R & B Express

Red & Black Express  

Message from our Club Chairman - Duncan Garvie

The 2008 season is not dead and buried but it will linger in the memories of all Poneke Family as the year we celebrated our 125 Anniversary. Those of us who began thinking about the 125 celebrations a few years ago did not foresee the fantastic response that we got from so many people. The atmosphere in the Clubrooms on the Friday and Saturday was outstanding.

An aspect that struck me was the large number of former players from the sixties who made the effort to turn up. Those years were some of the least successful in the Clubs'' illustrious history and yet, with our Senior Team avoiding relegation on more than one occasion by the narrowest of margins, these guys had a special bond. It was great to see our most famous son – former All Black Ralph Caulton and of course our stalwarts; Moray Bevan and Lyle Shanks and other notable former high profile players such as Wayne Nichols, Dave Mahanga, Grant Griffith and from Australia Ron de Cleen and from Scotland George Keown.

On the field of play in 2008 we had three teams who enjoyed notable success. The now famous Dogs of War and their high-achiever coach Steve Matthews continued to confound all opposition as they bagged their fifth Division One 80/80s title. The Ruffnuts, who moved up to Senior Two mid-season, won their second round and the title.  And finally - the star-studded Hislanders, who were too good for any opposition, and took out the Division One Reserve Grade title. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, managers and supporters of those teams - you have made the Poneke Family so proud.

Our Junior Section continues to grow and prosper. With the redoubtable Sue Sparkes firmly in control, Poneke Rugby's Nursery continues to flourish with a record 367 kids registered in 2008. Sue has wonderful support from a large number of dedicated parents who have volunteered to give their time to coaching and managing our youngsters. They instil the qualities of fair-play and sportsmanship into their teams but they also make no apologies for wanting them to win every time they take the field. That is what Rugby is about and that is Poneke’s legacy – to breed winners.

Special mention must be made of our 2008 Premier Team. With John ‘Jacko’ Jackson at the helm and Watty firmly in the foreground of the background - they started the season with a few sickening losses in a row. The pundits around the province were squirming with delight at the prospect of Poneke contesting the Hardham Cup in the second round. Our own ‘in goal’ supporters were also squirming at that prospect!  

Jacko and the boys had other ideas.

They regrouped, made a plan to work very hard at training, dedicate themselves to a game plan and pattern that suited their strengths and mitigated their weaknesses. While they continued to have the odd loss they started to win again consistently and we were all very proud when they ran the far more favoured teams like Marist, Norths and Petone close. In the end they made the Semi Finals of the Jubilee Cup after scrapping into the top eight. Well done guys for surviving a difficult start and eventually coming out of your season with heads held high. I must add I have been a very proud father of Cam Garvie, who gave his all week-in and week-out, despite lacking the build of a lock - he made a good fist of it for the team. And while I’m claiming bragging rights it was especially pleasing for Marg and I to see our three sons; Cam, Scotty and Andy playing in the Red & Black at Kilbirnie for the Senior Firsts and Premiers on the same day.

(L-R - Scott Garvie, Cam Garvie and Andy Garvie after their respective matches at the 125th Anniversary weekend)

Our Poneke Board continues to function very well as governors behind the scenes. Outstanding contributions are worth mentioning and once again Robin Dodd, Chanelle Masters, Mark Warrington and Florence Masoe have exceeded all expectations; contributing so much to the success of the Club – both on and off the field. Well done Team!

So, in a nutshell that was 2008. 

Plans are underway already for the 2009 season which will actually be our 127th playing season. A group of Poneke Family members has been formed and has met on a couple of occasions already to encourage the recruitment of players, coaches and managers to secure our Club’s successful future. We are aware of a number of former Poneke Junior players who are leaving local secondary schools at the end of 2008 and who intend to rekindle their association with the Club in our age-grade and senior ranks. Club Coaching Coordinator Watty and Club Captain Mark are leading the way on this and I encourage all of the Poneke Family to get in behind them and lend your support to find more Coaches, Managers and Team support people for next season. It seems the players are on their way to Poneke – we have to find the right people to Coach them and look after them during the 2009 season.

Best wishes to all Poneke People and remember; “You don’t just play for Poneke – You belong!"

