Here we are back on track with a good win against Johnsonville on Saturday. Although I am sure there were a few anxious moments when J'ville were up 17-7 at half time. That aside, it is the 80th minute that is the one that counts - or there abouts.
In my other duties, I watched Pare-Plim vs HOBM at Ngati Toa Domain. One hell of a breeze running North to South directly down the field. This game was played in great spirit in trying conditions and quite frankly could have gone either way. HOBM came out the victors by 4 points keeping them at top of the table and Pare-Plim at 5th.
Back to The Fortress at Lyndhurst to witnesss Hemi Fermanis having his Dad, Mike, proudly present his 100 Premier Games jacket to his Son. Our Club Captain, Tony Tomlinson, gave a Tawa RFC timeline on Hemi's Club history with a few laughs on the way. The Senior Members gave one of the most arousing Tawa Haka's seen for some time. The passion was hair raising as the Boys paid respect to
Hemi.
I was given the honour of presenting the Bill O'Brien cup to our Captain, Sitiveni and the giving the Carmin Cup to the J'ville Captain to present to our Captain. The two Clubs have played for those cups since 1952 with Tawa winning 1952 & 1953 and Johnsonville winning 1954 & 19545. Since then there is quite a story of who has had it over the years with the wins not too far shy of
50/50.
The Hurricanes had a win in the Covered Stadium in Dunedin. Another very narrow loss for the Highlanders, but we have to stop blaming others for a loss. Not becoming of Guys in our great game - this is what happens in League and soccer. Good to see the Blues finally putting it together on the field. For a number of years the Blues have had one of the better Teams on paper, but failed to gel. Leon
McDonald has certainly shown what can be done with perseverance and a belief. Can't help feel that Sir JK may be on to something when he suggests that Razor & Leon are the future of All Black Rugby.
Not too much in the way of Motor Racing, except that the Bathurst 6 hour race was held on Sunday. This is for "Production" Cars. The winners, Cameron Hill and Thomas Sargent did 130 laps in the time alloted. Of interest is that in just over 6 hours (about 6 hrs 15 minutes) the Supercars travel 161 laps. Different vehicles I know, but quite extraordinary all the
same.
Sunday & Monday was Mens Sevens from Vancouver. The All Blacks were finally back in the game after quite a time out. They were in 18 position at the start of this Tournament due to their late start. They had won the Singapore 7's two weeks previous, but there had been 4 events previous to this. However, this weekend they finished 6th overall putting them in 15 or 16 depending on which
standings you look at.
A highlight of this event was seeing our own Nick Hogan (Wellington Referee) in charge of a number of games and doing a grand job. Become a Referee and see the World!
This Saturday sees the start of our Premier 2's in their first competition game. Our Boys are playing HOBM at the Hutt Rec at 1300hrs. This is a replay of last years Final. Can't wait!!
Our Premiers are at Hutt Rec vs HOBM - the Team currently at the top of the Table. (I have double checked the venue - Lol)
Hope to see Tawa Supporters there wearing their Tawa Merchandise as usual.
Allan G Davidson
Tawa President
