Red & Black Express
2009 Club Awards
Misipalauni Moananu
Lock Toms Trophy - Player's Player of the Year - Misipalauni Moananu
Cobb & Co Trophy - Player of the Year - Misipalauni Moananu
L.D McArthur Cup - Best Tackler - Eito Tamura
Norma Nash Trophy - Sportsmanship - Francois Hecquet
Club Captains Trophy - Club Spirit - Paul Hakaraia
Eddie King Memorial Trophy - Top Points Scorer - Ola Vaai
Eddie Te Kahika Cup - Top Try Scorer - Kwain Auelua
Alhambra Cup - Most Points (Team) - Premiers
Kevin Gimblett Trophy - Coaching Achievement - Richard Watt
John Davies Trophy - Team Management - Mel Davies
Kennedy Cup - Best Age Grade Player - Charlie Ngatai
Henderson Cup - Captaincy - Misipalauni Moananu
BJ Gallagher Cup - 85kg MVP - Tony Natoli
Lindsay Maunder Memorial Trophy - Most Promising Premier Player - Ben Huntley
Mike Matthews Cup - Most Valuable Club Member - Robin Dodd
2009 Club Awards
Premier - Best Forward - Seti Tafua
Premier - Best Back - Marika Kau
Senior First - Best Forward - Lance Purdie
Senior First - Best Back - Peter Shand
Senior 2 - Ruffnut of the Year - Takeo Kondo
Senior 2 - Ruffnuts Stateman - Hemi Tui
Colts - MVP - Jacob Ready
Colts - Most Improved Player - Michael Sage
The Cavs - Best Forward - Marcus Whitehead
The Cavs - Best Back - Ollie Gilmore
The Hammers - Best Forward - Marc Peard
The Hammers - Best Back - Joe Gallagher
Rebels - Most Consistent Player - Aaron Robson
Rebels - MVP - James Tawhiri
Rebels - Most Old Rebel - Fred Baker
Women - Best Forward - Tracey Sa
Women - Best Back - Tania Peters
Women - MVP - Kelley Dalgety
Women - Personality of the Year - Princess Oriana Tui
Presidents - Best Forward - Mike Ironside
Presidents - Best Back - Joe Minirapa
Pies - Best Forward - Dave Clarke
Pies - Best Back - Paul Hodder
2009 Representative Honours
The Hurricanes - Dane Coles (Premiers)
Wellington Lions - Dane Coles (Premiers)
Wellington Lions - Charlie Ngatai (Premiers)
Wellington Lions - Daniel Ramsay (Premiers)
Wellington Lions - Ruki Tipuna (Premiers)
Wellington Lions - Masefau Leuluniu (Premiers)
Wellington B - Richard Watt (Coach)
Wellington B - Marika Kau (Premiers)
Wellington B - Misiluni Moananu (Premiers)
Wellington B - Misipalauni Moananu (Premiers)
Wellington B - Sam Rasch (Premiers)
Wellington B - Tupu Saena (Premiers)
Wellington B - Eito Tamura (Premiers)
Wellington Colts - Daly Meiklejohn (Senior First)
Wellington Colts - Seti Tafua (Premiers)
Wellington 19s - James Pointon (Premiers)
Wellington 19s - Presley Tufuga (Senior First)
Wellington Maori -Ally Paine (The Premiers)
Wellington Maori - Kenny Anderson (The Premiers)
Wellington Samoa - Evan Belford (The Premiers)
East Coast Heartland - Patrick Blackman (The Hammers)
Message from our Club Captain - Mark Warrington
Club Captain Mark Warrington with Life Member Eric Dyne
Fair to say that 2009 was a season of many highs, dominated on the field by a superb brand of rugby played by our teams and off the field by the opening of modern new facilities downstairs and the usual great camaraderie upstairs!
It was a logistical challenge early on with Plan B. in place for showering and changing but we overcame this without too many difficulties and I must acknowledge the cooperation of our teams and the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre who made this possible. I am sure that the new facility relegates any inconvenience to distant memory.
On the playing side the season must go down as a successful one overall. We fielded 11 senior teams - welcoming back to the fold a Women’s team, and each provided its unique character to the fabric of Poneke. Our playing numbers were up on 2008 and tangibly the Premier side was a semi finalist in the Jubilee Cup as were the Senior 2 and Division One Reserves Grade Hammers in their grades. The Cavs won their first round for promotion to First Division, our Senior 1 side qualified for the Hardham Cup Division and of course the Pressies retained the Hubcap! The Colts have laid a platform to be built on for a big season next year, our Rebels side continued to play some great footy despite some disruptions and the Women hung in with great spirit (and great fundraising evenings!). Our Pies side again survived another season of representing us on Sundays and its numbers continue to grow.
We saw 3 more players earn Premier blazers after their 30th starting match and 19 players were selected for various Wellington representative teams along with Watty as Wellington B coach so we congratulate you all and will be following your endeavours with pride.
Unfortunately it was a season punctuated by rain and therefore field closure issues and I thank all teams for their patience and perseverance regarding utilisation of alternative training schedules. It is testament to them that they all 'got on with the business' and achieved as they did - rest assured that we are following up on procedures to minimise these affects in future seasons.