Message from our Club Captain - Mark Warrington

Fair to say that 2008 was a season of many highs and a few lows, from the magnificence that was the 125th celebrations at ANZAC weekend to the wretched weather which affected winter sport across Wellington.

It was wonderful to participate in the 125th festivities alongside so many past and present club members and to share the true sense of belonging to a very special organisation that is the Poneke Football Club. Thanks must go to the sub committee who organised the event that went like clockwork.

On the playing side the season must go down as a successful one overall. We fielded 11 senior teams - welcoming to the fold a Golden Oldies team ‘the Poneke Pies’.  Each team provided its unique character to the fabric of Poneke. Tangibly the Premier side was a semi finalist in the Jubilee Cup and 3 other teams won their grade championships, to go alongside the Hubcap won by the Pressies!  Also - a dozen players were selected for various representative honours.

As mentioned above it was a season punctuated by rain and therefore field closure issues.  I thank all teams for their patience and perseverance regarding utilisation of alternative training schedules and indeed fulfilling our playing obligations despite many late transfers of match grounds ( Kilbirnie to Elsden or Onepoto became all too regular!) and interference to grade championship schedules. It is testament to them that they all 'got on with the business' and achieved as they did.

On behalf of the board and the teams I must acknowledge our coaches and managers. We have a great group of people involved in these roles and indeed without your efforts we would not have the quality of teams that we have.  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 and 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 and per the last few seasons when the gym has been upgraded, green room opened and new training lights installed is embarking on a major project upgrading the facilities downstairs over the summer.  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 2009 will be bigger and better.

All the best for summer and I look forward to seeing you in 2009.

Treasurers Report - By Robin Dodd

The past year was another sound financial year where income exceeded expenses by $18,571.00 (allowing for depreciation of $32,729.00).

While excess income was down from $60,181.00 in the previous year we did not have a major capital works project to fund during the year.

Our gaming machine grant income was down on the previous year when we needed to fund $60,000.00 to install additional floodlighting for team trainings.  We have however paid $25,000.00 to date for professional services as we finalise design for the ground floor project upgrade.

The effective bar management controls in place by our Bar Manager - Chanelle Masters - resulted in another excellent bar operation.  Total sales were up by $4,700.00 with our gross profit margin of 58% after cost of goods.  The overall net bar income resulted in a net return of $42,700.00 - very similar to the previous year.  I am very grateful for the support and complete cooperation Chanelle provides me.

 Misipalauni Moananu leading out the 2008 Premiers against their 125th Jubilee Match vs. Petone

Our 125 jubilee celebration in April was the reason we increased our bar turnover with $24,000.00 sales over that weekend.

Annual income was down by $74,036.00 for the following reasons:

• WNRFU income included $20,000.00 for management of Golden Oldies tournament
• Previous year gaming machine grant income was down $38,521.00 as we had no major capital work to fund during the 2008 season
• Sponsorship income of $10,000.00 was forfeited for the supply of a new bar walk-in chiller room
• Annual expenses reduced by $32,427.00

I am very grateful to Chanelle and her staff for again providing such a strong income stream for the club which has helped us to increase our term deposit funds by $55,000.00 to $250,392.00.

Our school childrens committee did a wonderful job in managing an increase of over 60 new players and were self funding.  Some of the gaming grant income was received to fund their expenses.

These funds will be important as we must complete our ground floor upgrade before the 2008/2009 season commences.  It is expected this project will cost around $650,000.00.

As we commit these investments towards the project our interest income will reduce in future years therefore the board will need to plan accordingly when we complete our 2008/9 budgets.

Again a big THANK YOU to our 10 Team Managers who ensured all team subscriptions were paid and for the way they encouraged their players and supporters to support our clubrooms after games.

See you all in 2009.

Eyes Behind The Bar - Chanelle Masters

Celebrating 125 years was a big deal for our proud club. We were lucky that so many people - old and young - were willing to give their time to make the celebrations the success it was. It was 3 days of catching up with old friends, eating, drinking and dancing. It was an honour and privilege to be part of the clubs’ history and I’ll be looking forward to the 150 years celebrations.

This year our teams did very well as a whole.  We are so lucky to have such great people involved who week-in, week-out make the teams run like clockwork.  Not all the scores reflect the effort put in but they try and that’s all we can ask for.  After a hard day out on the park they retire to the warmth of our lounge for a beer or 5 and discuss the games played earlier. What more can we ask for?  It’s the perfect end to a Saturday. 

