July 20, 2021
Kia ora NPOB whanau
On Saturday 10 July a big crowd enjoyed a great afternoon’s footy watching the Division 1 and Colt’s semi-final matches at Vogeltown Park. The Division 1 side faced Inglewood while the Colts faced Southern.
A brief outline of the matches played is as follows.
Alsco NPOB Division 1
The Alsco Division 1 side were ready for finals footy and looking to avenge its loss from the previous week against Inglewood. Although Inglewood had the momentum going into the semi-final from that win, Old Boys hadn’t lost at home since 2019 and were confident that they could make it to the final again to defend its title.
Inglewood came out strongly in the opening 10 minutes putting in several big hits and creating multiple turnovers as Old Boys were too slow to get in support of the ball carrier. The Moa’s were the first to strike after their backs sliced through a hole and they dived over near the posts to go up 7-0. Old Boys responded with two Cruz Grace penalties to bring the score back to 7-6 and it was after this that NPOB started get through multiple phases on attack and stretch the Inglewood defence. A penalty on half time saw Old Boys kick into the corner and go to its lineout drive which has been an attacking weapon all season, with Troway Hayes going over to see Old Boys lead at halftime 13-7.
Old Boys knew they had to start the 2nd half strongly and some big carries from Jamayn Kepa got the team over the advantage line and into the attacking zone. Another penalty saw Old Boys kick to the corner and again they ploughed over the line with crowbar Caleb Mawson coming up with the spoils. Inglewood threw everything they had at Old Boys in the last 15 minutes, but they couldn’t break the white line and Old boys deservedly won the match 20-7.
Cruz Grace controlled the game perfectly with his boot and was named man of the match, Jackson Carrington (2) was a rock in the midfield especially on defence and Jamayn Kepa (1) did all he could to get the team going forward.
The team is highly motivated and training hard this week to go out to Inglewood to defend its title against a tough Spotswood side. The team would like to thank everyone for their support throughout the season and we hope to see you all there on Saturday.
Pepper Construction NPOB Colts
Over the season the Colts have grown and developed as a team. At the end of the two rounds, the NPOB Colts finished top of the table and have played some exciting and quality rugby.
The top of the table finish meant as the first placed team the Colts played the fourth placed team at home in a semi-final.
So – Last Saturday the Colts played Southern with the winner of this game going through to the grand final next Saturday, at 1pm on Field 1, at TET Stadium in Inglewood. The Colts started the game strongly and though down by a try early were able to work their way into the game and through some well worked set piece plays were able to score points. With 3 minutes to go the Colts led 36-17 and seemed to think they had won the game. Southern came back scoring two converted tries in the last three minutes for a final score of 36-31.
Tries were scored by Mason Milhan, Noah Callaghan, William Luff, Ratu Stark, Mitchell Profitt while Mason Milhan kicked 4 conversions and a penalty.
Note – At the end of round robin games the Colts goalkicker moved to Australia for a wonderful work opportunity and there was a bit of concern re goal kicking. Well done to our new goal kicker who kicked 4 conversions, a penalty, and topped it off with a try.
Next Saturday Old Boys face a very tough Stratford/Eltham team in the final. We are really proud of the players and look forward to seeing them playing to their potential this coming Saturday.
In addition to the Division 1 boys – good luck – get stuck in and go back-to-back.
NPOB Junior Club
Saturday was the last round for junior rugby. Once again, we were lucky with the weather meaning, open running rugby. The 4 home games were all won by our junior teams with the U13 open winning their semi-final against FDMC.
The U13 now face Tukapa in the final on Saturday at 10am on Field 3 at TET Stadium in Inglewood.
The Club would like to take the opportunity to thank parents for their commitment, getting kids to training, team duty and washing. There are many wheels that need to turn to make a successful season and you all play a huge part. To our awesome Coaches and Managers, you do an amazing job moulding our young players. It takes a lot of time, patience, and persistence with young players but the quality of play this year has been outstanding due to your hard work and dedication.
The Junior Club would also like to thank the Board for its on-going support and assistance and the TRFU for putting everything together, without you there wouldn’t be a junior season.
Good luck to all NPOB teams and players representing the Club this weekend.
