Finally the Premier Season is underway. The Team travelled to Evans Bay to take on Marist St Pats in a thrilling game that could have gone either way.
I watched the first half next door with Poneke at home vs Wainuiomata. This was a real good match that could have gone either way as well, except that Poneke seemed to be able to finish and take opportunities with good precision and outcomes. Poneke 17, Wainui 12.
Back to the MSP game at half time when the score was 14-6 with MSP in front. It was action packed with some big moments from both sides. A couple of Yellow Cards did not help us, but sometimes the infringements are "heat of the moment" mistakes, rather than real misdemeanors. Great to see the Red, Blue and Gold out on the Park.
The Curtainraiser was a preseason "hit out" between our Premier 2's and MSP Prem 2. Now this was a hell of a game with last years winners of everything starting how they plan to continue. I am not going to put the Commentator's Curse on our Boys, but they certainly looked very handy.
While chatting to Murray Proctor (MSP & Wellington Lions man), we agreed that this was the biggest Crowd seen at Evans Bay in a long time. The same could be said at Kilbirnie Park. I guess we are all just hanging out to see some live sport, and the gorgeous day helped that as well.
Speaking of hanging out for sport, what a crowd at the Sky Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Wellington sunshine certainly helped us enjoy a spectacle that we led at half time. The second half looked like being one way traffic for the Chiefs for some time with them stepping out to 30-15 at the 64 minute mark. But the usual "never say die" Canes came back. The huge Crowd was entertained with some superb play,
which although the game ended with a one point deficit, one would hope it was enough to build some belief in our Team. I know that the Stadium has been deprived of revenue for some time, but I do not think a $35 car charge is exactly a way to win friends. I for one wont be back - and i am sure I am not the only one who will look for alternatives. Almost a 100% increase on the last several times I parked there.
As an aside, once again our Referees Assn are looking for more people (Guys & Gals) to Ref games. Just remember that at Club level the Ref's and AR's are Volunteers like all Club people including Players. They have the same options as everyone - shall I get out of bed on this dismal day to be abused by others or shall I spring out of bed for the love of our great game?
Two people whom I am going to say nothing about - Coops and Peniase (try scorer). Good on Ya Mate!!
Onward and upward as we stay at home for the next two games. This weekend against our Northern neighbour Paramata-Plimmerton and the following against our Southern neighbour Johnsonville.
Allan G Davidson
Tawa RFC President
