Newsletter - Round One 2025

Talofa lava.

You might want to grab a cup of tea and get comfortable – this newsletter has a lot to read! 

I'd like to extend a huge congratulations to all our teams on their round one wins! The impressive scores across the board were fantastic to see. While the Prem Reserves and the Colts didn't achieve the results they wanted, I'm confident their hard work will pay off soon. Team reports are included below for more details.

It was awesome to welcome our supporters, members, and families back to the clubrooms. Your support, especially given the circumstances, meant a lot. I hope you appreciated some of the changes we implemented over the weekend. It was a good chance to see what went well and identify areas for improvement next weekend. The Executive and Bar Team can't manage this alone, so your continued support is essential for smooth operations. Please remember that members need to show their membership card to purchase alcoholic beverages; please don't be offended if you can't be served without it.

Regarding our signing-in policy, any guests wishing to purchase alcohol must sign in as a visitor and show their ticket. Two Executive Committee members will be available to assist with signing people in. Signing in or showing a membership card isn't required for non-alcoholic drinks.

JRFC Membership: As a member, you'll receive a membership card for the season, which includes an invitation to the Old Timers lunch for $30. It will also assist when buying alcoholic drinks at the bar. You can make payments into the club account:

JRFC Hawks

Account: 01 - 0519 - 0070195 - 02

Reference: Your Name

Old Timers, Saturday 18 April 2025

I've included a draft program for Old Timers, which is subject to change.

• 11.30am – Doors open

• 12.00pm – President’s welcome speech, jersey presentation to the Premier Reserves

• 12.15pm – Lunch

• 12.55pm – Clap on the Premier Reserves.

• 1.00pm  -   Chairperson welcome speech, jersey presentation to the Woodridge Homes Premiers

• 2.40pm –   Clap on the Premiers

• 2.45pm –   Woodridge Homes Johnsonville Premiers vs. HOBM

• 5.30pm –   Premier speeches, results of the day

• 6.15pm –   Blazer and Life Member presentations

• 7.00pm –   Membership draw

• 7.30pm –   Entertainment commences

Friday, April 18th – Sunday, April 20th, 2025. 125th Jubilee:  Venue: JRFC 80 Helston Road

There's still time to register for this epic weekend. Please register by clicking on the link  here  and let me know if you have any registration issues. For catering purposes, the close off date for registrations will be Wednesday 16 April 2025, 5pm.

See the program below.

To purchase tickets, link here 

We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you, so be sure to mark your calendars!

Event Programme:

Friday 18 April: Meet n Greet.

Venue: Johnsonville Rugby Football Club, 80 Helston Road, Johnsonville.

Doors open from 2pm

• 2.15pm: Confirm registration and collect the 125th pack.

• 2.30pm: Welcome address

Kai provided.

Sunday 20 April - 125th Jubilee Lunch

Venue: Johnsonville Rugby Football Club, 80 Helston Road, Johnsonville.

Doors open from 11.30am for ticketed Lunch attendees. The bar opens at 2pm.

• 12.15pm: Welcome Address

• 12.30pm: Lunch

• 1.00pm: Guest Speakers

• 2.00pm: End of the formalities and clubrooms are open to all

• 2.15pm: Auction of the 125th Playing Premier Jerseys, a replica close to the 1900 jersey. We will be auctioning number 1 to number 15 only, in a random order until the start of the Friendly Game. Remaining numbers auctioned off after the game

• 3.00pm: Friendly game of rugby for those reliving their younger days! I believe we will have some ex-Cripples, some from the 1998 Premier team, and anyone that can still run and tackle!

After the game, there will be more mingling in the clubrooms before we wrap up.

When you purchase your Johnsonville Rugby Football Club 125th Anniversary ticket, you'll also be registered as a Social Member for the 2025 season. A membership card will be issued for you (and your partner if purchasing two tickets), ready for collection on April 18th, 2025. Please remember to have your membership card with you at all times while in the Johnsonville Rugby Club Rooms. A lanyard will be included as part of the 125th pack.

