East Coast, new holders of the John Goodman Challenge Trophy
The E’stel Tasman Trophy has reached the halfway point and there are seven teams with a chance of being in the semi-finals. Only one win separates 7th and a semi-final place. While Waimea Old Boys and Marist are undefeated, we have Waitohi, East Coast, Kahurangi, Wanderers and Nelson all within six points of each other.
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Looking at the draw, all the teams mentioned have tricky local derbies and away trips against each other which will mean that the final series teams are still a long way from being decided. When I drill down further and look at the draw, games against Stoke, Central, Renwick and Moutere are fraught with danger. It is my belief that there are many twists still to come over the coming weeks.
It would be fair to say that this week’s Waimea Old Boys v Marist game will be an absolute cracker. There is nothing like a top of the table clash for the local clubs and fans to enthuse over. In my opinion having studied the draw, Marist and Waimea Old Boys will both host a semi-final but East Coast, Waitohi and Kahurangi have an outside chance of throwing the form guide out the window. Also, both Waitohi and East Coast have very interesting matches against Moutere and Central to deal with.
If you can, get down this weekend to Tahunanui to watch Waimea Old Boys and Marist play each other. Both clubs’ supporters will have a great week of banter and will want bragging rights leading into the semi-finals in June. My unbiased opinion is that it will be an enthralling fixture and the team with the most gas in the tank in the last 20 minutes will come out on top.
Last weekend saw the first senior women’s round of the E’stel Tasman Trophy get underway. The competition comprises 5 teams, two from Marlborough and three from Nelson Bays. I will watch this competition with interest as we will later be selecting the Tasman Mako women to play in our third season in the Farah Palmer Cup.
Age Grade Rugby
It’s an exciting weekend ahead for young rugby players in the Tasman province, as the 2019 Age Grade Rugby season kicks off this weekend.
It is important to continue the shift in focus from ‘win at all cost’ to development, enjoyment, and meaningful competition. Armageddon Paintball welcome and support this change, by raising the reward for good team sportsmanship. Last season the ‘Aim for fair play with Armageddon’ initiative reduced the yellow and red card tally by 38% from the previous season. Positive change and leadership from stakeholders delivering Rugby are fundamental to creating an appealing game for our young men and women.
Tasman Rugby would like to thank all stakeholders that are involved in the administration and delivery of Age Grade Rugby for the 2019 season. Your passionate support allows our young players to enjoy the game we all love. Best of luck.
High-Performance Programs
The High-Performance team are getting excited as the Mako pre-season games, Seddon Shield program, Tasman B and Under 19 programs start to get underway.
On Sunday the Daniel Perrin-coached Under 19 team had their first training session and the excitement, enthusiasm and desire was clear to see at training. This is the first step for many Tasman players on the pathway to becoming a Mako.
On May 15, the Mako High Performance team play Hawkes Bay in Wellington at the Hutt Recreation Ground at 2.30pm and on July 3 they play Wellington in Wellington.
#FinzUp
Tony Lewis