Friday night was Colts night a Lyndhurst. The Colts had a three way with
Paremata-Plimmerton and Johnsonville – a well thought concept for the Colts. Once again, a very good supportive crowd of Supporters.
Woke to another reasonably good looking morning with the Harley beckoning to be ridden to Rongotai College for the pre-season game against Ories. As I rode out to Rongotai, I noted heaps of young people getting ready for their Summer Sport activities at various fields and sport parks I rode past. It felt like New Zealand was back to normal.
Upon arrival at the College ground, I noted a stack of Tawa colours on the embankment waiting for the games to start. As an aside, I am quite amazed at how many supporters have turned up on this day and the previous days to watch the Boys.
As I walked over to join the Tawa group, I happened to see Whetu Henry standing on the goal-line, all kitted up ready to play. As I approached Whetu, I knew by his grin that I did not have to mention our last chat in Bunnings when he said something about “hanging up the Boots” – we both knew. Whetu is to Ories what Peter Brock was to Holden – iconic!!
The game was played on a ground I would suggest was harder than the bitumen I had just ridden over. Amazingly, no injuries of note to my knowledge. Watching our Boys, I reckon it is a real credit to our Coaches (and the Boys) the fitness level they have. Even though it is pre-season where there is a lot of mixing of players and combinations, it seemed our Boys worked as a unit. If they keep this momentum they will
be formidable.
Back at Lyndhurst Park, the Reserve Grade team welcomed the Levin COB RFC. The score did not reflect the effort put in by the boys. Final Score Tawa 10 - Levin COB 39.
Saturday night at the Stadium started with the Hunters vs U20 Contenders. We had Pepesana in the Hunters with Akira and Lipa in the Contenders side. Somewhat one sided result score-wise, but the Contenders never gave up.
Why do we not have Curtain Raisers at every game, whether it be Super Rugby or Lions? This idea (not new and certainly not just me) would be a great way to showcase local Rugby and give the Players a memory forever on the hallowed ground. Our Senior Club Finals should definitely be played there.