To purchase tickets, link here 

Game report: Round One, Saturday 5 April 2025: 

Premiers:

Some exciting news from Helston Park, where the Johnsonville Hawks celebrated the start of their 125th anniversary year with a resounding 46-28 victory over Paremata-Plimmerton. It was a combined team effort that saw our hearty forwards and swashbuckling backs working together brilliantly for six tries to four win. Leading the charge was returning lock Anthony Pettett and evergreen prop Haamea Ahio, supported by the likes of lock Taani Mafile’o and rookie openside flanker Louis Magalogo. Our pack dominated their opposites all afternoon, allowing our backs to enjoy the freedom of open space.

After leading 26-14 at halftime, the Hawks effectively secured the game in the opening minutes of the second half. Capitalizing on two consecutive handling and passing mistakes by Paremata-Plimmerton, we ran in two quick tries to extend our lead to 38-14. The first of these tries was scored by second five Olly Paotonu in the clubrooms corner, following a pass that went to ground by Paremata-Plimmerton first five Dale Sabbagh. The second try saw our centre Aukuso Tuitama collect a similar dropped pass, leading to a popular try for lock Pettett. The game was sealed when flanker Magalogo scored after a penalty and scrum close to the line, making it 43-14. Although Paremata-Plimmerton gave themselves a flicker of hope with right wing Sione Baker scoring his second try of the day, our subs bench was just as committed as the starters, quashing any comeback attempts.

Johnsonville closed out their scoring with a penalty, while the visitors managed a bonus point consolation try on full time. Earlier in the match, we made the best possible start with our scrum going beast mode, leading to a lovely try by Hurricanes U20s left wing Jacob Kennedy. Paremata-Plimmerton hit back with a try off a scrum to level the scores.

Right wing Jacob Walmsley was involved in our next two tries, extending the score to 19-7. He threw an inside pass to the scorer of the second try and caught a cross-kick on the full to set up the third. Despite their disjointed performance, Paremata-Plimmerton showed glimpses of their potential with a try that saw right wing Baker inject himself into the midfield from an attacking scrum, crossing on the left hand side to close the gap to 19-14.

We closed out the first half with another popular try, with Walmsley again in the thick of the action. His midfield burst led to flanker Magalogo’s first try in front of the scoreboard supporters. The only downside was our fullback Finlay Sharp leaving the field with an apparent hamstring issue.

On this performance, Johnsonville will be a tough team to beat at home this year.

Cheers,

Andrew

Try time!

Premier Reserves:

It was a tough day at the office for our Premier Reserve side, taking on a strong Paraplim outfit at home. The first half proved challenging, as we were unable to get on the scoreboard and struggled to contain the relentless attack from our visitors. Paraplim took full advantage, running in multiple tries to take a commanding 46-0 lead into the break.

After a reset at halftime and a few strategic changes, our boys came out with renewed energy and focus. Our defensive line tightened up, and we began to find momentum on attack. Tries from Sam Cook, Iosefo Alosio, and Fili Malo saw Johnsonville finally break through the Paraplim defence, with Stephen Nelson successfully converting Alosio’s effort.

Paraplim added a converted try and a penalty in the second half, but it was a much more competitive and spirited contest after the break. Final score 17 - 53 (Paremata Plimmerton)

Despite the early setback, we’re incredibly proud of the resilience and determination our team showed to bounce back in the second half. There are plenty of learnings to take away, and we’ll be working hard at training this week as we prepare to face Ories.

Prem Reserves and supporters

Thanks,

Anya.

Colts:

Colts' vs Paremata-Plimmerton at Newlands Park

The 2025 season kicked off under blue skies at Newlands Park, perfect conditions for rugby. Unfortunately, the rugby itself didn’t quite match the weather, as we went down 64–15 to a sharp and confident Paremata.Plimmerton outfit.

Despite the scoreboard, there were some real positives to take from the game. We started with solid intent and showed flashes of aggressive, straight running, particularly from Olly at Number 8 and Conner, our tight-head prop. That attitude carried into the second half, where we tightened up and competed with far more purpose.

We were rewarded with three well-earned tries, and the standout performance of the day goes to Fili, playing in the mid-field. He was a class act, showing why he’s pushing for higher honours. He’d be right at home in the B’s or even the Prem setup.

In the forwards, Conner and Olly worked tirelessly all game, refusing to roll over and continuing to front up right to the final whistle, with Chalis tackling his heart out.

There were moments when our defence held strong, and we looked dangerous on attack when things clicked. Now it’s about building on those good moments, extending our phase play, and bringing that same intensity for the full 80 minutes.

