Blues News VOLUME 23 - 2018

Prebbleton Rugby Football Club In This Issue Presidents Report 3 Centenary 3 RDO 4 Junior RDO 5 Sponsors 6 Div 1 Milestones 7 Division 1 8 Division 2 11 Colts 14 U18 15 U16 16 U14.5 17 U13 Blue 18 U13 White 19 U11 20 Club Captain Reports 23 U10 Reports 24 U9 Reports 25 U8 Reports 26 U7 Reports 27-28 U6 Reports 29-31 Higher Honours 32 Club Awards 33 PRFC Clothing Your favourite players wear the gear, and now you can too!

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2 BLUES NEWS Presidents ReportJEROMY KNOWLER

2018 has been a very 16s won their final. A special mention Congratulations to all players who successful year for the must be made to our Senior team made representative teams this Prebbleton Rugby Football who won all 5 trophies played against season, represent the Penguins with Club on a number of levels. other Senior teams, only one shield pride when playing for Ellesmere or Our player numbers have increased missing! Congratulations to all teams Country. A special congratulation to from 2017, and it is always good to see who played semi-final rugby and also Tim Murgatroyd who played for the new faces around the club, especially those teams who improved over the Cantabrians against Otago and the young players starting their rugby season. All Blacks, we are all proud of your career. The enjoyment level of the We had a very wet June which achievements. non-competitive grades was evident resulted in a number of trainings Congratulations to Steve Lees-Godwin when I walked around the fields on being cancelled, thank you to the in playing your 100th game for the Div a Saturday morning, this is thanks to coaches and managers who made 1 team and being named as captain of the coaches, managers and helpers alternative arrangements over these the Country senior team. who gave up their time every week to weeks. This saved our fields and as 2019 is a very big year for us, this make sure our future stars are getting a result we finished the season with is our Centenary year. We will be the help they require. good solid fields allowing us to play celebrating this over Easter weekend We had the biggest number of some attractive rugby. and the Saturday evening dinner will competitive teams reach the semi- Once again the club was well be limited to 400 people so be sure to finals for some time this season with supported by sponsors, we love check out the details on our website the Under 14.5s, Under 16s, Under seeing the players of all ages wearing and register, there will be activities for 18s, Colts and Senior team all reaching their sponsored PRFC tops with all ages over the weekend, this is as the play offs. The Under 16s and Under pride. In return, please make sure much about our present and future as 18s went on to play in the Ellesmere you support the sponsors we have. it is our past. Finals at Darfield with the Under 18s We are very fortunate to have Gina Have a great Summer and see you winning their final. The Under 16s, Guthrie from Ray White Metro as our back next season for what could be Under 18s, Colts and Seniors all made principal club sponsor; we appreciate our biggest year ever. the semi-finals of the Country-wide Gina’s support and look forward to Jeromy competition. While the Under 18s continuing our partnership as we do and Colts were edged out, the Under with all our sponsors. Centenary 2019 is a big year for Prebbleton Rugby and we want you to be involved!

We have confirmed these celebrations will take place on Friday 19th- Sunday 21st April 2019, which is Easter weekend. As more information comes available, we will add it to the facebook and website pages so check back regularly. Please also contact [email protected] if you need information. Registrations for this historic weekend are now open, and can be completed at prebbletonrugby.co.nz/centenary. Tickets are limited and sales have been strong early, so get in quick to make sure you aren’t disappointed. If you have any old photos or information about club history, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!

WWW.PREBBLETONRUGBY.CO.NZ 3 RDO Report DEREK TODD It’s the end of a very getting this over the line complete championship. busy 99th season of with sponsors to cover costs, and • Five of eight competition Prebbleton rugby, and a top effort Rex Dalley from Statesman grades making Ellesmere semi- huge congratulations to Horse Floats for the great tailer. finals (4 gaining home fixtures), two everybody involved in • Another very successful club going on to finals, and the U18’s making it a successful and day, and successfully hosting the being successful in in winning the enjoyable season. Southbridge shield matches – both championship – a three –peat for this As a club, we have continued to grow the result of a huge volunteer effort grade. with increased playing numbers, a by the whole club. • The Div 1 team for the first massive number of willing and able • A very funny Comedy night time in club history winning all five volunteers across the committee, and well delivered Ladies night – well interclub trophies in the same season. coaches & managers, continued great done social committee; both will only These activities and successes set off field culture and co-ordination get better in future. the scene for the club centenary next across the whole club, tremendous • U11’s having an outstanding season. While there is still work to committed supporters, and top on- season only dropping one game- do, and final championship hurdles to the-field performances from teams. shame it was a non-competitive grade climb, we are in a great place to start A couple of club highlights that spring this year! the clubs 2nd century in style. Enjoy to mind include: • Three competition teams your summer break from the rigours of • Additional of a junior RDO to scoring over 500 points for the season the rugby season, come back mentally provide greater support to the junior – speaks volume for the style of rugby refreshed and physically fitter ready to coaches and teams. Well done Jack, a played. GOB again, and make the centennial season the most successful yet in the top effort. • Colts, U18 and U16 winning club’s history. • Taking on “The Penguin” the grade challenge shields during as a mascot across the whole club the season, with the colts and U16 Thanks to all the coaches and Magic to hear “Glory, Glory, Up the holding their trophies to the end of managers throughout the club for Penguins” ring out on the sidelines the season. your time, commitment and passion over the season, and thanks to the and in dressing sheds – a sense of • Four of the five grades in committee for the support you give club identity that the whole club can Combined Country Competitions me in running rugby operation of be part of. making semi-finals, with three club. All of your efforts are hugely • The purchase of the electronic going on to finals, and the U16’s appreciated. scoreboard. Well done Harley for being successful in winning the

4 BLUES NEWS Junior RDO Report JACK MILLER As another season of never say die attitude and the ability high standard of young footballers Prebbleton penguins’ of our young boys and girls to put we have here at Prebbleton, where rugby draws to a close, their best foot forward and give their we encourage hard but fair play, and it’s a great time to look best no matter what. Well done. always respect our opponent, on and back and reflect on all the As I made my way around the teams off the field. outstanding performances each week at training, it was clear I’m sure each team has a number and efforts across the club, to see that the future of Prebbleton of things that they can take away and as the junior RDO, I feel rugby is in good shape based on the from the 2018 season, and hopefully very privileged to have been passion and dedication of our young throughout the year all involved have part of such an outstanding club members. Players across the improved and learned something season, in what is such an club turned up to training switched along the way, I know I have. The outstanding club. on, ready to crack into footy training future of this club is looking very As this was my first year in the role with the positivity and enthusiasm bright, and if Prebbleton continues of junior club RDO, coming into the that encapsulates everything that is to hold the same high standards in role I was introduced to a number good about Prebbleton rugby, and it the years to come, I feel sorry for of teams, players, coaches, mangers was great to see. All players were keen any opponent that comes across the and parents for the first time, and and involved, giving their full effort, Prebbleton penguins in battle. I would immediately I was impressed by the listening to their coaches (usually), like to thank all players, coaches, attitude and passion that was shown and demonstrating some impressive mangers, parents and supporters by everyone involved in Prebbleton skills, which resulted in some for their outstanding work and rugby. Across all teams and grades, outstanding on-field performances commitment this season, and for the attitude of all players at trainings come Saturday. After the games, welcoming me into their respective and games was exemplary. Regardless Prebbleton players again showed their team environments. I hope everyone of the conditions, and without any class and attitude during the after enjoys their off-season, takes some excuses, Prebbleton players turned match food and speeches, where our much deserved rest, and comes back up ready to do the business, and that players were polite, were respectful, firing on all cylinders for 2019, the is what impressed me the most, is the and always let the away team eat first, clubs centenary season. which I feel speaks volumes about the

