Synchronised Swimming came to mind last Saturday, except you were able to touch the
ground if you were able to gain a foothold of some sort out at Lake Polo.
My day was to be at the Polo Ground to present the John Davies Cup to the Winner of the
Reserve Grade Game between Oriental-Rongotai and Poneke. Absolutely atrocious
conditions, as we all know. The presentation was done on the Field at the conclusion with
Ories taking the Victory. I ensured I made special mention of the Referee, Dean Brosnahan
and his AR’s Ian Laing and Mike Segetin as Volunteers who chose our Sport to be at on this
wicked day, weather wise! The Game was played in very good spirit despite the continuous
frustrating weather. At the end of the Game, I noted the same Camaraderie that I have
written about in previous Reports on our Reserve Grade Team – absolutely inspiring! It was
rather special to have John Davies on the Field to help present his Trophy.
Due to my “Duties to Perform”, I missed our Premier 2 Game. Our Boys took Poneke out of
contention quite convincingly. We now have a Semi against Upper Hutt Rams at The
Fortress starting at 1230hrs.
Having got soaked, I headed Home for a hot shower and watched our Premiers on YouTube.
Clearly the conditions worsened in that 40 or so minutes it took me to get there. One hell of
a Game! It really came down to who could hold their breath the longest under water, who
had the best flippers and who had excelled at underwater volley ball at College. I think this
was the worst conditions I have experienced since the All Black Test against Scotland at
Eden Park 14 June 1975, of which my Mates and I were at – soaked! But, just like Saturday,
we won! Brilliant coverage by our TV Crew – David, Jun & Amy. Incidentally, Amy told me it took over three and a half hours for her to get Home after the Game.
Another good win by the AB’s over Fiji. The Wallabies took France to the wire and just got
through, taking the series. Argentina crushed Wales. After a loss to South Africa A (?), the
British & Irish Lions found their winning form against the Stormers.
Fozzie – as Johny Cash said, “know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to
walk away, know when to run ….” Not a good idea to air your dirty laundry in public. In
Rugby as a Player, you generally have a limited window of playing time. Like anyone working
in any job, TJ has a right to explore avenues. Like we always say about any sport – prove
yourself on the field. TJ has, and continues to do so!!
An item of sad News. Last Friday Bruce Watt passed away. There are a number of us who
would remember Bruce after he left the Bank and became our Tawa Postie. I have fond
memories of talking Rugby at our gate in Bartlett Grove “back in the day”. I met Bruce in
Wellington when he was an All Black, introduced by his Dad, who was a great Mate of my
Dad. I read on Wikipedia that we both went to the same College in Wanganui. Bruce played
for Wanganui but made his name in Canterbury (playing 117 games) going on to play 29
matches for the All Blacks including 8 Internationals from 1962 – 1964. Bruce also played
Bowls for the RSA in Tawa for many years. Bruce Passed whilst in the care of Longview Rest
Home in Tawa.