I’ve had a great year behind our clubs bar.  I have a brand spanking new chiller system kindly sponsored by DB who are always willing to help out.  Thanks Cliff for all your help this year. I look forward to dealing with you next season.  My new kitchen and bar look great - thanks to Phil Lord and Cam Garvie - Cheers guys!

Finally I have to say the bigest ‘Thank you!’ to my sister Bianca and my good friend Albert.  Without them both I’d be screwed - they are the greatest.

Be safe and have a great summer!

The Hammers

Written by: Mark Anderson

The Hammers had two reasons to celebrate in 2008, with this season not only marking the 125th anniversary of the Poneke Club, but also the 10th anniversary of the formation of the Hammers. The Hammers were formed out of the McKenzie varsity hostel and have spent the last five years enjoying the hospitality of the Poneke club.

The Hammers had a strong start to the season, sitting comfortably inside the top four after the first round of competition games. However Wellington's notorious weather intervened in the second round, resulting in a month’s hiatus, which combined with the loss of some key players, meant that the Hammers weren't able to capitalise on the momentum built up in the later stages of the first round. A strong surge with two good wins to end the season saw the Hammers placed a very respectable fourth in the 1^st division.

Highlights of the year included two fifty point wins, a narrow loss to the Poneke Hislanders (eventual champions) at a very soggy Fraser Park in Avalon, a very solid win over Wests, which was made even sweeter by the fact that with 2 minutes till kickoff we only had 12 players. Cutta's punishment of pink shorts and socks provided some light hearted banter for the boys, and crazy legs DG continued to keep everyone guessing, especially his team mates.

The Hammers play this season was again based on a solid platform provided by a forward pack that was rarely outplayed. The success of our forward pack was based around stellar efforts from Lenny, Butch and the ever reliable Steve who went on to pick up the best forward award. A potent backline which was marshaled by the little nugget Dan Lowe at halfback had the advantage of some very strong finishers like Joe Gallagher, the Palamo brothers and of course the elder statesman of the team 'Billy' McPhail. With Lukey’s hand firmly on the helm at first five the team seldom lost direction. Lukey’s consistent performance throughout the season was rewarded with the best back award. The key strength of the team this year was it’s never say die attitude. I have never seen the boys play with such passion!! When we were in that mood no team could stand before our fury.

Special thanks to Billy, Dan, Cutta and 210 for their organisational efforts throughout the year. And of course a massive thanks to the Poneke club and to Mark for his efforts for the team.

The Hammers are marking their 10th anniversary with a celebratory team trip to Surfers Paradise in November before looking forward to another winter of Hammers rugby in 2009.

Bring it on!!!

The Mighty Hammers

The Cavs

Written by: Peter Raine

2008 will be one to remember for The Cavs.

Cavs seasons have been notorious for their highs and lows, but this one takes the biscuit. It all started one sunny Wednesday afternoon in Kilbirnie Park. All the usual suspects were there for The Cavs first training session and, with another year under their belt; The Cavs had an optimistic (as always) and excited expectation of the season to come.

The season opened with a double header against Wests, and two solid victories. Feeling good and The Cavs were already on a roll. And then The Cavs biggest high came!  Poneke, the greatest god damn rugby club in the world went out and bought The Cavs a new strip that fits them!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!  The Cavs were a team! Not a team of five ‘11’s, eight ‘14’s, three ‘9’s and four ‘10’s (which was kind of handy when the ref was dishing out yellow cards)... But a team of ‘1’ to ‘25’!  And with our shiny new strip, The Cavs took to the field and clocked up their first victory against MSP in 4 years, winning 46-0.

The team was solidifying and combinations were coming together and in dark corners of the club room bar, rumours of The Cavs taking the first round were being muttered quietly. Rumours were further fuelled a week later when The Cavs, down to thirteen men at one point, convincingly beat top of the table Waikanae and clock up their 4th victory in a row.

But then it went pear shaped for a little bit. A broken collar bone, broken thumb, broken finger, broken arm, pulled hamstring, an inexplicable throat growth and a mysterious plague of never healing cuts, (to name a few) and the following week The Cavs were fronting up against Wellington, ten men down and minus their entire front row. The Cavs suffered their first loss of the season.