WWW.PREBBLETONRUGBY.CO.NZ 5 DivCongratulations 1 to Milestones our senior squad members spotted on the sidelines of junior Greg and Pita have been terrific who have reached games, and providing a helping hand representatives for Prebbleton over significant milestones in the wherever needed, Steve contributes the years, and we hope to see both Prebbleton Div 1 jumper. significantly to this club both on and players wearing royal blue long into off the field. Congratulations Steve, the future. Long time captain Steven Lees- and thanks for all you do for the rest Godwin played his 100th Div 1 game These achievements are highly of the colony! early in the season against Oxford. commendable and are testament to Steve joined Prebbleton from Hornby Greg Mitchell and Pita Rokosuka both the effort that is given to represent in 2011 and has been a regular fixture played their 50th Div 1 games against Prebbleton. in our Div 1 side ever since. Often Methven and Waihora respectively. Proud to play for Prebbleton!

6 BLUES NEWS Sponsors Principal Sponsors Scoreboard Sponsors JAB Team Sponsors New Zealand Charitable Trust Utilities Infrastructure Aerial Specialists Gina Guthrie Real Estate Southeast Earthworks Ltd Asku Finance Commercial Vehicle Traders Auto Gates Direct Major Club Sponsors Ellesmere Auto Ellectrical Ltd Bayleys - Richard Innes Armadillos At The Bridge Hynds Pipe Systems Ltd Canterbury Line Boring Ryans Kitchens & Joinery Placemakers Hornby Christchurch Cleaning Shands Outdoor Power Noble Adams Machinery Supplies Blackwells Holden David Reid Homes Club General Sponsors Eden Transport Club Gold Sponsors Gina Gurthie - Ray White Fine Finish Decorating On The Spot Dairy Prebbleton Dairy Fonterra Morgan & Pollard Morgan & Pollard Frank Jones Construction GB Transport Ltd Custom Made Garage Doors Golden Mile Motels Custom Made Garage Doors Advanced Joinery HRS Construction Ltd Norjo Motorcycles Norjo Motocycles Leading Edge Health & Safety Climate Change Climate Change McDonalds Rolleston MAK Homes Busy Bees Miles Continental Mainstream Freight Ltd Streamline Freight Muffin Break Hornby Milligan Automotive GB Transport New World Wigram Enhance Beauty Milligan Automotive Pak n Save Hornby Jemmetts Power Tool Service Shands Outdoor Power Quadrant Ltd Statesman Engineering Enhance Beauty Therapy Raeward Fresh - Tower Hornby Care Physiotherapy Jemmetts Powertools Junction BBQs Direct Ryan’s Kitchens Major Senior Sponsors The Bridge Shands Outdoor Power Store Base Construction Specialist Auto Electric Fiveash Contracting Player of the Day Stihl Shop Fosters (Riccarton) Lagoon Pools Vouchers Subway Rolleston ITM Hillside Armadillos At The Bridge West Melton Four Square Noble Adams Machinery Owens Transport Pauls Excavation Ryans Kitchens & Joinery To all our sponsors who are instrumental in the Chch Refrigeration & Electrical running of our fantastic club, THANK YOU! We couldn’t take the field without your ongoing Patio Signage Sponsors support. Harcourts Four Seasons Gina Guthrie - Ray White Lagoon Pools

WWW.PREBBLETONRUGBY.CO.NZ 7 Division 1DEREK TODD The 1st XV had an Beat Springston 17-12. (Finished 2nd (85%), a much improved goal kicking outstanding season, kicking in conference for Combined Comp) success ratio, and pushing our team on from the last year’s Beat Lincoln 38-15 (Combined ¼ final) tackle rate up to 88% successful over the whole season. seventeen players improvement, to have their Lost to Waihora 15-22 (Combined touched down over the season. Off best results for probably semi final) the last 20 years or more. the field the whole squad contributed Beat Springton 31-10 (3rd & 4th play Although we ultimately came up to the excellent team culture and off in combined comp) short in both the Luisetti Combined it was a pleasure to welcome new Country Comp and the Ellesmere Lost to Southbridge 3-9 players to the culture from Div 2, Colts Comps, going down in semi- finals of Lost to BDI 14-41 and U18 teams. both, for the first time in the club’s Beat West Melton 35-24 Retained A number of the established players history we held all five of the inter- Golden Mile Tavern Trophy have achieved milestones during the club challenge trophies at the end season including: of the season. Having retained the Beat Waihora 21-19. Won the Hoff shield • Steve Lees-Godwin playing 4 from last year, we added the Hoff his 100th 1st XV match against Oxford Shield to the haul in a nail-biting win Beat Lincoln 32-25 – Retained Hayden • Greg Mitchell playing his 50th over Waihora. These results were Kerr Memorial Trophy match against Methven due to just about the whole squad Lost to Darfield 22-23 (Ellesmere from last year returning and hungrier semi-final) • Pita Rokosuka playing his 50th match against Waihora (2nd time) than previously, continued hard work Points for 531 (90 more than 2017), on and off the field, and the excellent Against 358. New players to earn a regular place attitude to the extended squad system in Penguins 1st XV this season were Match highlights for the season between the 1st & 2nd XV. The value flanker Jack Miller, wing/fullback, included winning all five interclub of the 2nd XV players support and Ave Rokosuka and midfield Augustino trophies for the 1st time, beating co-ordination to the 1st XV can not Elisara, while lock Tim Symon and Waihora at Waihora to claim the Hoff be understated, and along with the utility back Mitchell Laughton earning Shield for 1st time since 2013, a magic whole senior group attitude to shared promotion from Div 2 for the latter part performance at Mevthen running trainings and resources is vital to the of the season. Others who made their in 70 points in Busch-Lemon Trophy success of the 1st XV. senior debuts in cameo performances match, Wiggles nailing a last minute included, Conor Mather, Logan The overall record for the season was penalty to beat Darfield on the Forrester, Louwrens Kloppers, Rocky 13 wins and a draw from 19 games high veldt, thumping Lincoln in the Moscatelli, Caleb Harrington (colts), with two of the losses being hard Combined comp ¼ final, and showing Simon Lancaster (colts), Nic Forster fought close losses in the Combined a lot of pride and passion in playing at (U18), Issac Leonord (U18). comp and Ellesmere semi-finals. The our own “Penguin Pen” – only going results for the season were: down twice at home, once by 3 points As a reflection of the results over the Beat Hurunui 29-14 and once by a point in the Ellesmere season, a number of players were rewarded with the opportunity to play Beat Southern 21-20 semi. rep rugby: Beat Methven 71-14. Retained Busch Unfortunately we suffered a couple Cantabrians (Include against the All Lemon Trophy of hic-ups away from home, with sub- Blacks), Canterbury wider squad and Lost to Oxford 20-32 standard performances at Oxford and Burnham resulting in disappointingly Canterbury B: Tim Murgatroyd Beat Rolleston 27-13 heavy defeats. A work on next year Canterbury Country Seniors: Tim Beat Rakaia 38-21 has to be to rid ourselves of these Murgatroyd (co-capt), Steve Lees- Beat Darfield 19-18 uncharacteristic poor performances. Godwin (co-capt), Eddie Sunia, Greg Mitchell , Pita Rokosuka Beat Hornby 52-0 (Club day) Retained A feature of the season was the Grimwood –Forrester Trophy free ranging style of rugby played, Ellesmere Seniors: Tim Murgatroyd, demonstrated by the fact that 62 Steve Lees-Godwin, Eddie Sunia, Drew with Kaiapoi 25 all of the 73 tries scores were by backs Tom Brand, Todd Henderson, Guy

