A note from the Chair, Susan Poutoa
Kia ora e te whanau,
How apt that Old Timers 2024 is held over Matariki Weekend. A time for sharing, and time of new beginnings, and it is a time to reflect on the year gone by, and to look towards the future, planning for the year ahead.
The Matariki theme for 2024, Matariki Heri Kai – The theme comes from the Māori proverb ‘Matariki whetū heri kai’ meaning ‘Matariki, the bringer of food’. Food is central to the celebration of Matariki. I look forward to sharing kai with you, and hearing stories from the “good old days”.
Just a couple of things from me:
June marks the BigShoutOut – a month long celebration for volunteers throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. The final week of the BigShoutOut we acknowledge our coaches and management team:
Premiers: Jason, Dallas, Rob, Andrew, Alex, Blair M, Keri, Susan and Bryden
Premier Reserves: Tom, George, Lee, and Anya
Colts: Andrew, Paul, Ben, Richard, and Lauren
85s: Corey and AP
Cripples: Mitch and Noff
Pressies: Sean, Ted, and Trina
Socials: Corrina, Serge, Max and Ma’i
It goes without saying that we appreciate you all. The many hours of preparation, planning and the extras involved to ensure things run smoothly. The time spent away from your families, we want to say a massive thank you to them for sharing you with us.
We are blessed to have a great bunch of people who give up their time to be part of a very special group.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
OLD TIMERS:
2024 Old Timers is set for Saturday 29 June 2024 (Matariki Weekend);
11.30am – Doors open
12.00pm – President’s welcome & Colts Jersey Presentation.
12.15pm - Lunch
12.30pm – Chairwoman’s welcome
12.55pm – Clap on the Colts
1.00pm – Jersey presentation to the Woodridge Homes Premiers
2.40pm – Clap on the Premiers
2.45pm – Woodridge Homes Johnsonville Premiers vs MSP
5.30pm – Premier speeches, results of the day, after-match meal.
6.15pm – Blazer and Life Member presentations
7pm – Membership draw
7.30pm – Entertainment commences
We will have cover at the front and rear entrance to remind people they must either show their membership card or sign in.
There will be a selection of mocktails, fizzy and OJ on arrival with the bar opening at 2pm.
Members, please make sure you have your membership card. If you haven’t received yours, please let Trina or me know. For new members, or anyone wanting to join we can sort you out on the day.
Visitors must sign in and hold onto their ticket. As they will need to show this when purchasing drinks. For members and supporters from other clubs they must have their membership card on them or sign in.
That’s all from me. I look forward to seeing you at Old Timers 2024.
Ia manuia
Susan
Chairperson
Last week's mahi
Match reports
PREMIER GAME REPORT:
PREMIERS 26 WAINUIOMATA 43
Tries: Fin Sharp, Dylan Selkirk, Niall Delahunt, Olly Paotonu. Mark Sutton 3 conversions.
The prems went down to a physical Wainui outfit who outmuscled and out passioned them across the park on a day to forget for the home team going down 7 tries to 4.
Wainui scored a converted try first after 5 minutes, but the boys got into their work in what proved to be their best period of the game to score 3 unanswered tries in 10 minutes to Fin Sharp for his 10th of the season, flanker Dylan Selkirk and Niall Delahunt who went in from long range all tries converted by Mark Sutton to lead 21-7 after 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, as has been the case most of this season the lads just couldn’t sustain defence for long periods and Wainui came back to effectively take the game away either quarter of halftime to lead 36-21. The only bright spot in the 2nd half was a try to half centurion Olly Paotonu who celebrated the occasion with an individual effort from long range. Other standouts included Sean Rankin and Ha’amea Ahio in a losing pack effort. Wainui though had the last say and scored a converted try off a turnover to seal the deal. Special mention to Kryton Goldsmith for his debut off the bench!
This week is a big one with old timers’ day to commemorate against the old foe MSP at home. Thanks to all our sponsors and supporters for the help this season and we hope to pay it back this coming weekend.
COLTS GAME REPORT (UP DA COLTS!)
Finally, the boys did it………
Colts played Wainui last Saturday and got there first win for 2024.
