THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!!

You did not have to go to Eden Park to experience a great show! I have to admit that I had a good feeling about Saturday. Besides being a glorious day, there seemed to be something in the Tawa air. I got to the Clubrooms early and had a chance to watch our Premier 2 boys return from “warm up” with an air of certainty. I cannot put my finger on it, but there were very positive vibes. I then ventured into the Premier changing rooms, with once again an air of positiveness. There was only one player already there and I had a chance to speak with Siti and Lotu on their way to the rooms. Once again, an air of team spirit with good banter that just seemed to continue.

On to the games. The Colts had a real tough day out. The grading games were over and now the truth would be known. Our Boys were soundly beaten by a well drilled team, but my contacts tell me there was a lot to like about our Colts. Onward and upward Boys.

The Premier 2 team did us proud on ANZAC weekend. The game was about 2 minutes old when our Boys got penalised; 3-0 to HOBM. It was all downhill for the opposition from pretty much that moment on. Bit of a hiding. The best part was standing near Coach Thomas who was noting “work-ons”. Far better than having none. The Boys are on fire and on a mission. Great to watch.

 Our Premier Boys came back home seemingly with a very clear vision. – to do well in front of our own home crowd of Supporters. Wainui came over to contest the Chris Stirling Cup and as usual arrived with great Supporters and a Team with a will to win or at the least upset! A usual up front tussle as it always is with Wainui with a lot of big hits, breakouts and generally thrilling Rugby. Into the second half it was looking rather interesting until our Boys broke out a bit. But you can never rest on your laurels with these Wainui Boys. Our defence was standout as the score reflects. Our Boys have made the statement, now it is time to march forward.

I was privileged to hand out Ties and welcome 4 newcomers to our Premiers – Orbyn, George, Lipa and Kayden. Along with giving a brief rundown on the background and importance of the Chris Stirling Cup to both Clubs. 

The Canes had a loss on Friday night, but what a game! Like a lot of Canes followers, I wondered how the Canes would go without Ardie, our inspirational Leader. It seems our concerns were ill founded. The whole Team stood up and made us proud. They were outstanding in every facet of play and the game.

This afternoon saw the Crusaders take on the Blues at home. The Crusaders seemed to shut down the Blues with a formidable up front battle and an almost total closedown of the Blues backs. What a game. I think you could start engraving the Cup – well the year anyway.

Last Mondays Indy Car race had Scott Dixon come in 3rd and Scott McLaughlin 14th. Good start for both Drivers.