8 BLUES NEWS Murgatroyd the combined semi was inspiring! We Finally, thanks to the players for a Ellesmere Senior Development: trust you enjoyed watching the brand thoroughly enjoyable three years in Jamie Murray, Tom Brand, Louwrens of rugby the team played, and will all charge of a group of young men who Kloppers, George Wigley, Tim Symon, be back in full voice for the centenary have worked hard to go from the Pita Rokosuka, Ave Rokosuka. season next year! wooden spoon to a powerhouse in Canterbury Country Rugby. Hopefully The team would like acknowledge the Thank you to the rest of the 1st you can kick on again next season fantastic support from their sponsors XV coaching & management team season and GOB to take a long over the season: Lagoon Pools, Fiveash who made my job easier and more overdue championship in centennial Contracting, Base Constructing, ITM enjoyable - Tony, Grimmy & Mother, year. Hillside, Noble Adams Machinery, your support and commitment was Christchurch Refrigeration and much appreciated. Thanks also to Awards: Electrical, Pauls Excavation, and Ryans Rory & Kimmi for doing the stats, to Player of the Year (Prebbleton Tavern Kitchens Jolene for the amazing after-match Trophy): Tom Brand food, to the Thursday night cooks The Penguins would like to thank all the (Jeromy, Woody, Joeline, Grimmy, Stu) Players Player (Matt Orr Memorial fantastic support they had received for the great feeds, and to the div 2 Trophy): Tim Murgatroyd from the club and a great band of coaching crew of Brad & Shane for Rookie of the Year (Lumber Specialties loyal supporters – the support at and your outstanding co-ordination. Cup): Ave Rokosuka singing on the side line at Waihora for

Wandering Penguins Good luck to Steve “Denver” Karas (Left) who has returned to Denver, Colorado to attempt to make an impact in the Major League Rugby competition in America. Steve has played in our royal blue colours for the last 2 years, and is now a Glendale Raptor attempting to make it professionally in America Alex Jenkins and Jack Miller (Right) have travelled to play for the Dunfermline Rugby Club in Scotland for the upcoming season. Through Toddys extensive rugby network across the world, Alex and Jack took the opportunity to learn some Northern Hemisphere rugby.

WWW.PREBBLETONRUGBY.CO.NZ 9 The following is individual player stats for the Division 1 2018 season: Starts Bench Tries Conv Pens Points Career Div 1 games George Wigley (1st 5) 17 0 7 23 11 114 33 Dan Laughton (wing) 14 4 11 55 34 Tim Murgatroyd (2nd 5) 14 1 10 1 50 27 Richard Ferguson (Full back) 11 4 9 45 72 Todd Henderson (mid field) 17 1 5 8 1 44 43 Reece Martin (halfback) 6 4 1 12 4 41 43 Pita Rokosuka (wing) 17 1 8 40 52 Mitchell Laughton (Utility Back) 2 5 1 3 5 26 7 Guy Murgatroyd (halfback) 5 1 5 25 33 Ave Rokosuka (wing/fullback) 14 3 4 20 17 Steve Lees-Godwin (Hooker) 18 1 3 1 17 115 Steve Karas (prop/hooker) 6 11 3 15 24 Tom Brand (lock) 16 1 2 10 33 Eddie Sunia (loose forward) 16 2 1 5 35 Angus McKellar (flanker) 15 4 1 5 46 Alex Jenkins (halfback) 10 4 1 5 75 Tim Symon (lock) 4 2 1 5 5 Anaru Knowler (utility back) 1 1 1 2 31 Greg Mitchell (lock/flanker) 13 2 62 Sharkie Pousini (no. 8) 11 5 82 Kyle Young (prop) 11 4 30 Jade Britain (prop) 10 4 31 Jamie Murray (prop) 10 3 31 Jack Miller (flanker) 10 7 17 Jock Ironside (lock) 6 1 17 Dylan Dedman-Ngahiwi (utility) 4 7 66 Augustino Elisara (mid field) 2 4 6 Josh Purdon (Fullback) 2 1 ?? Karl Rush (lock) 1 5 111 Conor Mather (Utility back) 1 3 4 Tim Hastings (Hooker) 1 2 55 Also made appearances off the Bench: (7): Jordan Cadman (3): Mark McClintock, Simon Lancaster (2): Louwrens Kloppers Nic Forster, Tise Leiataua (1): Caleb Harrington, Rocky Moscatelli, Logan Forrester, Issac Leonard

