You may have noticed no Prez Report over the last few
weeks. Unfortunately due to a Family death, it has been hard to focus on other things. The worst part of this explanation is that life being the way it is, we all understand.
So, in noting that, I have to go back to Old Timers Day. What a great day it was with all our Tawa Teams winning. I watched the second half of our Colts cleaning up MSP and then watched the first half of our Reserve Team who went on to beat Pare-Plim. It was great to catch up with Coach Saga and Assistant Coach Siliva. The Team is a very good mix of Boys just wanting to play Rugby.
The Premier 2’s won their game and after the Premiers took their game, the fun began. This year after the success of last year, the Old Timers Shindig was held in the Green Room. It was by accident last year, but everyone agreed that this was the magic formula for this year. One of the best turnouts we have had for some time. I noticed a lot of Old Timers talking with the current Players all around the room. (I am not sure some of those
tactics are still allowed Hogger, Gerry, Bernie, Chris, John etc). It was good to catch up with Kina (Ray Te Wake) who had travelled from Whangarei just for this occasion. Kevin Carmichael also presented his Namesake Trophy (played for between Tawa and Poneke) to our Captain and his Team.
The speeches were followed by all our Boys performing the Tawa Club Haka for all the Guests. I can tell you, there was heaps of emotion in what I would suggest was one of the most animated Haka’s I have seen. Awesome display!! The Haka certainly affected a lot of our Guests in a lot of ways - all very positive and extremely proud.
The following couple of weeks saw our Premiers take good wins against the Axemen and Upper Hutt. The Premier 2’s nailed the Harper Lock Trophy with a game to spare beating MSP and Norths. Our Colts had a mixed bag with a loss to HOBM, then a win against Ories. Our Reserve side have had a couple of losses, the latest at Upper Hutt where we saw a genuine sign of commitment – Co-Coach Siliva putting on a Jersey. They may have had a loss, but
the camaraderie between our Team and that of the opposition was great to see. I am absolutely sure the Ref for this game, Mark Fairmaid, enjoyed his first run in two years. Good on ya Mate!
Upper Hutt Rams Club, sure made all who stayed very welcome in their Clubrooms.
I think everyone has been wowed with the Trans Tasman Super Rugby! I reckon I can hear the Captains talk before each game – “for goodness (or some other word) sake, let us not be the first NZ Team to lose against these Ozzies!” There are a huge number of players who are standing out, but two come to mind – Richie Mo’unga and Jordie Barrett, which begs the question – is there a spot for
Beaudie??
On the international Motor Racing scene NZ is doing extremely well. Scott Dixon is on Pole for the Indy 500 next Monday and Mitch Evans came third in Formula E at Monaco.
This week has our Premiers against MSP at home. The Prem 2, Colts and Reserve draws were not available at time of writing this.
