The second week of our local competition has passed with a bit cooler weather, but no rain. A good day for Rugby. Saturday was my day for VP duties. The best part was watching our colts play another grading game, this time against Poneke who turned up with 14 players. Under “Game On”, the game started. Not long into the first half, a Poneke prop went off injured. Back down to Grandfather scrums. I really don’t think it would have mattered, as we have a well drilled team with heaps of talent and a very good culture developing, much the same as last year. I had to leave at half time to visit Paremata-Plimmerton at home vs MSP. On a plus side, it was great to catch up with Florence Masoe, the new Delegate for Poneke.

I arrived in plenty of time to see OBU completely dismantle Pare-Plim Colts. Another grading game with heaps of talent in OBU.

On to the premier game with Pare-Plim vs MSP. The moment I saw Fa’atonu Fili in his familiar number 10 Jersey, I thought Pare-Plim were going to be up against it. Fili has been the General in this backline for some years and always directs his young Troops in a quiet, but exacting way. A highlight was seeing Jonty Boyd in the Red, Yellow and Black Jersey. I can tell you that Jonty looked completely at home at this level. If it moved, Jonty was onto it in his usual full on defensive mode that we all remember from his time in the Red, Gold and Blue. Pare-Plim showed some signs, but MSP were not there to take Prisoners. To my mind, MSP will be the Team to watch. Fortunately we do not meet them until the end of May.

The new medium for our Live Rugby via YouTube is absolutely marvellous. We managed to get one of our Sponsors, One Agency, agree at the last minute to help the Club defray costs for this brilliant medium. Thanks to Amy for getting this set up.

I watched parts of our Premier and Premier 2 game with amazing clarity, both picture and sound. Good to hear David’s voice had come back.

The Premier 2 Boys continued on their winning way. I fully know it is very early days, but they are tracking well with a well deserved first place on the Table at this time. There will be a tougher assignment this week with HOBM wanting to start their Season.

The Premiers had a tough day at the Office. They were leading for most of the Game, to have it taken away, and then with less that 5 minutes to go a Penalty came their way. It was slotted with a draw being the outcome. The movement I saw on YouTube looked to be in the right direction. I believe they would get some self-belief from this result. Two tough Games at the start has tested our Boys, but the turnround is on its way.

Another couple of awesome Super Rugby games on the weekend. The Highlanders over the Blues would not have been picked by many and likewise the Chiefs over the Crusaders. Bottom line these results show how healthy our Rugby is in this Country.

Now, like a lot of people I know, I do not read Mark Reason’s comments about our great game. However, I must admit to reading his rant on the “Reviews” last week. They are getting sillier and just taking too long. The Players will end up running the game instead of the Refs. And as for the Captain call!! The next thing they will be getting a Supporter review efrom Aisle 27, Row R, Seat 384 – whoa, hang on, that is me. The big question is, can I hold the game up for a record time whilst I get a Coke and a Pie without missing any of the game. Sound silly? No sillier than what is currently happening.

Disappointing to hear that Dion Waller has resigned as Assistant Coach of the Lions. Watch this space, as Dion will resurface Coaching and mentoring somewhere. Too good a man to be left out.

The Supercars raced in Tasmania over the weekend. Three races in all with Shane van Gisbergen – Kiwi, Holden – took race 6 & 7 with a 6th in race 8. Shanes first loss since the NZ Grand Prix. On hell of a record. Chas Mostert, Holden, took Race 8.

At time of writing this Report, I am awaiting the first IndyCar race of the Season from Alabama on Monday morning. Scott Dixon is 5th om the grid with Scott McLaughlin starting in 12th position. Pretty awesome for McLaughlin being a Rookie in a field of 24 Drivers.