Back at Helston Park our boys knew from the outset they had a chance to win their first game. 25 minutes into the game it didn’t look great 17-0 down, a heap of errors, maybe some nerves we didn’t get a great start. Boys started stringing phases together and Ngahau scored the 1st of his 3 tries under the post just before half time. Going into the break with not much possession 17-5 down was a good result.
Message at half time was to play territory and then once down in Wainui’s half hold the ball. And that’s what we did with Ngahau slicing through the defence scoring under the posts, Kryton converted making the score 17-12. Boys could see that opportunity of a win but still with 15 mins to play we needed to work for the next try. We played to an edge an unfortunately knock on just before the line, but with still time to play we knew we would get more chances.
Waves of attack then saw Ngahau score his 3rd try converted by Kryton putting the colts into the lead 19-17. It was becoming real, but we still needed to play, rather than going into defence mode, attack was the call, we pinned Wainui into their 22 and just kept putting pressure on. With a minute to play we got a penalty but pushed it to the left. Wainui made an error on the 22 restart which gave Jville the final scrum!! YES – boys cleared it and jubilation we got our first win!!!!
For all the players involved it was a satisfying moment, knowing these boys turn up each week with great numbers and representing our club, I was so proud….. And they got to sing our celebration song………. Thanks boys….
Wellington Sea Market (For the freshest Fish in Wellington) POD – Ngahau Te Paa
Thanks again for the support…
Andrew Wharakura.
CRIPPLES GAME REPORT
Another game of two halves today vs the old Foe the Poneke Ruffnuts. Again, down on regular players. But we had a team with 4 subs. We have acquired a couple of new boys over the last couple of weeks and lucky for us. Quality players. We led 28 nil at half time our second five Mona scored 23 of those points. Next 40 minutes they came back but wasn’t not enough. Good win vs our bogie team 28 to 19. Old timers next weekend plenty on this page . Hope to see some show up.
Up the Mighty Cripples
No Premier Reserves, 85s or Pressies report but 4 from 5 last week isn't bad. The Reserves are simmering along nicely, hitting 50!
This week's mahi!
Time to get out in force to support the lads on this Old Timer's weekend. Nearly all games fairly handy to home!
Photo of the week
I came across this photo taken a few weeks ago. Kingston (Gee and Anya’s nephew) is the biggest fan when it comes to the Premier Reserves. Love this kodak moment – praying for a miracle LOL!
What's new!?
Did you know the last couple of weeks we have had a coffee cart up at the Helston Park.
Grace, a year 13 at Newlands College runs Juice on the Loose - an organic coffee, fresh cold-pressed juice, dairy free smoothies, and vegan food van. She gained ownership of this business a couple of months ago - it was previously run for 7 years. Grace is passionate about coffee and is an experienced barista, and she loves her business. Cash and EFTPOS available. She will be at the club from 8.30am on Saturday and looking forward to meeting you all!
You can find her socials here:
@juiceontheloosenz/theloosejuicenz
If you’re around please support….
One more for the road: I was fortunate enough to attend the All-Blacks season opening yesterday. What do you know I caught up with the cuzzy Scott Robertson 😉. It was a quick hi and bye due to the many fans waiting for the photo op.
Sponsors shout out!
To all our sponsors, a massive thank you once again; https://www.jrfc.co.nz/sponsors
Superloans, Woodridge Homes, Seven Electrical, Super Liquor, Higgins Tow Services, ABT- AutoBuff & Touch, EN Ramsbottom Contractors Ltd, Blizzard Hvac & Electrical, All Glass & Glazing Ltd, Cobra Drain Cleaning, Wasabi Air, New World Churton Park, Affinity Accounting, Mag & Turbo Tyre & Service Centre, Compton Civil, 1841 Bar & Restaurant, PBC - Perry Barber Carpenter, Motor Doctors, New World Newlands, Crofton Downs Mitre10, Colins Water Delivery, Mr Green (Mike Sedge), Jig Electrical, Aura Landscapes & Concrete, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, Pub Charity, NZ Racing Board, The Trusts Community Foundation, NZCT - NZ Community Trust.
SUBS
Thanks to everyone that paid subs last week, to recap subs are Social $30.00, Player Partners $15.00, Country $20.00. Bank Acc 01 0519 0070195 00, ref your name.
Stay safe out there and enjoy the rugby across all grades.
Thanks, Cherie and Trina
If it wasn't clear already #RESPECTTHEREF
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