On behalf of the board and the teams I must acknowledge Chanelle and her staff, our CCO 'Watty' and of course our team coaches, managers, physio’s and medics. We have a great group of people involved in these roles and indeed without your efforts we would not have the quality of club that we do so congratulations and thanks go to you all and I trust that you got as much enjoyment from your involvement, despite the aforementioned difficulties as those who played in or followed the teams.
Speaking of those who followed the teams we have in our midst a band of supporters second to none. Whether it is Sherrol and Co. patrolling the sideline, the in goal crew or the groups at the tables upstairs they show unrelenting loyalty - it is not lost on visitors to the club what a positive atmosphere we have with players and supporters mixing after matches.
Our board has continued to look forward in its planning per the last few seasons when the gym has been up
graded, Green Room opened, new training lights installed and upgrading the facilities downstairs. All of these projects benefit the club as a whole and I thank the great people who make up our board for their dedication to ensuring that Poneke remains the best club to play for and belong to. To this end we're going to be busy as a club over the summer with recruitment and other programmes and I can assure you all that 2010 will be bigger and better.
All the best for summer and I look forward to seeing you in 2010.
Premiers Report
Premiers
We congratulate the new players who represented for the Premiers for 2009:
Alex Alesbrook (England – Injured)
Kenny Anderson (Senior One)
Tom Anderson (Senior One)
Judd Baker (Senior One)
Andrew Castle (Otago)
Adrian Grey (Auckland)
Tom Hiratsuka (Otago)
Doug Jones (Senior One)
Charlie Ngatai (Poverty Bay)
Justin Purdie (Wests – Injured)
Daniel Ramsay (Southland)
Sam Rasch (Petone)
Pa Taitoko (Senior One)
Ruki Tipuna (Bay of Plenty)
Premiers vs. Marist St. Pats - Mick Horan - Ken Millar Memorial Trophy Inaugural Winner
In the trophy cabinet for 2009:
Mick Horan-Ken Millar Memorial Trophy - First round win against Marist St Pats 18-8
Beet Algar Rosebowl - First round win against Old Boys University 76-0
Cederwall Memorial Cup - First round win against West Roosters 13-8
Roy Johns Shield - First round win against Hutt Old Boys Marist 29-19
Alby Makeham Memorial Shield - First round win against Upper Hutt 34-22
Paul Hakaraia Trophy - First round win against Wainuiomata 26-19
Andy Leslie Minor Premier Trophy - Minor Premier Winner
At the end of the Swindale Shield competition:
Charlie Ngatai - Poneke's top point’s scorer at Premier Level with 63 points (7th overall)
Adrian Grey - Second for our club with a personal points tally of 50 (9th overall)
Ambrose Plaister - Leading top try scorer with 8 tries (4th overall)
Daniel Ramsay & Marika Kau - Second for the club with 7 tries each (7th= overall)
At the end of the Jubilee Cup competition:
Sam Rasch - Poneke’s top point’s scorer at Premier Level with 48 points (5th overall)
Adrian Grey - Second for our club with a personal points tally of 30 (9th overall)
Ben Huntley, Marika Kau & Evan Belford - Poneke’s Top Try Scorer (4 tries - 5th= overall)
Finally – congratulations to those who earned their Poneke Premier Blazers this season:
Cam Garvie
Ben Huntley
Eito Tamura
SENIOR FIRST REPORT - By Jed Thian (Coach)
Senior First vs. OBU
The 2009 Senior 1 season saw a group of young Poneke players mature into a new team, a team with flare and courage and capable of playing periods of Premier quality Rugby. Off the back of very good pre-season form the season started with a stutter against Norths and Marist, both teams who have been challenging over the previous seasons. From there however the team took charge of their season and began a tremendous run of form which culminated in a brutal win over Rimutaka.
The dual role of the team came into focus as the Premiers forged their way back into trophy contention with a large number of Senior First players - including Captain Doug Jones, Judd Baker and club icon Evan Belford making numerous appearances for PFC's top team. It was heartening to see Kenny Anderson make his way into the Premier shed and begin to perform to his potential and the team benefited from the presence of established Premier players when the need arose.
Players such as Peter Raine and Jamie Wall showed that the Senior side of the club is open to each and everyone that is willing to commit themselves totally. Physically small but towering in their commitment to the side these, two players are proof that the club has within it's ranks very good rugby players who need only to give themselves the opportunity to try for the higher level, rather than watch.
The group was also incredibly fortunate to have the services of Faatoto Moananu (pictured above) as coach in 2009. What a magnificent aura he brought the room and the responsibilities of wearing the Poneke strip became in some way more real to all involved with the team. I would thank 'T' for his work with the side this year and wish him well for future seasons. It was great to work closely with him and learn more about the special character of the club through him as well as learn more about the game.
With strong form in the Harper Lock Trophy round resulting in the invitation to play under Premier 2 status, the Hardham Cup round began with two heartbearking results from which the side was not able to recover. However more than once the team battled with Premier teams from other clubs to the absolute death. Much is made about the ability of Senior 1 teams to beat Premier sides in the Hardham Cup, but in my opinion the difference is attitude - not ability. The Senior teams at Poneke are not simply an 'A' and a 'B' side - they have players who over three seasons have grown into their roles for a club that now is home to a Hurricane and an influential group of Wellington Lions, Wellngton 'B' and age group representative players.
