July 27, 2021
PAK’n SAVE New Plymouth Old Boys Rugby Club
Kia ora NPOB whanau
On Saturday 17th July, the Division 1, Colts and Under 13 teams travelled to Inglewood for their respective finals. Bad weather played a huge part in all games where conditions underfoot and overhead were appalling. Despite the conditions all teams tried their best to play constructive rugby. Unfortunately, however the results didn’t go their way.
Match details are as follows.
Alsco NPOB Division 1
The Division 1 team headed to Inglewood on their quest for back-to-back championships in what could only be described as horrific conditions. Coming up against a much larger Spotswood pack, the Old Boys knew they were going to have to front up physically, evident in the early stages of the game with both manager and coach putting on some great shots. Spotswood mounted on the early pressure, resulting into a pick-n-go try in the first 5 minutes. Making matters worse, Captain Courageous Willie Lanes body finally failed him, and he had to leave the field 5 minutes into the final. The team never let this deter them though, maintaining most of the possession but could not quite crack the line, going into halftime trailing 8-3.
In the 2nd half, as it had for most of the 1st half, Old Boys had the majority of possession and converted this into 6 more points through the reliable boot of Cruz Grace, going up 9-8 with 15 minutes to play.
However, it was not meant to be Old Boys day, going down to a soft late try, losing the game 13-9. The team were disappointed that they couldn’t get over the last hurdle but should be proud of their efforts and will be looking forward to having another crack next year.
Cheers to the sponsors and club management for everything they’ve done for us this year.
Coaching team:
· Caleb Mawson
· Matt Harold
Pepper Construction NPOB Colts
Colts grand final – TET stadium Inglewood – Pepper Construction Ltd NPOB Colts 7 v Stratford/Eltham 10
Tuesday and Thursday training were spent preparing a game plan which to a degree was around what Stratford/Eltham might throw at us however more importantly what the weather might do. And we were not let down as the ground and weather conditions were atrocious.
Our usual plan is always to play into the elements in the first half and Luffy managed that by winning the toss. We spent most of the first half pinned in our 22m zone where we learnt not to kick the ball as it would blow back over our heads. We defended our line with determined defence until 40 minutes ticked over and then we saw what would have to be one of the most unusual tries given to Stratford/Eltham after one of our players had forced the ball dead behind the goal line. After winning the toss and playing into the wind if we could turn around being down by 10 that would be a good result, so even so with the disappointment of that try 5-0 had us feeling confident.
10 minutes into the second half Dallas Fisher scored in the corner and Tom Morris stepped up and nailed the conversation from the side-line. Whilst we were aware what end of the field, we needed to play the game it wasn’t that easy to execute in the conditions. We probably really only had 1 more real chance to score with a 5m lineout and didn’t execute it properly.
With 1 minute 40 seconds to go we were generally playing in the right end of the field however when we tried to shut the game down with a pick and go, we gave up a penalty, with Stratford/Eltham taking a quick tap and being awarded another for us not being back 10m. Then on the back of multiple penalties Stratford/Eltham were able to force a try in the 85th minute to win 10-7 (Bugger).
A massive thanks to our supporters who have been with us all season, our sponsor Pepper Construction and the club for supporting these young men in their rugby endeavours.
Gentlemen have a great break, reflect on a great season (apart from that last bloody game), come back next season, engage with the COLTure, engage with the club, and get the silverware.
Coaching team
· Ross Lilley
· Mark Luff
· Cullen Murfitt
NPOB Junior Club
The weather gods didn’t shine on Inglewood TET Stadium ground in the weekend.
Old Boys U13’s faced a very good Tukapa team in the Open Weight final. In their previous two encounters Old Boys had struggled to contain Tukapa’s big forward pack and with Saturday conditions made the job that bit harder.
Tukapa jumped out to a 12 0 lead after as many minutes before Old Boys managed to gain some possession and put Tukapa’s defence under some pressure. Eventually this pressure paid off with and Old Boys scoring a well worked try which was converted. Tukapa’s forwards took control of the remainder of the 1st half, playing perfect wet weather footy, scoring twice before halftime to lead 24-7 at the break.
The 2nd half saw no advantage in conditions to either team but once again the rain was coming in sideways across the field. Tukapa picked-up where they left off, playing smart rugby forcing Old Boys to run the ball from deep. To its credit, Old Boys managed to break up field a few times, but the last pass would go to ground, or the last defender couldn’t be beaten.
The final score was 34-12 to Tukapa. A great game considering the trying conditions with both teams still tried to play open running rugby.
Congratulations to Tukapa and Staff for a great game. To the U13, congratulations on your achievements, as a team you have along in development as a team and individuals. To all involved getting the team to where they got, thank you for your time and effort. Also, a congratulations to the Division 1 and Colts teams for making the final. A dry track may have suited you both as well.
Justin Looney
NPOB Netball Club
Unlucky for the Club all netball games on 17th July were cancelled due to the weather conditions. The netball teams don’t play again until 29th and 31st July. We are hoping our Premier team gets a win on the 29th which will put us into the Top 4 for semis.
Congratulations to those rugby teams that made the finals and those that came close. 2022 will be the Club year for both Rugby and Netball.
Prizegiving 31st July 2021
Prizegiving for the Senior Club teams will be held at the Whitehouse on 31st July. The timetable is as follows:
· 6.30pm: Doors Open – Bar Open
· 6.55pm: Welcome
· 6.58pm: Introduction
· 7.00pm: Presentation of Ross Brown Player ties to Junior Players
· 7.10pm: Buffet meal begins
· 7.30pm: Prizegiving Part 1 – Team and individual prizes
· 8.00pm: Q & A – Neil Barnes Chiefs and Taranaki
· 8.15pm: Prizegiving Part 2 – Club awards
· 8.45pm: Mix and mingle with music by Bald Eagles (Bruce Sutton)
The dress code for the evening is the Black and White Theme.
We invite Players, Partners, Families, Sponsors and Supporters to attend this event. We will send further details in the next couple of days.
Nga Mihi
Keith and Owen