The following week, what was supposed to be the ‘Clash of the 2 Div’, The Cavs travelled out to Tawa with barely 15 on the paddock. A sterling effort from the boys, but we got thumped by a better team (but still scored more points against Tawa than the Dogs!).  A similar story a week later against old rivals Avalon who arm wrestled another victory against The Cavs at Kilbirnie Park.

The final game of the first round - Wainui away - was always expected to be a big game; however this time, with the tragic passing of BJ, emotions were high. The Cavs put in a nail biting performance from beginning up until the final whistle. A 5–3 loss, but a fantastic performance.

The Cavs finished the first round 4th on the table.

Second round and the Cavs picked themselves up, dusted off and had another crack at it. First game away at Waikanae and a 10 all draw. Not the result we wanted, but a step in the right direction.

A week later and The Cavs dished out another, ever so satisfying, 50-20 spanking that had the MSP boys reminiscing of the old days in the Catholic School Head Masters Office.  Building up a roll again, The Cavs trekked out to Upper Hutt to clock up another 29-5 victory over OBU.

Then Para Plim in the rain. Kick off, open the game with a spectacular try (if I do say so myself), some solid rugby and a 22-3 lead at half time. Then there was a creek, a crack and one of the wheels fell off The Cavs wagon. With The Cavs still playing good rugby, Para Plim sneaked back into the game with a seemingly unnoticed 13 points. The “we’ve got the game in the bag” Cavs mentality continued right up until the 80th minute when a wayward kick, only having to make touch to win the game, was scoped up and dotted down behind The Cavs goal line, 22-21. A spectacular conversion from the touch line and Para Plim stole the game 22-23 in the last minute.

A little dejected, and after a 4 week break due to rain, The Cavs headed out to Eastbourne - a sterling effort by the boys but a 34-0 loss to the Div 2 champions.

Feeling a little like a popped balloon after, although only two losses, but seven calendar weeks since a victory, and only playing one game at home the whole second round, The Cavs trundled off with a smile for the usual Avalon arm wrestle. Another good effort; but another 11-0 loss.

The last game of the season, and 15 Cavs travelled up to Waikanae to take on the 300. A 10-3 loss in the end, but The Cavs put in a final show that did them proud and finished the season on a high.

Every year The Cavs improve, get stronger and to be honest, it gets more fun! The Cavs had stuck together through the hardships this year, and the same guys have been there having plenty of fun as well. Thank you to everyone who has stuck it out with us this, and over all the years. One day we’ll get you that Div 2 title. 

Go The Cavs!!!

The Cavs

The Rebels

Written by: Boyd Pritchard

Discussions with the ole boys from the REBELS were held in 2007 to look at reforming the REBELS in 2008, to celebrate the momentous 125th achievement of a:

• true blue non-bastardised club still going strong
• the 2nd oldest club in Wellington
• a club still with a full quota of senior teams
• and a Premier side that has done this club proud.

Well, that’s the excuse we told our partners, we just wanted to get back into the social environment of the PONEKE family, where you can:

• meet the ole stalwarts of the club, who are live PONEKE history still going strong (miss the hearty meat meals from Phil’s kitchen)
• see if you can measure up to the drinking prowess of the Pressies or even remember words to some of their old sing along songs
• gander at the new boys strutting around wearing their number 1s
• see if the Dogs of War will do it again, again, again, again……
• socialise with our Premier players
• and to enjoy the social atmosphere with our own team players, opposition (those that do come up) and other PONEKE team members.

A decision had to be made in which grade the REBELS would enter; the boys wanted to enjoy their rugby and especially the after match drinks, without suffering from too many bumps & bruises. Bulk of the REBELS were:

• still a bit too young to go into the Pressies grade (well except Feta that is)
• didn’t want to be in the competitive senior 3 or 4 grades (done that)
• far too over weight for the 80/80 grade (well one of the legs of our props would weigh in at 85kg)

So the decision was made to enter the Reserve grade.

If we had a psychic in our team he might’ve foreseen the omen that awaited us for the rest of the season when we played our first game vs. OBU 69ers on 05 April; as after weeks of summer sun the rain pelted down on the Saturday. Yes the rain played havoc during our season, with either transfers (can someone please CLOSE down Ian Galloway no. 3) or cancellations (total of 5 games cancelled).