I would hope that the goal for the Senior 1 team in the future will be to be rated inside the top 12 senior rugby teams in Wellington. It is not an impossible goal, there are the players and coaching available to make it happen, only the resolve need to be found and the course set. I believe that Poneke will dominate the Wellington club scene completely once the members of the Senior 1 team acknowledge their own abilities and strive to improve their game.
The Hardham Cup round was not a success on the face of it. Behind the scenes the team were hard working and extremely good fun to be around. Naturally tensions in the camp rose but all these instances pale in comparison to the effort and focus the team made on finding the performance they could all be proud of. On occasions they did and it showed, moving the ball with pace and utilising the natural attacking flare of the back was fantastic to see.
There was youth in the side in 2009 with Presley Tufaga making a impact from the pre-season and James Ross; the hard running mid-fielder, becoming a regular starter. Joe Fiu came to the club as a Halfback but showed tremendous presence as a skilled Second Five-Eighth a position he was able to make his own through an injury to Rhys Jackson. One of the highlights of 2009 was watching Rhys string together a run of games and finally find some form. After many obstacles in his way he got himself on the pitch and showed he is both courageous and gifted by swapping position to Second Five-Eighth. Jacksons' tackling, communication and solid approach to game helped the team to establish a platform in the early part of the season and the team reveled in it. His cool head close to the line led to pressure being converted into tries and the touchdown against Petone in the first round was testament to his true ability.
Another player that changed positions was Scott Garvie (pictured) as he went from Lock to Tighthead Prop, a position in the club that is need of depth development and in the medium to long term Scott will be one of the frontrunners to provide it. Physically strong, his extra height in lifting is an advantage in the lineout and his size is greatly needed on a Premier 2 pitch. With concentration and game time Scott will be a strong contender for a Premier spot in just a couple of short seasons.
The team also benefited from the ability and experience of Scott Bain, the tearaway Openside Flanker who made his return to Rugby after a shocking shoulder injury in 2008. As he came back he was able to lead the team through deed as he terrorised most of the First Five-Eighths in the competition. With speed and anticipation as well as the sense to link plays with excellent support play he shone as the fitness and conditioning came back to him. Although still a half season off good form, having his style of play on hand for the Premiers late in 2010 will be something I am sure the coaching staff will be looking forward to greatly.
In 2009 Lance Purdie and Peter Shand were selected as the two players that made the season their own. Lance is a raw, naturally aggressive Lock who was forced to learn quickly in 2009. Responsible for the Lineouts he showed the ability to lead in the role and never took a backward step during the season. Lance has the potential to develop into a typical Poneke Lock -forward, hard, uncompromising and totally committed to the cause on the pitch. His aggressive play will stir up some controversy from time to time but he has the goods to back things up on the paddock.
After battling with injuries in 2008 Peter Shand (pictured with his brother and father) made an impressive start to the season in which he made himself one of the first picked each weekend with consistently committed performances. As Peter reduces the error rate in his play he'll be a player that will push for a spot in the Premier room. His high work rate and coverage of the paddock is quite amazing. He is also one of the sides better on-field tacticians and his ability to communicate on defence makes up for his lack of physical presence. Still he possesses a genuine turn of speed and with his support play was on hand to score tries regularly in 2009.
Pete Brooks and Glenn Shand (pictured) were the management team in 2009 and on behalf of the team I would like to extend our gratitude for their service. Our rooms were always superbly prepared, we were feed and watered after each match and the fact that they were always prepared meant everyone representing the Senior 1 side knew the moment they walked in the door they had people believing in them.
Lara Jackson (pictured in the middle with Virginia and Rhys Jackson) was infinitely more robust than her brother and her assistance as the team physio was brilliant. It pays to be robust amongst a rugby team but I am proud to report that the actions of the men in the side were nearly always tasteful. It was clear to all and sundry however that she may have been the more durable of the two when Lara was able to maintain more composure during a court session than her brother Rhys. Thanks goes to Lara for all her excellent work behind the scenes and for giving her time up on Tuesday nights to assist in the recovery of the players. It was very good to work with you Lara - thank you very much. Stephen Bachop took the time assist in the development of the team also this year and the team benefited greatly for it. Thanks Stephen for sharing some your massive rugby experience with the team.
Tale Vakaloloma was on hand this year to give years of Premier experience to the team. His often frank and direct observations was the perfect way to set the record straight in the changing shed when the team analysed their weekends performance. He also helped to institute some 'true grit' in the training sessions. Tale is not someone to be fooled with in the physical environment of the Poneke 'green room', but slowly the team were able to grasp the concept of fighting fire with fire. That Tale should spend each session fully involved with the team again speak volumes about the Poneke Football Club.
Tale for your time and the freedom with which you dispensed your knowledge of the game to the next group of Poneke players please accept my thanks - I know the team joins me in these sentiments.