Plenty to work on, but plenty to build from. Onward and upward, team.

Gus Smith (Assistant Coach).

JRFC Colts - looking sharp!

Terrahawks 85s:

The Terrahawks kicked off the season in style, starting strong and drawing first blood with an early try to take the lead against the Axemen. However, the Axemen responded with force, punching back after a prolonged period of resolute line defense to level the score with a well-earned try of their own.

Undeterred, the Terrahawks found their rhythm, unleashing a flurry of tries to build a comfortable buffer and assert their dominance. The Axemen, refusing to fade, clawed their way back into contention, narrowing the gap to a single scoring play.

What followed was an intense, back-and-forth passage of rugby, with both sides digging deep in a bid to seize control. The Terrahawks, showcasing their flair and lightning speed, broke the deadlock with a stunning try from deep in their own half, stretching the lead to 10 points and igni ting the crowd. As the clock ticked down, the Terrahawks’ grit shone through. Their ironclad line defense stood tall in the final 10 minutes, repelling wave after wave of Axemen attacks to seal a hard-fought victory in the season opener. A triumphant start for the Terrahawks—long live the Mayor!!

Reserve Grade aka The Mighty Cripples:

The Mighty Cripples kicked off our 40th-year season with a strong victory against Tawa in our first game, with a great turnout of players. The team has shown commitment to training over the past month, and it paid off with a final score of 46 to 14. 

We have a bye week this weekend, but we will continue to train and improve as we prepare for our Easter game.

Presidents aka Pressies:

Jville vs Upperhutt, Delaney Park 1.30 pm

Weather; warm

Conditions; firm under foot.

Referee; yes

Welcome to the 2025 season in which we are now officially playing for championship points logged by the WRU.

Several new laws changes this year too, mainly around tackle heights to protect players, i.e. the first tackler must be seen to make an attempt to lower himself to tackle in the abdomen area while the second tackler may tackle below shoulder height. No croc rolls to prevent injury, retreating from kicks, not just standing there with your hands up. And a few others rule around lineouts and scrums.

A fine warm afternoon greeted us at Delaney Park as did a few Upper Hutt players in the car park.

Good numbers arrived in time for kickoff, as positions were juggled to accommodate everyone. 5 subs on the sideline allowed for a quick rest if needed during the game.

1st half.

5 mins in, and we looked like a team on a mission, steadily worked our way up the field to within striking distance for Jerome to burst over for his first of 2 tries

5-0

Another attacking flurry came unstuck on their 25m line with a backline fumble for UH to swoop and scamper away for a long distance try.

5-5

Hard driving play with forwards and back combining for most of the game saw good results, but occasional cock ups gave up possession for UH to score several tries. Quick tap = UH try

5-10

Intercept from a stray pass= UH try

5-15

A period of Helter-skelter rugby was followed by Jerome's’ converted try

12-15

Good work by outside backs and Wayne’s chip and chase Noah crossing over

17-15

A storming run-down sideline by Gert resulted in a try to a supporting Roy

22-15

2nd half.

Back and forth play until a spilled ball by UH cost them a try to Peter

29-15

A few minutes later, Peter scorched his way over for a second

34-15

Uh came back into the game ,3 penalties in a row resulted in a try to UH

34-20

Peter cantered over for his third try

39-20

UH reply in kind

39-25

Noah to put the final nail in the coffin.

44 -25.

A good day at the office by Jville, whose fitness and goal kicking needs work, but a very good start to the season.

Defence was outstanding!

Player of the day could have gone to several players, Jerome and Noah standouts, but well-deserved Peter, played with composure and speed, not to mention a hat trick!

M o D going to rookie Bryn, fly hacking the ball twice and getting yelled at by me! Sorry Bryn!!

Ted- sideline reporter, management committee, Scientologist.

Pressies

Before I sign off, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the many generous donors who helped cover the legal fees associated with the Hearing. I would also like to acknowledge Kerry Walsh and his group for their contributions. Your support was essential in enabling us to meet our financial obligations to the lawyers.

To our Club and Team Sponsors, thank you for your invaluable support and sponsorship. We rely heavily on your contributions to keep our Club running and to manage the associated costs.

Ia manuia

Susan.