President Report 3 August 2021          

“Oh, What A Night ……” and what a Day!! 2013 and 2016 were momentous occasions in our Tawa Rugby History without a doubt. But 2021 was the dawning of a new age.

For most of us, we woke to a stunning morning that just became better as time went on. Let’s face it, anything would have been better than a fortnight ago with the Wind and Rain that tormented the whole of the Country. Lake Polo was formed, a four lane Motorway was down to a one way track and generally Wellington infrastructure was up against it. 14 sleeps later and with a change of Venue from Petone Rec to Hutt Rec and the Finals Competition was on.

In my role as VP, I was asked to arrive early at the ground – after cruising the block thinking Parking should be easy, it was on the second round I secured a park. That surely was an indication of what was to follow, crowd wise.

It was an honour to be asked by the WRFU President, Kerry Walsh, to do the Presentation of the Ed Chaney Cup to the winner of the Tawa vs HOBM Premier 2 Final. One hell of a game with HOBM showing our Boys how Finals Rugby is played. HOBM were on a mission and pushed our Boys really hard for the first 30 mins, going to half time at 20-3 in their favour. 10 mins before half time, I think our Boys had had enough of being pushed about.

I sure want to know what is in Thomas & Nigel’s Oranges. Simply put, the Tawa Boys took control, did not take a backward step and came into the second half on fire. It seemed that every time our Boys surged forward they scored points. At the end of the second half, the score equated to 43 points in 40 minutes. A superb effort that just blew the Supporters away – not to mention the opposition. With immense pride I presented the Ed Chaney Cup to the Tawa Premier 2’s for not only this Game, but for a sterling effort of remaining unbeaten for the entire Season. Very worthy and humble recipients of their deserved Medals.

You would be hard pressed to witness another Game of that type of performance – OR WOULD YOU??

On to the Premiers – who had to wait while Petone & Poneke sorted out just who was going to win the Hardham Cup in extra time. Congratulations to Poneke.

The MSP Supporters sung their Team onto the Rec with a gusto befitting a winning side. Our Boys looked composed as they stood waiting for the Game to start. And start it did with all the hype of a Jubilee Cup Final. The first half was simply two gargantuan sides taking it to each other in every facet of the game. By 15 minutes in, the MSP singing was pretty much gone as the whole Crowd sensed something peculiar was happening. There is no doubt that MSP came in thinking they were the favourites and maybe they were? But points on the Board are where it counts and I am sure that to everyone’s amazement (except staunch Tawa Supporters), the Scoreboard showed 18-0 after 40 minutes. This was surely going to be an upset!

The second half gets underway with MSP throwing everything at the Tawa Boys. The whisper was “could Tawa keep this up?” You bet they could!! The amount of turnovers was becoming a regular occurrence, but with every turnover another attack would begin. Our Boys defence was enormous, gusty and well orchestrated. In the meantime our “Dugout” was overflowing with Supporters absolutely screaming at fever pitch, whilst Tawa continued the pain. Another 18 points added to the tally.

Another proud moment helping the WRFU President, Kerry Walsh, present the Jubilee Cup and Medals to an exuberant Team, with our victorious Captain Sitiveni introducing his Team, Coaches and Managers.

Hemi Fermanis was judged the Man of the Match for the Ed Brown Plate.

After witnessing such a magnificent display of Rugby in the Jubilee Cup, I just have to wonder how many Players from our Premiers will be offered a Wellington Lions opportunity??

After the Game, a number of Players, Supporters and Referees dropped into our Club for a quiet Beer or two. A great day in the History of Tawa Rugby Club – the Year before our 75^th Anniversary.

What a Club, what a year. Great support from our Reserve Team, Our Colts and the Presidents. Next year we hope to have an Under 85 Team on board as well.

Tawa Rugby, take a bow.

Allan G Davidson

Proud President

So that was 2021! The Coaches and Management tell me we are ready for 2022. Because of Covid there will be a staggered start to the Season. The Premiers start this weekend with Premier 2 starting later followed by Colts etc.

In the meantime the WRFU had their AGM at their new Headquarters in Upper Hutt. This is going to be an awesome Sports venue when completed - probably the best facility in NZ.

At the AGM, three people were invested as Life Members of the WRFU. They were Gary Gosper from Avalon, Mike Dilmott from Referees AND our own Kevin Pulley. All were very worthy recipients, having spent countless years giving unselfiously of their time.Kevin was our Delegate for ever, having just retired from that position. Actually it was the longest notice of retirement I have ever known - about 5 years or so.

At the AGM the Presidential Suite was also nominated for 2022. Our President is Kerry Walsh along with Vice Preidents Ian Dallas, Martin Isberg, Alan Muir, Ken Ah Kuoi and myself. 

Covid restrictions have lifted somewhat, hopefully all our Boys are Covid free and I know they are busting to get the first game underway. A replay of the Jubilee Cup Final. Game starts 1425hrs at Evans Bay. 

Lets get 2022 underway with a blast!

Allan G Davidson

President