Having taken on the position of Senior 1 coach in 2007 I was never in any doubt as to what my role was; it was to take a team of players and try develop them into potential Premier players, while giving them a focus and direction as a group to construct a team and culture that they were all able to buy into. It has been the most fun I've enjoyed since playing the game, to be challenged on a weekly basis was great, as it opened the mind to looking for solutions rather on focusing on the changes that might occur.
Having the inspirational Richard Watt as the Club Coaching Coordinator was another wonderful part of the Poneke experience for me. He is a leader of men and part of the standard that all players in the senior side of the club must live up to if the Red & Black is ever going to sit well on their shoulders. His club spirit came to fore with the passing of two of the clubs dearest members and for me that will always be something I shall appreciate in him.
After three seasons as the coach of the Senior 1 side it is time to move on and find another role. At this time I unsure as to what my next assignment will be or even in what country it will be in but I will take my experience in from this team with me knowing that the formation of my coaching was at Poneke and it would be against my better instincts to move to another Wellington club if I was to remain local.
I am grateful for the opportunity to coach at one of New Zealands' greatest Rugby clubs. A good friend made the point to me that the Poneke Football Club could be affected by the decisions of the All Black coach if he decided to make changes or should injury dictate certain selections. After I had thought about it I realised that this was in fact true. It was more proof that this club is more than we may at times understand. To Duncan, Robin, Flo, Mark and the members and supporters of the Poneke Football Club, to the players who have always played for the glory of our colours and the pride of the club I offer my humble thanks. It has been an honour to be part of the fun.
THE WOMENS REPORT - By Jennie Tonu'u (Player/Coach)
Poneke Womens Team at Prizegiving
2009 season marked the return of the Women’s team. It was a daunting and exciting challenge for Rangi and me in the beginning of the season but we made it. In the end we had over 30 women registered and am happy to say that the Women’s team is here to STAY.
We didn't come first and we didn't come last. We got a hammering during some games but still left the field with our heads held high, proud and happy to be playing in our PONEKE colours. Being a competitive person I was a bit worried about the scores until one of the players said to me "Jen don't be too disappointed - we had fun out there and enjoyed it". That I feel is TRUELY the main reason for playing.
We scored some AWESOME tries, made some CRUNCHING tackles, and sang some great songs at the CLUB. We made new friends and reunited with old friends while enjoying and learning how to play rugby along the way.
I had an awesome time coaching this year. I always do - never a dull moment! It’s always exciting to see the smiles on the girl’s faces before and after the games and at training. To see the potential in players and for the players to realise their own potential, getting them to strive to be better players. To build their confidence. To see improvement and for me to say "WOW they did it". It is such an awesome feeling, a connection, a vibe that only passionate coaches and players will ever feel.
I personally would like to thank all the Legends of Women’s rugby who returned, who came out of retirement after 10-18 years and still played with the strength and heart of Lionesses: Rangi Aukino, Sefulu Sione, Marge Apa, Joanne (Bubbles) Maunder, Jacqui Maru, Poto Mapu. Also thanks to all the first timers, Tracey Sa, Maree Rutledge (RUT), Jazzy Russell, Nikki Sievers. Thanks to those who transferred from other clubs Tila, Kirk and Lisa. The future of our team is in good hands with the return of our younger players Tania Peters, Kelly Dalgety, Talilotu Tonu'u, Oriana S. Tui, Mua Tafaovale, Megan, Mary-Anne, Alofa, Caro and Gas. How can I forget the 2 magu-dangers Mickayla & Sarah who no longer live in Welly, good luck to you both with your careers hope you both still play rugby and no doubt we will keep in touch. Big hug and kisses to my lil boy IFEANYICHUKWU TONU'U who puts up with his mummy going nuts every Saturday morning before games and every other day as well. Nothing but LOVE for you my son.
Big thanks to all our supporters who came to our games, those from other clubs who came to fill in, those who came to watch and ran on the field (LOL). It was awesome to have a bond with other clubs and for us to help each other out. I would like to thank our husbands, partners, families and babysitters for being there for us but mainly the CHILDREN for letting their mums come to training and to play our games.
Special thanks to the following:
The club for their support when approached in 2008 with the intention to restart our team
Rangi Aukino for coming back to the club to help coach. I only had to ring once and she came, no convincing needed just a straight YES!!
To Jazzy Russell who was injured early in the season and took the role up of manager. Can't wait for you to get better and back on that field to CARVE up.
To Tracey and Marge not only for your efforts on the field but for the hard work you did behind the scenes with the fundraising, we couldn't have got our subs without your organising skills.
Bluebridge for the Raffle prize of a return trip to Picton.
To all those who supported both our Poker fundraisers and big Thanks to Con who ran them.
To Watty, Mark and Florence for all your support during the year.
LASTLY, I would like to encourage all our Poneke members to ask the strong, dedicated women in your lives to come and play rugby. Your wives, sisters, relatives, girlfriends, daughters and grand daughters. There is one thing to play this great game of rugby but it is greater to play rugby for our great club PONEKE.
