A word or two from the Chair - Susan Poutoa
Kia ora e te whanau,
It’s been a while since the last newsletter. With most of the teams finishing their season mid-July, it left the 85s playing their one game for the National Cup Competition earlier this month. Unfortunately, it was a loss for them, which meant they are out of the National Cup Competition. However, it was great to see our 85s take part in the competition.
The Pressies had their annual charity match, with Booths Transport and PBC. It was another great day for the community despite the weather. Congratulations to Booths Transport, the winners on the day. A massive thanks to the monies raised on the day with the decision made to gift the money back to the club.
Our Premiers finished 4th in the Hardham Cup 2024. It wasn’t the result they were after given the success from last season. At the same time, we know the team played with heart and did their very best but at the end of the day it just wasn’t our season!
I would like to acknowledge Jason, his coaching and management team, Dallas Paotonu, Rob Aloe, Andrew Wharakura, Keri Atkins and myself for their time, commitment and support throughout the season.
After 4 years with the club this is Jason’s last season with us. Jason has been an integral part of the Rugby Committee Group from day one. His commitment to the One Club ethos as Head Coach, encompassing other teams, and aligning them as much as possible. His passion and love for the club and our community is evident with his commitment both on and off the field. He will be missed, and we wish him all the best with the next part of his journey. To Michelle, Liam and Charlie thank you for sharing Jase with us. The time he spent away from his family was very much appreciated. Faáfetai, Faáfetai, Fa’afetai lava.
With that I am pleased to inform you Dallas Paotonu has accepted the Premiers Head Coach role for 2024. Dallas has been with the club for 2 years, and equally is passionate about the club and our community. Dallas brings a lot of knowledge and experience. He is looking forward to the next chapter of his coaching career as head coach with the Hawks whanau.
The Premier Reserves battled it hard this season with the many challenges they faced throughout the season. Tom and George were thrown into the deep end having to step up as Head and Assistant Coach. They got through the season with Leanne who kept things going and played a key role within the team. Along with Anya who helped with game day management. Whilst the results didn’t pan out the way they had hoped, they should be proud of their season which included making the semis. Special mention to the Premier Reserves players that stepped up and help the Premiers when they got the call up.
As many of you are aware, the Premier Status Criteria requires all clubs to field Premiers, Premier Reserves and Colts. It had been a couple of years since we had a Colts team. We knew it was going to be a challenge, however, we were very fortunate to obtain the services of Head Coach Andrew Wharakura, Assistant Coach Paul Wharakura, Technical Advisor Ben Fisher, Richard Kennedy, and Lauren Hannah as the manager.
The Colts knew that they had to field a team due to the criteria no matter what. It’s fair to say that the Colts season has been tough in terms of the results on game day. There were some tough losses and did come away with some wins. As the season continued you could see the boys improving each week. Their keenness and attitude were great to see. It was more about building and connecting relationships within the team. Given it was a good mixture of school leavers, experienced Colts players and some who had never played before it was good to see some of the Colts players step up and help the Premiers and Reserves.
The 85s also had challenges along the way but they still managed to put a team together to get through the season. The 85s are a team that never lets things get them down. They just get into it and do the best that they can. They are an infectious lot that brings that extra vibe. Corey, AP and Ra have done a great job in keeping the team together.
The Mighty Cripples managed to get through even though at the beginning of the season they struggled for numbers, and at times CE Noff wasn’t sure if they would have enough players. But in the end, they had good solid numbers, and managed to make finals. Unfortunately, not the fairy tale end they were looking for, but the Cripples should be proud of their results. I want to acknowledge the Cripples help with the Premier Reserves by answering a couple of SOS and came through for them. Thank you Noff, Mitch and Eel for your time working behind the scenes making sure things got done.
The Pressies have had an interesting season with some mixed feedback with how things have gone for them. Player numbers to begin with was a struggle but they managed to get some new players join them which was good. The number of games played away due to the availability of fields. At times having to ref their own games. Overall, the Pressies stayed strong and managed to get through their season. The highlight for them participating in the Presidents Day inaugural trophy and won. Congratulations and well done! A big thank you to Sean, Trina and Derek for you time and effort making sure things got done.
Hawks Academy Programme 2024
Serge will be running the academy, and he is looking to start at the beginning of October and will run it for 6 weeks. If you’re interested in sending your child or family member (college aged) please get in touch with Serge on 022 3454798.
There will be more details to follow.
Prizegiving 2024
Prizegiving is booked, Saturday 7 September, 3.30pm.
Come and join us in celebrating and congratulating our seniors and club achievements this year. Light supper provided, with the usual $2 money raffle, and some fun entertainment. Prize for best dressed and a couple of spot prizes. The teams will be themed up with their team theme. Feel free to come dressed up in whatever theme you'd like. Or not, this is totally fine 😊
125th Anniversary and Old Timer's 2025
2025 will be the 125th Anniversary for the JRFC. We're combining this and Old Timers together hence the long weekend, in Easter given the significance of the special occasion.
For now, save the dates in your calendar: Friday 18 April to Sunday 21 April.
We have set up a subcommittee to lead the 125th Anniversary. Any questions or ideas please get in touch with Cherie Collins. There will be more details to follow.
PS: I also hear it will be Cripples 40th. Please let us know if any other teams are celebrating a special milestone for 2025!
A couple of other things from me
Roof update
As most of you are aware our roof needs major work with the leaks and this wet weather recently hasn’t really helped the cause! Thanks to the TTCF (The Trusts Community Foundation) we were successful with the grant application to cover costs. We will be doing work on the roof over the next couple of months. Special mention to Keith Mockett in getting the application over the line for us.
Club fundraiser: All Blacks Bledisloe Cup Raffle ($50 per ticket).
I am asking you to please help your club and community by supporting the current fundraiser:
All Blacks Bledisloe Cup Raffle. We are selling numbers 1 to 200. We have numbers from 130 to 200 left to sell. Or contact Susan Poutoa on 027 828 2468.
Monies raised goes towards the legal fees.
Rep Announcements
Congratulations to the Hawks players that made Representative Rugby for 2024.
Preseason Lions Team:
Jacob Walmsley
Jake Wetere
Wellington Centurions
Jacob Walmsley
Jake Wetere
Te Upoko Wellington
Dylan Selkirk
Wellington Under 19s
Jake Kennedy
Wellington Under 16s
Ralph Winters
That’s all from me for now 😊
Take care
Ka kite ano
Ia manuia
Susan
Chairperson
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