NPOB Netball Club
Premiers
The Premiers went into its game against Stratford/Eltham (SERSC) with 1 win a piece and were expecting to be competitive right from the first whistle. Unfortunately for the first 3 quarters it wasn’t to be. With the loss of its goal shoot, Ariki Pullen with injury (basketball) there was a bit of stress finding a replacement this late in the season. Luckily for Old Boys it was a welcome return from Carolyn Phear and ring-in Ally Te Pau Konui (for injury cover). Stratford’s experienced mid-court served their accurate shooters really well, making some nice feeds into the circle and picking up a few loose balls. The SERSC shooters were very accurate from close range.
Old Boys made a few changes during the game, with the last quarter being its best, winning this by 7 goals and picking up 1 point. Changes made were bringing on Sophie Canute in the defence end and she picked up a few tips and intercepts. Riria Takarangi came on in the Centre position at half time then moving into Wing Attack for the last quarter and did some beautiful feeds into the circle. Erika Barr and Ally Te Pau Konui worked well together and played some really nice netball in the circle during the last quarter as well.
The Premiers can still make the semi-finals but will need to win all 4 quarters and be ahead at the final whistle against Raukura in its last pool game.
The final score was Old Boys 40 – SERSC 58.
The Premiers most valuable player was Sophie Canute.
Titans
Titans started strongly and continued that momentum through each quarter to record a 36-20 win over Bell Block Marist
Titans most valuable player was Laura Seed.
Rebelz
With 11 games under our belt and game 2 of the competition, Rebelz played well right through the court. Unfortunately, Rebelz didn’t get the win, going down 30-26 to Western Suburbs in a fast-paced game that made for great viewing.
Rebelz most valuable player was Emma Goldsworthy.
Stars
Stars played Waitara High School Senior A but while they put up a great fight and had lovely through-court play, they lost a tight match 29-28. The team can be very proud of its game and attitude and never giving up.
Unfortunately, one of the girls got injured just into the 2nd quarter and having no substitutes the team basically played ¾ of the game with 6 players. It was not until the last minute that Waitara got ahead.
The final score was Stars 28 – Waitara HS Snr A 29.
Stars most valuable player was awarded to the whole team (couldn’t pick as they all played so well, and all deserved this award).
Prizegiving Night for NPOB Rugby Club
Prizegiving night will be held on Saturday 31st July 2021 with more details to follow.
Thursday Night 15 July 2021
The bar will be open for the final practice night of the 2021 rugby season.
The menu for the evening meal is:
Lamb Shank $20
On mashed potato with mint peas, thick gravy and mint jelly.
+$7.50 extra shank
Chicken and Bacon Burger $15
Ranch slaw, gherkins, smoky barbeque sauce, grilled streaky bacon, cheese.
+$2 extra chicken pattie
Fish and Chips $15
Egmont Seafoods Beer Battered Gurnard, green salad, red onion, carrot with lemon dressing, tartare, lemon wedge.
+$5 extra piece of fish
Saturday 17 July 2021
This weekend the Division 1 and Colts and U13 teams head to Inglewood to contest their respective finals matches. The Division 1 team will play on Field 4 while the Colts play on Field 1. Both games will start at 1pm. The U13 will play Tukapa in its final at 10am on Field 3.
The Club encourage all Sponsors, old timers, players, and supporters to come along to support the teams in the Finals.
The kitchen will open at 10.30am for brunch. The menu will be:
$10 grilled bacon burger, fried egg, garlic butter, tomato relish
$10 breakfast hash, fried garlic-herb mushrooms and onion, aioli, fried egg [gf + vego]
Both meals will be served in bio takeaway boxes
A Supporters Bus will be leaving from the Whitehouse at 12.15pm for TET Stadium in Inglewood. Entry to TET Stadium is $10 cash and U16 are free. Eftpos is only available at the Trailer in the carpark by Gate 1, or you can purchase a ticket from TRFU at Sport Taranaki, before Saturday.
If you have had breakfast at the Club and travel on the Supporter Bus, the bus trip is free. If you don’t have breakfast and want to go on the bus, the bus trip will cost $5.00. The Supporters Bus will return to the Whitehouse following the end of the Premier final. Supporters can also travel back on either the Division 1 or Colts team buses.
Good luck to the Division 1 and Colts teams in these matches.
Nga Mihi
Keith and Owen…