Alofa tele! SOIFUA
THE COLTS REPORT - By Mark Potter (Coach)
2009 Colts with Francois Hecquet
At the beginning of 2009 there were very few players returning from last year’s Colts Team so there was a real need for rebuilding players stocks. After a recruitment campaign that was supported by many of the Premiers at pre season time Poneke acquired a lot of young players with great promise. Most of the U21 squad was under 19 years of age. Next year’s squad should have a large contingent of 2009 players returning for Colts rugby. We have great plans for 2010.
The team this year was coached by Mark Potter and assistant coaches were Francois Hecquet and Lou Watene. Training was made very difficult with so little access to grounds for most of the season. Francois had a stint running a second team to cater for an over flow of players. Unfortunately the numbers dwindled and the core players spent too much time covering two games each Saturday. The decision to drop the second team had to be made so we could focus on the committed players. This paid dividends for the remainder of the season.
The team was also rapt that Francois was chosen for the sportsmanship award at the club’s prize giving.
We were a mini United Nations this year - particularly with an injection of young guys out from the UK for their OE. Many trainings were punctuated by outbursts in British accents followed closely by a challenge in a French accent. Sometimes it was like the Napoleonic wars never ended. All the new boys brought a real dose of fun to the team and we had a really enjoyable season. Lou introduced a new half time vocabulary to the boys which they often like to use themselves! Mark traumatised one or two with a pair of tight shiny training pants that revealed too much if bending in the wrong way, which probably introduced feelings of inadequacy in one or two as well.
Mark Potter and the Colts at Prizegiving
We had quite an impressive lineout that dominated all teams we played and a scrum that caused all sorts of problems for the opposition. The backline was a force to be reckoned with when we had consistency of players and settled combinations.
The team would like to thank everyone at the club for their support this year including Chanelle, Florence and especially Mark Warrington and Watty for their support this year.
THE CAVS TEAM REPORT - By Geoff Botherway (Captain)
With only one 80/80 team in the club this year it was always going to be interesting. Made up of the core of the 2008 Cavs: Geoff, Walters, Leafi, Tim, Sam, Tony P, Marcus & Hamish, ex. Dogs-of-War, Tony M, Tyler, Tristan, Ross, Isaac and Marcus and with new recruits Mata, Dan, Nathan, Hadley, Johnny, Ollie, Hepa, Pat, Dean, Guy, Howard and Tony ‘two guns’ Natoli - The Cavs - especially the back line - were a force to be reckoned with in Division 2. Also back for another crack were gluttons for punishment, long-time Coach Kevin Magill and club legend Paul ‘Hak’ Hakaraia as Manager (and mother of the Cavs).
It took us a few grading games to get going and form combinations but come the start of round 1 it all started falling into place, and we were undefeated in scoring bonus point victories against – MSP, OBU, Stokes Valley, Eastbourne, Para-Plim and Hutt Old Boys Marist, with a point for & against of 243 – 33 while only conceding 4 tries.
With a heap of confidence we looked forward to the step up to Division 1 to try and keep the Paul Potiki Shield safely locked away at Poneke where it has lived for the last few years, however we knew this was going to be a big ask. We began with a bonus point away win to Waikanae, and another bonus point win at home to OBU. So top of the table going into week 3 we traveled to Hutt Rec. to take on HOBM. Sadly this was where the wheels started to fall off, not only did we lose the game 22-8 but we lost 3 players (all off to Hutt Hospital in the same ambulance), our Coach (out of town on business for the rest of the season) and Manager (temporarily with a dodgy ticker). As you can imagine this took a toll on us and we struggled for a period, losing our next six games, however with the exception of the Wellington game we put in a huge effort and with our injury depleted team left everything on the field.
We finished the season on a good note with another bonus point win over Petone at Petone, finishing up 6th out of 10.
All in all the season was fairly successful, winning Division 2 for the first time in a long time was great and those of us new to Division 1 have learnt a lot. A special mention to our award recipients: Marcus Whitehead who received ‘Forward of the Year’ for the second time in three years, Ollie Gilmour who received ‘Back of the Year’, and last but not least Tony Natoli who received the ‘BJ Gallagher Memorial’ Trophy for ‘Player’s Player of the year’.
This was thoroughly deserved as this was Tony’s first year at the club and he played a huge part in our success in the first round, was very solid in round 2, and a popular member of the Cavs. We look forward to having all the boys back next year and having another crack at Division 1.
Finally we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Jamie Wall from the senior 1st who has taken time out of his life to train us throughout the season. We would have really struggled without you and when things looked shaky you really helped hold us together.
A special mention and thank you to our sponsor: Harbour City Funeral Home & Schramm Law.
PS – Sorry to Hak for all the stress we caused which nearly killed you mid-season, you’re a legend!!!
THE HAMMERS TEAM REPORT - By Brendan Miller (Player)
It has to be said, that whilst this season the Hammers perhaps didn’t always play the most consistent brand of rugby, importantly we played a winning brand of rugby (for the majority of the season).
In the 2nd round we played 7 games and managed to drop just the single game. As it happened our only loss was to the team that ended up eventually going on to win the grade (MSP 15-14 loss – close but no cigar!!). In the 2nd round we also managed to score 148 points for, whilst only letting in a measly 92 points against. This was achieved through gutsy-determined defence and creative attack built around a forward pack that as always played well above its weight and provided a solid platform to attack from.