After some 8 games in the Reserve 1 grade, the REBELS answered an SOS from the club to fill the Senior 3 slot, as the courageous RUFFNUTS had moved up to Senior 2 to replace the BAY KERMITS, who were decimated with the loss of players eating uncooked food.

Anyway, it was in the Senior 3 grade that we were affected by the weather plus certain teams who in the latter part of our season used Premier players - even a friggen Lions rep player! Shows just what kind of clubs these guys belong too. Apart from that, we had some good tight tussles with Petone, Wainui Black & MSP in the Senior 3 grade. Previously when in the Reserve 1 grade, we had good, evenly contested games against OBU 69ers, Mixed Veges, The Hammers & Johnsonville, with an entertaining game against the Hislanders (ex-Premier & AB players).

REBELS would like to thank:

• Ringo & Aaron for bringing in new players (Easy, Andy, Kaio, Las, Kelly)   from their workforce
• Feta for his singing and his mate Goliath
• Sammie for being our top try scorer with 10 tries even though he was out injured for 8 games
• Dion & Rian, both newbie’s and who were linked to the Pressies and stayed on with the REBELS
• mates who came and filled in when we were short of players either because of injuries (and we had a lot) or work commitments
• school leaver Waka (needed a place to hang out) & Vaughan (came to watch but because of injuries became a player)
• Paese for getting his licence back
• players from the Pressies and other Poneke teams that helped out
• Presidente el Frog for his fundraising assistance and of course his playing presence on the field
• the ole REBELS that came back (Leon, James, Ren, Matt, Henare, Keisuke, Kipa, Lester, Junior, George) to keep the team going
• special appearances from out of town REBELS (Steve & Tinnie)
• our secret weapon, when opposition teams thought we had no reserves, yep SHREK
• anyone that we missed thanking above
• and of course the club for having us.

We look forward to the revamp of the changing room facilities downstairs and yes maybe the REBELS might be back next season to use the new continuous hot showers and adjourn upstairs to the refurbished upmarket clubrooms. Thank you all and see you next season.

The Hislanders

By Walter Taulelei

2008 RESERVE GRADE DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONS

Eddie King Memorial Trophy

Eddie Te Kahika Cup

Alhambra Cup

Undefeated! A profound statement of absolute success with distinction in the colours we wore as tattoos of pride, kinship and mana.

When we reflect on this anniversary season, we’re proud to say that achieving what we have accomplished is nothing short of brilliant when you consider we are not new to this club but have been very much apart of the fabric of the Poneke club for many years. It’s this fabric that makes our season’s result all the more special and so we thank the Club and its administration for granting us the privilege to wear the colours proudly one more time.

The Hislanders have always championed fair play, safety and good sportsmanship - off the field and we pray for you prior to kick off on the field.....which by the way, a nice gesture never truly appreciated by opposing teams yet undeterred, we backed it up with a baritone “hooray” and a thousand bottles of Heinekens like the good sports ambassadors we are.

Our supporters have been a tremendous foundation for this team, fronting weekly to voice their support for the fine young cannibals they saw on the field. Seventeen games (if you include our grading game) were played this season, with unconditional support from our biggest fans, our families and so we extend an enormous level of gratitude to them for backing us to have a go this season.

The level of refereeing in this grade has been good. A willingness to play with colourful cards to test our IQ has not been frequent throughout the season although the odd one did show its ugly head only to trigger a greater resolve by the boys...if the Ref just watched the Highlander movie...we cannot die!

So let’s see what’s behind the “round window”........an outstanding season by Elvis Feu’u, Mika Faletolu, Doug Leafa and Hemi Tui, all recipients of our team awards this season. For the first round of the competition a team captain was nominated 15 minutes prior to kick off but never a consecutive weekend would you serve. The penalty if we lost under your leadership was to pay for the entire night or in layman’s terms, two-thirds of the Heineken fridge and half a cow.  While no Captain faltered all season, the team changed tactics in the second round by following the up front leadership of Elvis and Hemi.