10 BLUES NEWS BRAD NESS, SHANE HAYTON & DivisionDAVE FORRESTER 2 2018 was always going to other all the best for Saturday. It was certainly took a lot of pressure off and be a challenging year for also an opportunity for compliments, ensured there was no impact on the the Div II team and their and just to reinforce how we are all teams needs. I’d also like to thank management, but those one Club and wanting all our teams to Toddy and Kimmie for their help and who stuck to the task were do well. advice when it was needed. duly rewarded with two Thursdays real highlight though I haven’t singled out any players for great victories in the last continues to be the feed turned on by special mention simply because so two games of the season. the Club after training, and we thank many contributed to the cause this A long time ago back in April, coaches Woody, Jeromy and Grimmy (and year. However fair to say that Dave Brad Ness and Shane Hayton were any other helpers) for looking after and Sarge, our co-captains, deserve battling with how to give game time that this season. It’s become a great recognition for keeping the team to 30+ players. By June however, opportunity for teams to mingle, and focused on the field and in very injuries, departures and providing even for coaches to exchange ideas. positive spirits irrespective of what players to our Div I team had well and As a team we have tried to get out the scoreboard had to say. truly taken care of that problem. It and support our other teams during While the constant coming and going became the norm to name a team on the season, especially Junior teams. of players to our Div I team presented Thursday evening, then re-adjust that It’s wonderful to watch the wee Brad and Shane with challenges they and add the reserves in time for kick tackers running around so proudly in were always positive about the need off on Saturday. their royal blue, and especially those for us to provide this support. There In total the coaches called on 47 teams where Div I or II players have can be no doubt that the support, players during the season. We an involvement. We were kept well and the overall relationship between probably had a core of around 18 informed of teams achievements by the two teams, will have been the players, but even some of those were Toddy, we congratulate them all, and envy of many clubs around Ellesmere, unavailable at times. However only especially hope that by the time the especially those struggling with their once did we turn up with less than Blues News comes out our Under Div I numbers. 22 players on a Saturday, and even 16 and Under 18 teams will have The sad reality is that as a team we will then we had 21 with Shane always performed with credit on finals day. now lose a number of our players who available if needed. The team would like to acknowledge are turning their focus to Div III footy For the record we played 16 games and thank all Club sponsors, and in 2019. Absolute credit to these guys and won 8 of them. The teams we especially that good old Prebb man who chose to remain in Div II this year beat in the first round we beat again if Murray Smith who now has the so that we were assured of having we played them in the second round, Tai Tapu Hotel, including The Tap enough numbers, they have given and we added in a victory over top- restaurant. Murray kindly supported plenty of notice about their intentions four contenders Lincoln to finish off the team, took care of the after-match for our Centenary year, and those who our campaign. food, and was a great host whenever remain behind at Div II level wish you we called in after a game. all well. I believe that 2018 has been a Trainings were well attended during most enjoyable season, heaps of new the season, although Tuesdays were The team would also like to thank the friendships have been formed, and it pretty much favoured by the younger Club for its support during the season, would be great to see every single one players with aspirations of making Div especially those who gave up their of you back at Prebb next year. I. On Thursdays though we had great time towards the bar operation. The turnouts and enjoyed some quality bar is something we take for granted opposed trainings with our Div I, Colts but acknowledge the work that goes Roll on 2019! on to keep it stocked and open when and Under 18 teams. One of the nice Awards: things to come out of those sessions we most need it. •Players Player of the year – Dave was when the teams huddled in one I would like to acknowledge and thank Campbell group at the conclusion (which could Brodie Askew for lending a hand when be any old time if Toddy or Kane were I found myself with three unexpected •Most Valuable Player – Tim Hastings refereeing) and each team wished the weeks of Saturday morning work. It •Player of the Year – Dave Campbell

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Penguins Plunder Lincoln Late in the season, our Prebbleton The Prebbleton Div 2 side haven’t trotted onto Lincoln Domain full of Div 1 & 2 Penguins marched out to taken the chocolates against Lincoln confidence after seeing history made Lincoln for what was arguably the since 2000, and entered this game just prior. A hot early start saw the most eagerly anticipated day of rugby as underdogs against last years Penguins take an early lead, one that this glorious club has seen in competition runners up. Well, nobody which was never surrendered. A 32- quite some time. told our battlers that, as Anaru 25 victory ensured that the Hayden In a remarkable turn of events which Knowler calmly slotted a penalty after Kerr Memorial Trophy was retained was fitting of a Hollywood spectacular, fulltime to seal a monumental 16-15 by Prebbleton, and chants of “GLORY, the Penguins walked away victorious victory. GLORY UP THE PENGUINS” could be in both fixtures. Not to be outdone, our premier side heard all the way from East Belt to West Belt.

12 BLUES NEWS The Mayor of Prebbleton A particularly successful senior season could quell the support and genuine Ngane Punivai, and future penguin has seen record numbers of penguins pride exuding from the top corner of Greg Pleasants-Tate. representing our colony with higher the East Stand which erupted every Tim follows this performance with honours. time Tim went remotely close to the Ellesmere, Canterbury Country and On 9 August, a waddle* of 30+ action. Canterbury B selection in another penguins ventured to AMI Stadium Our chants could be heard from all successful season of footy. to watch one of our own as Tim four corners of AMI Stadium, and Good luck Tim, and we hope to see Murgatroyd played on the hallowed while the Cantabrians lost to both you on AMI Stadium again before too turf for the Cantabrians in the Game Otago and the All Blacks, a great long! of 3 Halves. Tim started against Otago, night was had by all supporters of and came off the bench against the All Prebbleton Rugby. *Fun Fact: A collective of penguins Blacks in front of a particularly vocal After a heavy campain for Prebbleton, on the water is called a raft, while group of penguin supporters. Tim was rewarded with selection for a collective of penguins on land is Not Red Badge, nor the national side this fixture alongside former penguin referred to as a waddle.

WWW.PREBBLETONRUGBY.CO.NZ 13 DEAN NIEMAN, DAVE KETTLES, NEIL NICHOLSON Well it’s been another way but in the end we narrowly lost Most Improved Player of the Year – Coltstough season that once 9 – 10 with the game taking a lot Dallas Edens Te Rito again has had its highs and out of the boys. But we had to pick Players of Player of the Year – Tomo lows that the great game ourselves up and play a semi final the Neiman of rugby always tests you next week against Springston for the with. The Colts kicked off their Ellesmere Competition. This game season back on the 7th of April and was just a bridge too far for us and we A big thanks to our team sponsors this progressed through the round robin went down 15 – 25 and our season year of the Combined Country Competition was over. Southern Foundations – Bevan playing twelve games with 11 wins Top Points Scorer of the year – Simon McKeich and 1 draw and managing to win the L a n c a s t e r 7 7 P o i n t s The Golden Mile – Murray Hollamby Tony Lee Shield along the way, taking Top Try Scorer of the year – Alex it off our close friends from Waihora Coulthard 8 Tries and then defending it a couple of Also a big thanks to Mandy, Donna, times to lock it away for the summer. Julie, Issy, Lucy & Abby for sorting out I believe it’s the first time a Colts side Congratulations to the players who the after match feeds for the team. from Prebbleton has held the shield made Rep teams this year And finally a big thanks to all our at the end of the season, well done Alex Coulthard – Ellesmere Colts & supporters throughout the year and fellas. Ellesmere Keas of course the club for all the gear, Thursday night feeds and continual We then moved to the playoffs and Tahemaka Nuu – Ellesmere Colts support, sorry we couldn’t quite get played a semi-final for the Combined Caleb Harrington – Ellesmere Colts Competition against Darfield winning it done in the big games - but there is this 33 – 10 and progressing to the Ben Kahu – Ellesmere U18 always next season. final against Lincoln. This was played Also Congratulations to our award Cheers Dean, Dave, Neil & Hamish at home and it was a very tough winners this year match that could have gone either Player of the Year – Alex Coulthard