However the 2009 season will regrettably be remembered as the one that got away. Unfortunately even with such determination and grit being shown throughout the season we managed to stumble at the second to last hurdle losing our semi final to Upper Hutt.
The boys gave a gargantuan effort but alas after leading the game for 70 minutes we simply ran out of gas and Upper Hutt deservedly went on to win. Praise has to be heaped on those courageous players who gave it there everything till the bitter end.
Boys, don’t let it get you down and remember that next year will be a new season and if we can roll on from this season we will be well placed to challenge for the silverware again.
Some of the more memorable highlights of this season included:
Joe ‘Jonah’ Gallagher (pictured) continuing his try scoring prowess and notching up 10 tries. If it wasn’t for a bit of a dry patch in the second round I have no doubt he would certainly be challenging for the clubs top try scorer award. Well done Joe!
Lenny Nikora having another outstanding season where he managed to play almost every minute of every game anchoring our scrum and providing a quality platform for the backs. He never took a backward step even though many games were played with a hefty hangover in tow. Nice work Lens!
Wilson finally bringing a pair of kicking boots back to the Hammers franchise. His kicking expertise scrapped us through many a tight game in the end. Well done mate.
The reintroduction of the pink shorts punishment. Basically which ever player had the worst performance, for any number of reasons, was voted on and then in the next game was forced to wear pink socks and pink shorts.
Convincing wins over long time traditional rivals the OBU 69’ers and Ories J8’s provided no end of enjoyment for long time Hammers. These teams have always been a thorn in our side and it was great to have a season where we consistently had the upper hand. I’m sure there will be many tremendous battles to come in the future.
Pat Blackman (pictured) getting chosen to join the East Coast NPC team after a very solid season at the back of our scrum. Finally the Hammers will be recognised as the breeding ground of champions. Perhaps Mr Henry will see the value that could be gained by sending a few players to us for ‘reconditioning’. Must be the Tui flowing through our veins I reckon.
Shane ‘sexy boots’ Ward’s interesting managerial techniques (and fur lined boots) brought some semblance of organisation to the Hammers pre game rituals.
Rather than training this season it was decided that we would turn up to games ready to go a minimum of 30 minutes before kickoff. Those that didn’t make the cut off time were punished by having to shout jugs for the team. We are now considering a similar performance based incentive for next season. Who knows what we can achieve with beer as a motivator!!
Showing our appreciation
Thank you to Poneke for supporting us throughout the year. It is great to be a part of the family. Whilst we haven’t generally required too much from the club, whenever we have needed something Mark has come through, even if did mean playing a game against the Rebels in a gaudy league strip borrowed from the local dry cleaners, classic!!
Thank you to all of our faithful supporters. To all the family members, wives, girlfriends and mates who have cheered for us throughout the year. Your support has gotten us through many tough games and we recognise that we couldn’t do it without you.
Finally a massive thank you needs to go out to all the boys who turned up and gave their blood sweat and tears playing for the Hammers this season. You’re all the backbone of this great team and I hope to share another season with you next year. Don’t ponder what could have been; think about what could yet be. You definitely had a year that you can be proud of. Bring on 2010.
THE REBELS TEAM REPORT - By Boyd Pritchard (Coach)
The REBELS had a tough decision to make for the 2009 season - Do we play in the Reserve grade or join up with the Pressies?
The brain teasers that needed to be asked were: Are we ready for non-contested scrums (commonly called Golden Oldies scrums); drink tap beer; 20 minute playing halves; able to carry a tray with 15 full jugs without spillage; having rolling subs; able to pay for 15 jugs; refereeing your own games; drinking copious volumes of beverages; able to converse and understand Tino; able to deduce which is the freshest jug of beer; able to sing in tune both sober and drunk; reminisce and converse about how things use to be in the good ole days; know all the songs from the 50s, 60s and in Danny’s case late 40s; scratching for players when playing away; telling your body “you can do it…. you can do it” and finally be over the playing age of 45.
Well we thought long and hard, and after 5 boxes of Heinie’s the turning point was when we hit the wall of indecision or was it slurred thinking that we decided to stay in the Reserve grades. After our 3 grading games (we tactically defaulted one of them) we ended up in Reserves TWO.
Now at this point, I wish to remind you of the phrase ‘a game of two halves’, well lets say, we had a ‘season of two halves’. In our first round of 7 games we won 4 and lost 3, with 156 points for, 103 against and 22 tries scored.
We asked (during the course of this round) the WRFU for 3pm games as we had players who were now being worked their full Saturday hours right up till 1pm (a sign of the times), which they duly complied with.
Fate dealt us a cruel blow in the last game of the first round, although we won, the 2nd ranked team heading into the last games LOST, bumping us up into 2nd place by 1 championship point. So we ended up getting promoted up to Reserves ONE. So in the second half of the season and now in Reserve ONE, we had 7 games with no wins, defaulted 2 (2 games at 1.15pm allocated as home games, were both transferred out to Trentham and Porirua respectively), drew 1 (against Wests Mixed Veges also promoted up from Reserves TWO) and lost 4, with 32 points for, 118 against and only 3 tries.