A lot can be said for their sound leadership and experience but we have never discounted the “team” factor and while we may not have been able to lift you in the lineout we would lift each others spirit. That is the Poneke way and we have been proud to see some of the younger players further bred in this team and hope our influence inspires them for higher honours next season.

Coached by Mau Moananu, mentored by Keli Leaupepe and managed extremely well by Tai Moananu, Danny Tiata & Seta Leaupepe, we were always going to be primed well come game day. A special mention also to acknowledge the efforts of Walter Taulelei for securing sponsorship to which the Hislanders would not have been able to function this year - they are all to this team our unsung heroes of this season.

Serious injuries were minimal although one to club stalwart Ray Rees has fortunately resulted in a positive outcome and our continued support and thoughts are extended to him and the family. Ray Rees was as commanding on the field as we have come to know him over his career with the club and the only person we could lift in the lineouts.....diet coke with our McDonald’s didn’t help us at all...don’t believe the hype!

Finally, The Hislanders fraternity will live on past this season and will continue to play a role with the club going forward, consumption is not one of them but will play a small role during the season.....Saturday’s only.

Management thanks all the players who have taken the field for us this season and served us proudly. Being undefeated and taking the championship stems from your willingness to play a role in this team and club and for that we are proud to call you a HISLANDER...THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE.

Senior One

Written by: Jed Thian

The 2008 squad comprised mainly of a young group, with limited experience as ‘senior’ rugby players.  There was pressure to perform for Poneke in its celebration year and many of the team received the honour of playing for the Premiers in 2008.  Seeing a player grab his kit bag and walk into the Number 1 room is hugely satisfying for me as a coach and when the final Premier 22 were selected to play MSP in the Jubilee Cup Semi-Final it was gratifying to see Premier Coach Jackson select a host of names often linked with the Senior 1 side, both in the starting XV and on the bench.  The selection of this team illustrates the transition happening downstairs, young players are becoming the men of the club and seeing names like Doug Jones, Judd Baker, Eito Tamura and Seti Tafua now regularly written into the top team is evidence. 

Looking ahead to 2009 there is real possibility that the senior teams can do well, such was the internal development of the players this year.  As long as each player is willing to start the work themselves and not present themselves in a shambles at preseason, then it will be easier to get the considerable power of Poneke Rugby out there and onto the championship fields.  Poneke Football Club – at over 125 years old and with a magnificent club facility – it’s the perfect place to become the kind of rugby player you want to be.

To Pete Brooks for his management of the team this year, I would like to offer my sincerest thanks.  To Glenn Shand for his assistance on Saturdays also - I extend the teams gratitude for being there to help in anyway possible.  Tobias Dear was also a game day assistant and discharged his varied duties without need for supervision, which was a great help and allowed me to focus on the team.  In short the management team; lead by Pete Brooks, was first rate and did all that could have been expected.  Thanks also to our two Physiotherapists who provided cover on the Saturday and assessments on the Tuesday evening.

And finally a word on the passing of Brisco.  Like the team I was deeply saddened and like the team I was amazed at the tremendous amount of love and support for him as witnessed by all at his funeral.  We loved Brisco and he meant a lot to us, apart from his 'fashion sense' which was highly evolved in a very Samoan chic kind of way, Brisco was always there for us – rain, hail or shine.  Often all it takes is for someone to believe in you to put one on the right path, Brisco believed in us and I hope that sense of belief is now installed in the hearts of us all as we go on without him. 

The proof of that belief will be seen at the first tackle of the first round of 2009 – don't miss it!

Senior One Squad after their final match. 

Poneke Pies

Written by: Mark Russell 

Poneke Pies burst (hobbled actually) on to the playing fields of greater Wellington in 2008; a bunch of old fellahs appropriately returning to the game they cherish the same year Poneke turned 125.  Rumours that some of the Pies’ Golden Oldies squad were playing when the club celebrated its 75th are emphatically disputed.

The Pies are a beast with 76 legs.  In all, 38 players took to the field during our inaugural season but only two – revered founder   Kevin Jenkins and Pomgolian coach Garry Archer featured in every match (well, they were present anyway).

Like every good Pie recipe, our individual ingredients were a mixture of fresh (some still play at a higher level on Saturdays) and the preserved (returning to the game after 25-plus years on the sidelines).  Nutritionally we’re decidedly more fat than lean, well salted, overcooked and occasionally spicy (one red card).