14 BLUES NEWS CHAMPIONS KANE GRAHAM, KARL CHALLIS, GREG ROSSITER After a few years of combining with top of the Ellesmere competition Team Awards: U18other clubs, it was pleasing that we and met Darfield/Waihora at home Most Improved: Nathan Rogers were able to form our own Prebbleton for the semi-final where we had a Players Player: Nathan Marsh U18 team with a great muster of comfortable win in front of a great Player of the Year; Ian Barr Memorial 36 registered players including 8 bunch of Penguin supporters. Cup: Nic Forster returning players from the Ellesmere We went on to play Plains United Comp winning Prebbleton/Lincoln in the Ellesmere Final at Darfield, Representative Players: team of 2017. where we had a comfortable and very Canterbury Country U18: Nic Forster The U18 competition included pleasing win. Ellesmere U18: Nic Forster, Cody 4 teams from Ellesmere, 3 from Semi Final: PRFC 35 vs. Darfield/ Reynish Mid Canterbury and 2 from South Waihora 0 Ellesmere U18 Development: Ash Canterbury. It was disappointing for Final: PRFC 49 vs. Plains Utd (BDI/ Sharpe, Cody Reynish, Harry Mayo, Canterbury Country Rugby that North West-Melton) 8 Isaac Leonard, Josh Charlton, Josh Canterbury were unable to enter any Kelly, Nathan Marsh, Nathan Silcock, teams in the 2018 competition. Throughout the season, the team played an expansive east-west Nathan Rogers Round 1: Combined Competition. pattern. We averaged 40 points per We would like to thank all of our club We started our season by winning game, scoring 104 tries for the season. sponsors and also our team sponsor, our first 6 games on the trot and Nic Forster was our weapon scoring Fonterra for their generous support celebrated our solid start with a team 27 tries mainly through his extreme of PRFC U18 rugby once again. Our party including parents and boys in pace. He also went on to make his supporters have been awesome, the shed. We ended up qualifying debut for our Division 1 team during some of them didn’t miss a game all second in the combined competition the year. Well done Nic! season and were always willing to and travelled to Ashburton to play With a regular squad of 31 players, help and dress up as Penguins when an unbeaten Celtic team in the final. we were forced to abide by JAB rules required. It was to be our best game of the and rotate all players to play ½ games To the Committee, and Toddy as RDO, season, with the boys leaving it all on or miss out completely some weeks. thanks very much for your help and the paddock with their ‘never-say-die’ We thank the boys for the way they support of the U18’s. Our club is lucky commitment. Unfortunately, we lost handled the disappointment of to have you guys driving us towards that game with a penalty awarded to missing out on game time. an improving level of club culture Celtic in front of our posts in the final and on-field performance. The feeds Season Summary: minutes of the game to provide Celtic on Thursday night were also well a one-point win. Played 17, Won 14, Lost 3. appreciated. Semi Final: PRFC 23 vs. Darfield/ Points For: 670, Against: 287 Finally, to the team, you’re a great Waihora 22 Winner: Ellesmere U18 Competition bunch of young men, it’s been a Final: PRFC 21 vs. Celtic 22 2nd: Combined Competition (Mid enjoyable season, and you can be Round 2: Ellesmere Competition Canterbury/South Canterbury/ proud that you achieved the season goal of Going One Better (#GOB) in In the second round, we qualified Ellesmere) 2018. We wish you all the best in the future.

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CHAMPIONS MARK BUCKLEY, BRIAN GUTHRIE, MARKDAN BUCKLEY, MCKAY, LISA BRIAN MACDONALD GUTHRIE, DAN MCKAY, LISA MACDONALD This season has been a challenging one for Prebbleton U16 Under 16’s. We combined with the Rolleston Club with the common goals of bringing a team together and being successful. This also meant the sharing of training facilities at both clubs home grounds. The team has come together really well, with significant contributions by all of our players and a lot of fun had along the way.

We have had a really successful season, winning all but two games including the Totalspan Shield and the Combined Competition Final after another gutsy come from behind win to blitz Lincoln. Several of our Prebbleton players have gone on to higher honours with selection for Ellesmere and Canterbury Country including Jack Fantham, Connor O’Neil, Brodie Gason, Jordan Lill and Kieran Charlton.

Of note, although penalised a few times, not one player has been sin binned this season which is a credit to the overall discipline of these young men.

We gave it everything in our final in Darfield, however unfortunately fell short, losing 6-12 to West Melton in a great effort.

A big thankyou to all those parents and people who have supported us along the way. Awards: Player of Year – Josh Dent Most Improved – Bailey MacDonald Players Player - Duncan Fulton

16 BLUES NEWS JAMIE GRAHAM, ANARU KNOWLER, JADE BRITAIN The start of the season we trainings and this got results pretty and Thomas for making the Ellesmere U14.5had nearly 30 children for quickly. This only made the kids want rep sides for the campaign at the end 22 spots each week it more and were pushing us to teach of the season. Also all the coaching them more. We set a goal to win 3 staff for this team have been picked This was by far the most difficult games this season and we went past to coach these sides! Overall a very thing us coaches had to do all season, that and made the semi final. We successful campaign that far exceeded leaving kids out of playing sport isn’t either pushed or beat the top sides expectation. fair but we made this as fair as we and beat the teams we ‘should’ have. could. Team Sponsors: The fact the boys wanted to learn I would like to thank Jason and Maria Leading Edge Health and safety and listened (most of the time) made for their role as managers (even Asku Finance it easy for us to get through. As we though Charlie’s season finished very team we worked together to achieve Canterbury Line Boring early on). It made our jobs as coaches 10+ phases multiple times this season David Reid Homes very easy and we only had to worry and for young men that is amazing to about up-skilling the kids! Awards: achieve so often. We had some stand Player of the Year - Thomas Lavender With the two u13’s sides coming out players this season but the most into one and having a total of 3 wins rewarding part was the growth in all Players Player - Matt Brook combined last year the kids were a bit the kids - this meant that we had no Most Improved - Callum Hyde down at the start of the season but weak links and everyone played for Jamie, Anaru and myself (Jade) got each other. One try scoring machine into our work. We added discipline, of ours scored 30 tries this season! #proudtoplayforPREB! structure and enjoyment to our Congradulations to Jamie, David, Jack

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BLUE MARK KELLY, TREVOR BORNHOLDT, MICHELLE BARNSLEY We would also like to acknowledge our sponsors: Golden Mile Motels Eden Transport McDonalds Rolleston What an enjoyable season As we have said all season - trust your Subway Rolleston U13once again had by players, mate, do the jersey proud and have Muffin Break Hornby coaches,management and fun at the same time. For this team parents. the second half of the season was a lot closer results-wise which lifted We would like to wish all the best to It’s fair to say this year was extremely intensity and skill level which was boys moving up to 14.5 and also to challenging for our boys with the team really pleasing to see. On that note the boys who will play second year made up of second year 13s and boys we would like to thank Toddy, Jack 13s…..2019 will be fantastic and coming through from Under 11.5. and the Prebbleton club for resources remember keep working hard and To start the season playing Darfield supplied to upskill the lads which enjoy your footy!! and West Melton twice was a huge contributed to improve results. introduction to Under 13 rugby, but as Awards: like any team that plays at Prebbleton, Congratulations to Ellesmere rep Player of Year – Nathan Edge players, Preston & Nathan making the boys never gave up and would Most Improved – Rio Dobbs always challenge a team that may the under 12 development and also have been out playing us in the first Lackie, Mitchell and Sam for making Players Player - James Batchelor half. the under 13 team! Most Promising - Mitchell Tait