Yep - definitely a ‘season of two halves’.
We had a group of players committed to the REBELS, but as the season carried on, this group was getting smaller, but thanks to mates of mates, our club players from the Pressies, 80/80s, age grades & Senior teams, a returning overseas player, Newtown Bowling club, Para-Plim club, rugby league players from Wellington & Oz and even college recruits we managed to scrape up a running XV to start the game and await our other players coming in from work (we could’ve played some of our Women’s players, but strapping tape can only hide so much).
Highlights of our season:
Getting 3pm games
Finally getting a home game on 01Aug09 (after 8 games) and using the splendid NEW Poneke changing room facilities
Having a running XV on the paddock
Only 3 cancelled games throughout the season
Getting the Grass Roots rugby star from the Wairarapa area released for one game
Lows of our season:
Getting 1.15pm games
Getting transferred out of the city (4 scheduled games transferred out to Onepoto, Porirua & Trentham twice)
The passing away of two of our REBELS fathers
Having to default twice cos of transfers & start time
Playing on Ian Galloway no. 3 (am sure I mentioned in my last years report for this friggen lop sided, water logged, stupid artificial sited cricket pitches field to be CLOSED/CONDEMNED)
Losing players due to injury and/or work, even losing our manager
REBELS would like to make special mention of the following:
Team awards for 2009 were allocated to:
Most Consistent Player, Aaron Rabson
Most Valuable Player, James Tawhiri
Most Old REBEL, Fred Baker
Feta for continuing to excite his team, supporters and definitely team management on his unique rugby league fullback/soccer goalie method of playing rugby
Kaio for his strength in the scrum and all round field support plus the only Setu brother to keep playing
Mika for being a regular player for the REBELS and bringing along his cousin Turi (SAS recruit)
Justin for playing one full game and didn’t require any cardiac resuscitation (mind you we haven’t seen him after that Tawa game)
Ringo turning up after work and playing hard out just to show us that his nose doesn’t get in the way
Paese............. Paese WHO??????
George, Vaughan & Darren (the 40 plus club) for being on the field until injury/work/family impeded their availability
Our Afrikaans diver Dan, Rian, and our Mountain Man Kerskey whom we lost during the season cos of work
Leon for showing he doesn’t need Jenny Craig, just a good 80 minutes worth of rugby
Isaiah bringing his dad Rennie to play rugby while he occupied himself looking at a man walking up & down the field, smoking, swearing, smoking, gesturing his hands, smoking and giving out mints
Numa Jr. for showing us how to break your collarbone in just 3 minutes of playing time
Manu, Wellington B-ball rep wanting some physical contact and dribbled his way around on the paddock
There were a lot of guys I can mention, but due to space restrictions and my fingers cramping up typing this report, I’ll just say, THANK YOU ALL for coming out to help the REBELS, it was much appreciated.
We wish all REBELS players and their families an enjoyable summer break with a brilliant Xmas/New Year, and I promise there will be no more weekly text messages, well until the 2010 season.
THE PRESIDENTS TEAM REPORT - By Michael Ironside (Player)
This year’s Presidents comprised a fusion of returning players and a few new good young players. The spirit of the team remains strong with the new players welcomed into the team and settling in well.
We started the season strongly with some good wins. Unfortunately player unavailability - especially backs - meant we had forwards playing in the backs and only a few reserves, and at times none, on the side line. This some resulted in the team finishing the season with approximately an even number of wins and losses.
There were some tough games and we showed plenty of character and determination in not giving up. The quality of rugby kept improving with every game and we always resolved to come back bigger and better for the next game.
The highlight of the year was the team had finished the season with two trophies; the OPM Cup and the Hub Cap. The OPM Cup is played between Poneke, Ories and Marist St Pats and is based on a challenge system where the holder must defend it in every game against the challengers. We took the OPM Cup off the previous holders MSP in the first game of the season in a tightly fought 15-5 win and retained the cup with a win against Ories which also doubled for the Hub Cap.
The Hub Cap is played for in an annual fixture against Ories. After a close half time score we ran away with the game in the second half with superior fitness and skills for a comfortable win. A few former Premier players turned out for us for their only game of year which added to game of being one of the best played this year. The sizable crowd watching the game added to the atmosphere of a good game.
A talking point of the year was having a TV camera at our game against Ories, with some of the players getting on TV. A TV camera was following a well known Wellington City councillor/ former Ories player who arranged to be a linesman at our game because there were no secondary school games to referee. It was probably the first and only time the Pressies have had official linesmen at our game.
Congratulations to Joe Minirapa for getting the Best Back Award and Michael Ironside for the Best Forward Award of the season. The team has an end of season trip to formally celebrate the end of another season.
Thank you all of the players, we wouldn’t have had a team without you. Special thanks to Danny for organising the raffles every Friday (and the other players for helping) and for making sure we had a team on Saturday. Also thanks to all the players from other teams who came along for a game. And finally to the partners, former players and supporters who watched the games and cheered us on, thanks for your ongoing support.