Baby boomers, like VW Beetles, are obviously built to last, however, because our injury count was surprisingly low for such an aged posse. One broken arm, a dislocated shoulder, concussion and a longer list of rib, knee, elbow, ligament and muscle strains and sprains.  None of these were enough to dampen enthusiasm but were, we discovered, sufficient to have partners reminding us all about how they’d said time and time again that we’re all too old for this sort of carry on.  WAGS, eh?

We developed our own personality – a Pie board, pie cookbooks presented as Player of the Day prizes, pig-on-a-spit and home-baked pies at our home game.  Dallas Seymour and Toby Robson made guest appearances as coaches before wisely deciding little could be done and leaving us in the hands of Mr Archer and Co-coach Perenise Ropeti.  We have flash-as polo shirts (thanks to our much-loved sponsors Smart Energy and Robert Walters), our own board (the Upper Crust) and grandiose plans to just maybe play in the Cooks in 2009 and at the Golden Oldies World Festival in 2010.

What about results, you ask?  Tradition dictates that all Golden Oldies matches end in a draw.  Unofficially, however, the pencil wielding statisticians among us whisper that of the 12 matches we played we scored more tries than the opposition on nine occasions.

The Club even recognised those among us who actually have some talent with awards for No 8 Marcus Pawson and Tighthead Prop Wayne Tacon.

As we lick our wounds (WAGS having refused to play that game) and look back on our inaugural season we can honestly say we’ve embraced our Pies vision: “The future is flaky and soft in the middle.”

The Presidents

Written by: Michael Ironside

The Presidents has had reasonably successful year. The team being admirably lead by Captain Brian Harper won most of our games this year.  The team ended the season on a winning note having convincingly beaten Rimutaka.

A highlight of the year was winning back the Hubcap from Ories.  This was a fantastic victory to take the trophy back from Ories.  Every one stepped up to ensure a win not only for the team but also for the club’s 125th anniversary.  The Hubcap is proudly displayed on the wall in the Pressies corner. 

Thanks to those Rebels players who played for us after their playing a game for their own Senior 2nd team.  It is understandable that you want a real game of rugby in the hardened competition of the Presidents grade.

Some of the boys will be leaving the team this year.  Good luck to Dean Jackson who is off to live in Germany next year with his family.  Having been a winger for a long time he found that he liked playing open side flanker.  But Dean’s greatest contribution this year was turning up after half time and then scoring the try that won the game. 

Congratulations to Brian Harper for picking up the best forward award and Gordon Hadfield the best back award this year. 

Big thanks go to Danny Rangihuna for organising the team every week and ringing around when we were cancelled or had a transfer.  Also other thanks to Danny and Cuzzie (Peter) for doing the raffles every week that allowed the team to have a team trip at the end of the season.   It is much appreciated by the team.

Dogs of War

Written by: J.W

2008 proved to once again be a successful season for us, the U85kg Dogs of War. We retained the JC Bowl for the 6th consecutive year (surely a feat that will never be broken) and won the Paul Potiki Shield for the 5th time in 6 years.

The JC Bowl was clinched in the last game of the first round with one of the greatest victories in our glorious history, a 38-3 demolition of a Wellington side that had previously only conceded 12 points and no tries in 8 previous games. Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of the win was a strict adherence to a masterful game plan laid out specifically for the occasion, plus the later knowledge from an inside source that Wellington were ‘too psyched out’ by our reputation and record to put up any sort of fight.

Star of the first round would undoubtedly be fullback Cameron Hadfield, whose 16 tries all came with trademark blistering pace and dazzling footwork. Special mention must also go to centre James ‘J.T.’ Terry, whose calm nerve landed an injury time sideline conversion that saved us an embarrassing loss to a fired-up HOBM side.

As with all other teams in we had to endure some of the most testing conditions we have all played in. These circumstances led to the shortening of our season to be a simple round robin second round instead of a play-off format. The forwards had to grind out a few wins out of the mud in such far-flung locations as the top field at Porirua Park (note to the Norths RFC: next time can you please unlock the changing sheds for us!).

