THE RAVE NO. 3

What a big weekend down at Vauxhall with all four Sen sides playing, but none of them competition games.

The Prems had a great hit out v College Rifles and Rua Tipoki would have to be pretty happy with what he saw. It was a good win [not even sure of the score] but a very convincing win. College Rifles were a couple of key players down but so were we. Great to see Finbarr Kerr-Newell and Alex Woonton having a run. Another great game from Donald Coleman.

Prem 2 also had a good win v Karaka from the Counties Union and with Po, Darren and Wayne back to the fold coaching. These guys have just been appointed coaches of the NZ Defence Force. This side are going to do well this season.

The u21 also played Karaka and it was a hard-fought hit out for the team. The Karaka side may have been the Counties u21 Championship side from last year. The u21 have a good number of players this season and there will be plenty of competition for spots in the group.

The Big game in a way was the u85 v Takapuna 1st xv. It was a nil all draw but great to see the Taka 1st xv at the club, all in their blazers and enjoying a huge bundle of bought in Pizza’s after the game with our u85 side.

It would have been the first time our Prems have played College Rifles since we became the North Harbour Union in 1985 some 37 years ago. But as has been said in the last few weeks how long is it going to be before playing Auckland sides in some form of competition becomes the norm. It’s not about finishing North Harbour; we would still have a North Harbour Championship, but it could be a top 4-6 Harbour sides play a knockout type of round or whatever with Auckland. This could include North Auckland as well and could be funded by all this Silver Lake money that is coming to the NZ Rugby Union. Great debate over a beer or two.

The North Harbour Union are trying to put together a 10-12 Aside Social grade, targeting school leavers who are not up to u21 rugby yet or are too busy to commit to 15 aside and Saturday rugby. They would play on a Wednesday night under lights, 25 min halves, rolling subs and uncontested scrums. We as a Club have yet to commit to this grade and what we really need is someone to take on the managing of the side. There must be a lot of young guys around that would be keen and even the odd older guy who is keen to have a run. There were a lot of young guys watching rugby Saturday whom I’m sure would be thinking maybe I should be out there on the grass.

A big congratulations to Julie Simpkins [wife of Grant] who has just been appointed Commander of The HMNZS Philomel. This is a huge achievement and has made her family very proud.

Life Member Peter Bridger was back on the keyboards with the big screen, Simon Gundry has got us a new flag for the flagpole, and a big thanks to the guys who bring in the flags, ropes, and goal post pads every Saturday. The intense off season training the Flagmen put in has paid off, there were some very straight sideline ropes out Saturday. We are set for the season.

ED

Article added: Friday 08 April 2022