – never leave a game until after the Final Whistle!

Our Club Rugby is not going to get any easier with the Battle of the Bridge at Jerry Collins Stadium Saturday 25^th July. I am sure there will be a huge crowd at this game as it always is. Norths is a bit behind us on the Table, but read into that at your peril. Norths always turn up and even more so with the sight of Jerry looking down from the Grandstand.

Back by huge demand -Muppet(s) of the Week; Those on Saturday who booed Beaudy! Get real, get a life!!

Photo by Jun Tanlayco to view more Click Here.