Miraculously the weather turned on a stunning day for our most important match against MSP Blue, who were looking for revenge after last year’s final defeat and a relatively easy first round drubbing. The Dooley’s took an early lead against the run of play but slowly the tide of dominance turned back in our favour with another scintillating try to Hadfield. The game was marked by a series of ugly outbursts from the Marist sideline, a trend which has unfortunately become a staple of their teams in our grade.

The second half was a rugged affair, but our superior discipline and intelligence was always going to give us the edge. The Catholics briefly retook the lead before JT closed the game out with a brace of clutch penalties. Final score 16-12 and the title was ours to lose.

Unfortunately next week against a suspiciously Premier looking Johnsonville team, that’s exactly what we did, going down 8-6 in a shock result. It was all on for the last game against our perennial whipping-boys, MSP Black. Any threat they posed was quickly neutralised and the game and title were easily ours, which we celebrated in fine fashion.

A solid squad of experienced players paved the way for the success of ‘08, with several notching up a century of career games. New centre Sam Bowers was a fine acquisition for us and carried on his family’s proud name in this team. George Hiotakis, Jono Broomhall, Wilson Auld and Tyler Kendall must all be congratulated for their commitment to sticking to the weight limit, while the whole team can be proud of an excellent attendance rate at trainings and after match activities.

Special thanks to all of our supporters, both family and friends, who have come along and provided us with much needed vocal support and technical advice.

Once again the team was steered on the course to victory by long-time coach Steve Matthews, whose commitment saw him memorably postpone a trip to Spain to see out the season. Assistant Coach Mark Burgess did a great job of running trainings when Steve wasn’t able to make it and was a key part of the successful season. Special thanks to manager Rex Stott who continued to ably fulfil the duties bestowed upon him.

However the find of the season was definitely manager Florence Masoe, whose commitment to our team was unparalleled. Oranges at halftime, lollies pre and post match and weekly email and text updates really helped us out during the season. The fact that she stuck around in the changing rooms while we were coming out of the showers can be excused due to her unmatched effort in helping the team.

The future of the Dogs in the U85kg grade is uncertain, though if we were to leave it would be on our own terms and would leave a record that will stand for many years…maybe forever. One thing is for certain, however. Wherever we do end up we will proudly continue the tradition of ‘pound for pound, the best team in town’.

JC Bowl Winners for 6 consecutive years - Dogs of War

Player Profiles

Name: Leon Metuariki
Position: Utility Front Rower or occasional Winger!
Nick Name: No nickname, or none that I am aware of
What High School did you go to: Rongotai College
First Poneke team I played for: Under 13’s I think, was too heavy to play in the under 11’s
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Pretending to do some work.
Best song to get ready to: Shrek singing 'The Poneke Anthem'..'Everywhere we go'
My favourite dinner is: Island Food.  Wait a minute - anything edible...
My all time favourite movie is: Braveheart
The best piece of rugby advice I got was: 'Stop talking to the Ref he is not going to change his mind'
If I won a million dollars I would: Spend it with Family and Friends.
I play for Poneke because: Boyd told me too!

Name: JT (James Terry)
Position: First Five/Centre
Nick Name: Jida
What High School did you go to: Papatoetoe High (South Auckland)
First Poneke team I played for: Dogs. But had to go into Cavs fat camp for half a season till I was under weight
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Partying at Club 19 / Playing Aussie Rules
Best song to get ready to: My Red Square mix
My favourite dinner is: BBQ on a warm summer’s day
My all time favourite movie is: Never Ending Story (Good money value - it never ends)
The best piece of rugby advice I got was: Don’t quit your day job (my dad after losing a final)
If I won a million dollars I would: Build a grandstand off the Poneke clubrooms
I play for Poneke because: When I grow up I want to be like my idol Misipalauni Moananu and have everyone on Courtenay Place want to talk to me.

Name: Renni Kautai
Position: Utility Back
Nick Name: Dawg
What High School did you go to: Rongotai College
First Poneke team I played for: Under 11’s
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Relaxing at home
Best song to get ready to: Party people (Missy Elliot)
My favourite dinner is: Chop Suey and Mayonnaise (Raro Salad)
My all time favourite movie is: Predator (Typical Arnold cheese with explosions)
The best piece of rugby advice I got was: Use the sideline cos you can’t kick good
If I won a million dollars I would: Teach a man to fish
I play for Poneke because: I belong and no one else will have me