Hi folks,
Half way through the Bayleys Real Estate Tasman Trophy Competition & teams/positions are starting to take place.
There has been some good fixtures played & the ‘feed-back’ we are receiving from clubs, players, referees, spectators is all positive. This competition has bought back some tradition with regards to the sub-union rivalry (in the best possible way), good old fashion team ‘road-trips’ & a real eye on the competition/points table.
Wakatu Marist & Galbraith Nelson have taken the lead in their respective pools but just below that several teams are pushing close.
Catch-up games played mid-week in Pool A saw Star Garter Waimea OB beat Accessman Stoke 22 – 15 on Trafalgar Park. Players to impress – no.9 Kaide Whiting; no.7 Dan Hytonge for Waimea. Brenton Connel was strong at full-back & Tevita Koloamatangi continues his high work rate in the loose.
Galbraith Nelson beat New world Huia 31 - 0 out at Riwaka. James Foster strong at lock & Goodman standing out in the Nelson back-line.
Waitohi beat Moutere 22 – 13 over in Blenheim.
The annual Nelson/Marlb College rugby exchange took place this week with the pinnacle Press Cup fixture being played in front of a large raucous crowd on the Front Field at Marlborough Boys College.
There were several changes in lead as both teams took to this game with pace, precision & passion.
It took the best part of 70 minutes but Nelson College pulled away at that point to win the game 36 – 22. Nelson College no.10 Mitchell Hunt outstanding in my view.
What’s On-side
- Todd Blackadder’s ‘pep-talk’ to his boys during last weeks training leading into their game against Blues. Whatever he said, worked. The Crusaders were back some-where near their best.
- Dan Carter at 10 – No disrespect to the young Tom Taylor as he is a classy player, but Carter is World Classy!
- Richie McCaw – who was writing him off? – Shame on you all!
- Staying Loyal to NZ – Hosea Gear – I still think he will get another Crack at Black, be it 15’s or 7’s
Whats Off-Side
- The Blues! Well their attitude really. Last week saw Ellis, Whitelock (Sam), Crotty give a lesson to their AB counterparts.
- Violence in Junior Rugby – Wow, where did that attitude come from. Zero tolerance folks – you have been warned!
- The above- in any grade of rugby actually
- Got to mention it as it once again highlights just how poor some of these guys are, even with what they have at hand – The State of O & That Try! Shambolic – right up there with one of the worst decisions of all time!
- You gotta feel for the NSW Blues.
Get Out For
- Bayleys Tasman Trophy Senior Division Rugby – get out & support your club & team folks – both sides of the hill
- Press Cup Action – Nayland v Waimea @ Nayland
- Wanderers Club Day – big day planned here folks
- Takaka Sponsors/Club Day – where I’m headed, always a good visit & some good country club rugby
Tune In For
- S15 Rugby – all weekend on SKY Sport
- Game of the week Local – New World Huia v Star Garter Waimea @ Sports Park
- Game of the week S15 – Chiefs v Bulls – Friday night 7:35 SKY.
Enjoy your rugby
Mike Kerrisk – Rugby Operations.
Check out these great sites
www.shuttersport.co.nz;
Disclaimer
The above is a weekly posting bought about by public request for updates, information & opinion on rugby matters.
It is free journalism & is written based primarily on the opinions of one – it does not necessarily, or always reflect the thoughts or opinions of others.