A Word From Our Principal Sponsor

The old adage that “it takes a village No one person can do everything, appreciated. You are the lifeblood of to raise a child” could just as easily be but everyone can do something. So this amazing Club. applied to what makes a successful regardless of whether you are on the I often hear people talk about sporting club. It has taken ‘the village’ Committee, a coach, the water boy ‘Prebbleton Pride’ and I am certainly to make Prebbleton Rugby Club a (or girl!), the parent who drives your proud to be a supporter and principle success and as the Club looks towards child to practice and the game each sponsor of the Prebbleton Rugby its Centenary celebrations next year, week, the grandparent or sibling that Club. A club that celebrates not just you can’t help but appreciate the rugs up and stands in all weathers to it’s on field successes, but its place in role that ‘the village’ has played in its encourage from the side-line, your the community and I thank you for the growth. presence and support is valued and privilege of being part of your ‘family’.

18 BLUES NEWS WHITE CRAIG FOSSEY, CHRIS GROSVENOR, PHIL JOHNSTON 2018 for U13 White was truly a opposition often commented on how I am sure you were not disappointed development year for the majority we used our whole team and it was with the commitment put out there U13of our team with the new grade split great to see the wingers scoring the each week. Also a big thank you to meaning 18 of our 20 players will be tries. Adding to this was our team our sponsors Canterbury Line Boring eligible for U13 again next year. Having culture which played a big part in the and New World Wigram, please get most players still 11 at the beginning boys rugby this year, these young men out and support these businesses of the season and competing against played hard but fair, they should be when you can. Thank you to Nathan some teams stacked with massive commended on their sportsmanship, for helping us out at training with your 13 year olds was a true challenge. representing the Blue jersey with backline experience and knowledge However the boys stuck to it and pride. The coaches are very proud of and for filling in for Phil while he although losing some games by big this team and could not have asked was on sabbatical in Europe. A big score lines, our lads NEVER gave for a better bunch of kids, we hope thank you to Noel for his amazing up. Although the smallest in the they will all be back next year. photos each week, we are so lucky competition, the boys soon realised Congratulations to our award to have him and appreciate the they needed to play smarter and in winners which were all extremely huge amount of work he puts into most games they certainly played the well deserved, the boys made this these every week, check out our better rugby. Most importantly they very tough for us this year though FB page and you will understand played as a team, unlike other teams with a lot of competition for these what we mean https://www. that relied heavily on one or two awards. Player of the Year was Sam, facebook.com/Prebbleton-Rugby- players scoring 90% of their points. Players Player award was won by Seth, U13-White-1417649415161088/. This will serve our team well moving Chris was Most Improved Player and Finally a big thank you to the club, forward in future years and they will Ford was awarded player with Most committee and all the volunteers be better players because of it. Potential. Congratulations also to the out there who allow us to have great The second half of U13 White’s season boys who were available and trialed facilities, grounds and the best club in saw the competition start for real and for Ellesmere this year, with Seth, Ellesmere. our players and team continuing to Ford, Callum, Login and Thomas all Awards: develop. Winning 2 of our 5 games in gaining higher honors in the Ellesmere Player of the Year - Sam Iffland the round robin with 2 of the 3 losses Jersey. Most Improved - Chris White close contests for the majority of To our supporters, parents, Players Player - Seth Whiten the game, the boys put into practice grandparents and friends of the team, what they had learnt at training and many thanks for your encouragement Most Promising - Ford Honeywell scored some brilliant team tries. Our and support throughout the season.

WWW.PREBBLETONRUGBY.CO.NZ 19 BRENDON EDGE, GRANT KELLY, KENT RAMSAY

The 2018 U11 squad is ball and exposing teams out wide. from every other team, and the teams U11an amazingly gifted and The boys played as a team and that tackling abilities got better & better as dedicated group. was another major contributor to well. It has been a complete pleasure their success. There’s no individual It was hard not to nominate more coaching them. Their season started that couldn’t be replaced by someone of the kids for the Ellesmere u11 well, but they grew significantly in else able and willing to do the job. We Rep trials, but we settled on 13 of stature over the season. They were were very strict on the use of drawing the team, of which 12 are now in the very successful at implementing what & passing to create opportunities, Development squads. This speaks to we worked on at practices into their rather than ‘going alone’. The unity, the level of talent these boys have games which is incredibly satisfying to aggression and effectiveness at - and how much they’ve developed see. breakdown was what set us apart their game. We are really looking forward to having all the boys come One of our key focus’s from the first back next season to see what they day was playing as one team, working can achieve in their first crack at a together and supporting our mates. Competition grade. The boys really embraced this and more often than not they would Results: dominate their opposition across the 18 Wins, 1 Loss, 1 Draw park. This resulted in some great Points for: 620 team work and very flattering scores Points against: 188 The forwards would lead the way with solid defence, turnover ball by Awards: winning the rucks, taking the ball up Player of the Year - Carter Baxter to create an advantage, and then the Most Improved - Christian Meyer backs would go about distributing the

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22 BLUES NEWS Intermediate Club Captain TELSA BUCKLEY

I can’t believe the season is over already and what a fantastic season it has been. Congratulations to all our winners at Prizegiving recently and it was great to see so many turn out on the Friday night to celebrate another successful season and to hear about the combined successes of all our teams. Congratulations to the U11 coaches who took out the JAB coaches this year, our U14.5’s who made the Ellesmere semi- finals and to our U16 team who won the Combined competition final. This is the first time we have won this title in this grade! It was also great to be able to announce the touring coaches for next year for the U16 squad: Mark Buckley Head coach Jamie Graham Assistant coach Jade Britain Assistant coach This team has 19 confirmed to go on the trip next year, with a lot of fundraising already completed to help fund the trip. If anyone else is interested in going, it’s never too late so feel free to contact someone at the club for details. Next year is a big one for us, our Centenary year, with lots of planning well underway. Don’t forget to register for the events at Easter weekend and I look forward to seeing as many of you back next season running around in ‘our’ blue enjoying the big year. Once again thank you to everyone who has made this another great year, everyone on the committee, our coaches and managers, parents and supporters but most of all our players! Stay safe, have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Junior Club CaptainANDREA PARSONAGE As the season is now at the end, it’s time to take stock of what we have all achieved this season! With this being my first season as Junior Club Captain, I have been truly amazed at how giving people can be with their time! I was humbled to have parents that have never even played rugby themselves, putting their hands up to coach young teams, with just a great attitude of giving it a go! The feedback I have had from all of our coaches and managers this season, is just how rewarding it has been for them all. We’ve had a great opportunity of having Jack Miller step into a new role as the Junior RDO this season. This has been a great success and has given our old and new coaches the tools and confidence to go out and coach our up and coming rugby legends  I was particularly proud of the Bounce n Feed fundraiser that was sold out before the week was up, with happy kids and parents it was great to see everyone really enjoying themselves. Thanks everyone that supported the initiative. For those who missed out, I’m truly sorry! Please keep your eyes peeled for some more fun in 2019. I have enjoyed this new adventure, for me it has shown me that we can all learn and grow in trying new things we never even thought to consider. I have had sixteen teams in the JAB and on the 16th of February, I wondered to myself what had I done and how was I going to put this all together! But I think it’s been a relatively smooth and successful season for everyone involved and there is no way it would have been as successful a season without the help of all the junior coaches and managers. You have all been amazing to deal with, I thank you all for the time you have put into your teams this year and the support you have all shown me in this role. We had a particularly wet start to the season, with many trainings called off, but fortunately only one Saturday game was cancelled. To the 176 kids that have played their hearts out this season, I thank you all for always giving your best to your coaches and team mates. Thank you to Telsa, Toddy, Kimmi and the committee for your support and helping me when I’ve needed it.