PONEKE PIES TEAM REPORT - By Pie Marcus Pawson (Player)
olden Oldies players tend to have Alzheimer’s and often forget what they’re doing halfway through.
This year we thought we’d keep our report simple and ask for comments from one Pie in each position:
The gentle folk of the front row enjoy nothing greater than passing time in conversation on the latest fashion accessory or hairdo being modelled by the backs (Pie Garry, Prop)
Forget eye gouging; front row Golden Oldies exchanges comprise dissing everyone’s cheap boots and pleas not to break wind (Pie Mark R, Hooker)
As part of their mid-life crisis, some guys purchase Porsches, Harleys and/or swap the missus for a younger model. Not me - I play rugby! (Pie Llew, Prop)
We generally look forward to scrums and rucks as a chance for a rest. It’s more "leaning" than "mauling" (Pie Dave, Lock)
Unfortunately the injury breaks are sometimes interrupted by a brief period of play (Pie Greg, Lock)
Golden Oldies - where we all live in hope, where sidesteps and dummies are more likely to be stumbles and fumbles, and if you wait long enough the game will come back to you (Pie Mark D, Breakaway)
The low point was losing to the Poneke U7 Mustangs (http://tvnz.co.nz/small-blacks-tv/s2209-e15-video-2762431) – those kids were six years’ old for heaven’s sake (Pie Kevin, Breakaway)
The solution to these Tri Nations kick fest games is clear: Make them play Golden Oldies rules - you kick it, you’re penalised (Pie Marcus, No 8)
No need to tell the backs what to do; they know what’s required to score the glamour tries. As for the forwards, it’s like herding cats! (Pie Chris, Halfback).
A highly trained rugby brain senses the gap, while an aging body lumbers into the tackle (Pie Nick, 1st 5)
Playing for the Pies is a bit like AMP’s ad that measures success through each decade
1st decade - Success is playing your first full game of rugby
Our decade - success at the Pies is not getting injured so that you can play a full game of rugby (Pie Bede, 2nd 5)
Rugby is a good occasion for keeping thirty bullies far from the centre of the city (Pie Travis, mangling Oscar Wilde)
Winging it on the wing led to hamming up the hammies but at least the mantle of joke winger of the year has been well and truly passed on (Pie Blair, Wing)
High point was the 2 times during the season the ball was passed as far as wing. The low point was getting the ball with nobody between you and the try line 50 metres away... (Pie Richard Gawith, Wing)
The best thing about playing Golden Oldies is that I can still get drunk as a FART on Saturday, and then play like an old FART on Sunday and no one will know the difference ( Pie Felise, Fullback)
THE JUNIOR RUGBY REPORT - By Sue Sparkes
U7s Mustangs with the Ranfurly Shield
372 kids, 24 teams, 43 coaches, 15 managers and a cast of hundreds of parents supported the Poneke Juniors in 2009. We had a great season, only a couple of games were rained out as the junior rugby draw-master worked miracles and the WCC did a great job in keeping the fields open for games. We missed a number of Friday night training sessions as the WCC kept fields closed to save them for Saturday games which is a bit of a shame as it’s a great sight to see all the kids and coaches out there having lots fun along with a bit of training.
The disruptions caused by the renovations were very quickly forgotten once we got to use the new facilities. A huge thank you to all those involved in getting this fantastic job done!
We had a number of promising young players selected for Wellington Zone and Regional rep teams -
Wellington Zone Under 11: Daniel Brown, Jaziah Sila and Coach Don Stanley
Wellington Zone Girls: Emma Williams, Lucy Edwards and Sapati Fepuleai Apa (who incidentally are reputedly the best front row in any Wellington U11 team).
Wellington Zone U12: Henry Mexted, Liam Murphy, Nico Van der Wilt, Taanetuanga Fuimaono.
Wellington Zone U13 Premier 2: Dylan Quinn, Alex Ropeti, Quinn Graham, Thomas Kimber, Hugh Soper, Michael Findlay and James Jenner and Coach
Perenise Ropeti
Wellington Zone U13 Premier 1: Bradley Banks, Kylem Brown, Alometi Haueia, Lotonuu Haueia, Noah Ironside, Hannon Brighouse, Psalms Heemi and Peta Rangiwai and Coach Michael Ironside
Wellington Regional U13 Premier 1: Psalms Heemi and Bradley Banks.
Awards
Watty Trophy (for the player who most epitomises the spirit of Poneke) - Alex Ropeti U13 Premier 2
Mark Potter Trophy (for coach of the year) - Logo Sialava’a U13 Premier 1
(A full list of junior awards is on the Poneke website)
We’ve had a great year, our numbers have remained stable unlike most junior clubs and we are still Wellington’s second biggest junior club. As Convenor I have had fantastic ongoing support from the junior committee of Ross Jamieson, John Schaumkell, Leann Turrell, Teena Ohlson-O’Callaghan and Cate Morse. We’ve also got great sponsors and as always wonderful support from the senior club.
Our only low point of the year was losing the Hakaraia Trophy to Wainuiomata in our annual all grades rep tournament after holding it for eight years but we are determined this won’t become a habit and it will be back in the trophy cabinet next year!
Ka kite ano,
Sue Sparkes
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