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WHITE DAVE COLLOTY, BRENT MITCHELL & LAUREN CHISHOLM Another season over pleasing to see the enthusiasm to turn the team during the season. Thanks to bringing its challenges & up to practice & transfer that through the Prebbleton club & administration U10rewards, with some good to Saturdays. team for making it all possible on learning experiences. We finished the season with 11 wins & Saturdays, and a big thanks to our own team sponsors. Congratulations to our As a team we had our share of highs & 6 losses, scoring 124 tries & conceding two end of year team award winners. lows during the season. Most notably 94. Our top try scorer dotted down Be good & we hope to see you all next some hard fought wins against some for 34 tries. The team always played season. larger opposition. Our U10 team was competitively till the final whistle, made up mostly of players having the with all 14 members contributing well Cheers - Mitch & Dave previous years in the lower grades & playing a big part in the successes Sponsors: the team had. for Prebbleton together, & one new Auto Gates Direct member to last years squad. Based Hopefully the majority of the team HRS Construction Ltd on previous years’ experiences, the can remain together and build on teams ball skills, tackling & passing the valuable lessons learnt this year, Fine Finish Decorating was a pleasing improvement to see. seeing all the players coming back Awards: With some better positional play next season to the club for another go Player of Year – Hugh Urquhart creating some good tries out wide. would be great. Most Improved – Hayden Attewell Whilst challenging at times at practice We’d like to take this opportunity to to keep them all in line, it was always thank all the people that have helped BLUE HAMISH RITCHIE, JAMIE FLETCHER & ANG LOCK-GREEN Under 10 Blue have had an As coaches, we have been excited to knowledge and coaching. enjoyable season in 2018. see improvement both as a team and Thanks to Ang Lock-Green our team Most of the team are returning as individuals honing their tackling, manager – she kept the team running members from the Under 9 team last passing and running skills. During smoothly and is an unflappable year, with a couple of new players the season the team fought hard presence on the side-line. to win some tough games against who have slotted into the team Thanks to Stu Green for being our opposition that had easily beaten seamlessly. team referee – always very fair and us last year. These wins boosted the Team members: Aston Benger, Ben consistent with the whistle. Due to team’s confidence and really showed Morrison, Cohen Grainger, Cooper his great skills we think he is ready to them what they could achieve. Wright, Daniel Brough, Fergus move to a higher level of refereeing Ritchie, Henry Butler, Jack Fletcher, The boys in the team have heaps (perhaps Under 11.5 next season?!) of fun together and the team spirit Leon Iggulden, Logan Edwards, And finally thanks to a great group of showed by the players is good to see Logan Lock-Green, Mathew Dermott, parents who are always supportive and be a part of. Shaedyn Chamberlain, Theo Friedel, of their kids and who have made Thomas Parsonage. We are grateful to the Junior RDO coaching easy. Jack Miller for the coaching sessions The team have continued to progress Awards: and develop their skills this season, he ran at the holiday programmes, Player of Year – Daniel Brough and their understanding of the game and for the time he spent at our team and positional play has really grown. training sessions through the season Most Improved – Cooper Wright – the kids really benefited from his

24 BLUES NEWS to see them trying different aspects of play and starting to find their favoured RED areas. As always a very big thank-you to BRENT PHILLIPSON, CRAIG GRAY & the parents and families/friends LUCY MCCLURE that come to support the team each Saturday – the boys love playing in 2018 has been a really good front of everyone. Thanks also to year for Under 9 Red. the parents helping out at practices U9 By far the biggest improvement was and on Saturdays – it makes a big WHITE how the boys have really started difference to have extra help with the playing well as a squad, especially drills! And thank-you of course to our STEPH BROOMHALL, PAUL through the second half the season. fantastic manager Lucy who kept us HURFORD & DEB JONES Most of the tries are now the result of all very well organised and up to date Paul, Debbie and I have had the a real team effort, often with several with all the club news and events! privilege to co-coach and manage the phases of play typically starting with Picking the end of year awards was STRIKERS u9 white team. It has been some great work by the forwards very difficult this year with a number very rewarding to have the continuity winning or retaining the ball in the of contenders for both awards. In the from returning players and to have ruck/maul, followed by passing out end we asked the parents and boys the same team another season, to amongst the backs. Gone (almost) are for their choices and every player had watch them develop tactically, start the days of ‘I have ball, I must score their name put forward for one of the stamping their mark on the game, try’! We finished the year with 12 awards (some for both)! build in confidence and watch leaders wins and 4 losses. A special thank-you to our sponsors emerge on the field. Most of our team have been together for the second year running - West Our team love playing rugby and for a number of years now, but the boys Melton Four Square. Owners Brent developing as a team and each game quickly welcomed 2 new members and Leah have once again been very they go from strength to strength while (Oliver Innes and Ben Gillanders) and generous the whole season with the showing exceptional sportsmanship. showed great sportsmanship both in jackets and goodie bags for the boys. We couldn’t be prouder of this bunch practices and on game day. As coaches Thanks again! of athletes. it makes it all worthwhile when we see And last but not least, thanks to Thank you to our sponsors Frank them practicing hard and taking what Andrea Parsonage for all her efforts Jones construction and STIHL SHOP they learnt to the next game, building running the JAB grades. A great job Fosters, and the ongoing support of their skills as the season progresses. and the ‘bounce n feed’ afternoon our team whanau The other thing we’ve really noticed was a great success – bring on more! this year is the boys starting to slot Awards: Awards: naturally into different positions – Player of the Year – Luke Hayston from tight and loose forwards through Player of the Year – Jamie Grey Most Improved – Liam Jones to inside and outside backs! It’s great Most Improved – Blake Phillipson

GREG MANSON, CRAIG CHARLTON BLUE & SELENA CANNELL U9 Blue have had a great season and for subs but with improved fitness no one wants it to end. The whole this was overcome team has stepped it up and the We would like to thank the club for coaches are extremely proud of how their continued support and also all the boys have performed winning acknowledge Andy who has filled 60% of our games. We scored a total Telsa’s rather large shoes very well. of 165 tries and conceded 154 and had Thank you also to all the family some awesome games against evenly members that come every week to matched teams also showing great support us form. It was great to play teams from last year and see how much everyone Awards: has improved after one year at tackle. Player of the Year – Beau Manson We were down 2 players for most of Most Improved – Jag Gemmell the season which made things tough

WWW.PREBBLETONRUGBY.CO.NZ 25 boys first year of tackle to have the across. The team work and passing wonderful coaching skills of Scott has improved so much, they see the Carpenter and Richard Innes with rewards when they work together as some dedicated dads helping them a team. out weekly, to guide the boys to a very We look forward to watching them successful season. develop their skills in the game further The team has a number of players next season. who have come thru the Prebbleton Big thanks to our team sponsor ripper grades with the addition of Richard Innes – Bayleys, for the a few from other clubs who have team Hoodied tops and boot bags. RED become part of the Prebbleton rugby We would also like to thank the Club U8SCOTT CARPENTER, RICK family and one young man who has officials who give up their time to INNES & MISSEY TUCKER not played any ripper rugby before. make it all possible. They have adapted really well to Awards: What a great Season our tackle rugby and are having so much team has had! fun playing the game and certainly Player of the year- Liam Morgan not reluctant to have a go at some of Most improved - James Napier We have been very lucky for our the much bigger kids they have come

BLUE being able to tackle and weren’t in confidence, but at practice where scared to go after even the biggest they were keen to absorb everything JUSTIN NEWALL & on the field (even if they were some the coaches could throw at them ANIA NEWALL of the smallest), others quickly learnt and make sure that they helped each that if they didn’t want to be tackled other along the way. What amazing season this to pass the ball. The remainder, while team has had in their first The team can officially say they were keen, were hesitant until they really ‘undefeated’ for the season, despite year of tackle rugby. got a handle on how it all worked. only having five home games. The With 7 players from last year combining What all the boys had was the Prebbleton 2018 U8 Blue team can with 5 new players, the team set out willingness to learn, be part of a hold their heads high and pat each to learn the skills needed for the next team and be real sportsmen on and other on the back for a season well step in their rugby journey. off the field-not only to each other played and look to 2019 with great While most of the players already had but to their opposition. Each week anticipation. the confidence to pick up the ball, run a different group of boys would Awards: and score, doing so knowing that they stand out and show what they had Player of the year - Hunter Hooson could be tackled at any moment was a learned. This showed not only how different story. While some embraced they played on the field, as they grew Most improved - Kash Duncan

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26 BLUES NEWS WHITE GREEN DAVE CAMPBELL, BRAD GRAINGER DAVE MORRIS, WADE PULLEY & & NICOLA GARBUTT RACHEL MORRIS The end of the 2017 ripper What a year it has been for season came around too our amazing group of kids. quickly for some of our All our players have grown from team. strength to strength over the season U7 By Christmas murmurings of an epic and it has been great to watch and RED return had begun- the 2017 Under be a part of. As the season has 6 Green transformed into the Under progressed you could see that they BRYAN RIDDLE & NICOLA YOUNG 7 White team and we hit the 2018 are developing into great little rugby The Prebbleton Under season head on. Luckily for Dave, players and I look forward to watching 7 Red team has had a Brad agreed to join the coaching team their growth as they move to tackle. fantastic season. and together they have taken ripper This year we have put an emphasis to another level with our kids. This on teaching the kids the skills they While we may not have won many season we had 7 huge wins, scoring will need to play rugby and develop of our games, the boys don’t even 205 tries (or 1025 points) and making the team overall. It is a team that ask each week what the score is – 524 rips. wins a game not an individual and all they are out there playing because members have a part to play. I would they love it. The boys have improved Over the course of the season each player has grown enormously, like to congratulate the kids on the so much this season, even with the great season and hope to see you on weather hampering a lot of our improving their try scoring and rip- making stats from last season, and the rugby field in coming seasons! I trainings throughout the season. would also like to thank the parents There are a lot more rips and passes flourishing when asked to step into the leadership role as team Captain. for their help and support, getting going on between them all and some them to practices and games, and great breakaway runs, and tries were Choosing just two player awards has proven difficult but this season supporting them in their passion had by many of the boys. They have for rugby. Without you guys they really come together as a team, with the Under 7 White team awards have gone to Judd Hedges (Player wouldn’t be able to do it. We have it being the 3rd season together for been super lucky this year to again some of the boys. Bryan has done of the Year) and Myka Yates (Most Improved), for these two Rippers their have Aerial Specialists on board to another wonderful job as coach for sponsor our team hoodie. Thanks Mel the team, the boys love him and he positive attitude and determination to improve their skills as well as all round and Mike – this is greatly appreciate gets them out there and trying their by all the kids and coaching staff. best each game. The highlight for the great sportsmanship really stood out. boys and possibly the parents was the A huge thank you to Kate and Ryan Sponsors: “Chicken Dance” we got to witness Butler from Ryan’s Kitchens and Major sponsor – Aerial Specialists twice this season from Bryan, when Joinery for their generous sponsorship Minor sponsors – Miles Continental the boys got 6 rips in a row he would of the team apparel and weekly prize Awards: pull out the chicken dance on the field packs for both our team and the much to the boys delight! Thanks for opposition. Player of the Year – Flynn Grigson another great season boys, Bryan and A special thanks must also go to the Most Improved – Billy Gibbs parents – we’ve all had fun. parents and other sideline supporters Awards: who week-in, week-out keep the Player of the Year – Ollie Bennett sidelines buzzing with excitement and have created such a positive Most Improved – William Young environment for our kids to thrive on the field. Awards: Player of the Year – Judd Hedges Most Improved – Myka Yates

WWW.PREBBLETONRUGBY.CO.NZ 27 Primary Sponsor – Specialist Auto running with the Kids backwards and Electric. These guys have been forwards when Leon has had a few phenomenal for the past two years I too many Corona’s the night before. have been involved in the team! Parents – Thanks to all the parents Manager – Jackie Adams. Jackie has that stepped up when either Jackie, been brilliant in her first year as a Leon or myself were away. The Manager. Always making sure the support on and off the field was great BLUE morning tea was ready for the home too. Many thanks. U7LEON PRINSLOO, DAVID games, reminding us all of where we Andrea Parsonage - A big thank you ADAMS, JACKIE ADAMS are playing, who’s captain and who’s to Andy for showing us the ropes and bringing the oranges. We’d be lost keeping us in check! The no Bull Sh*t Wow what a season! without her! attitude is just what Leon needed! I think in my eyes we had a great Coach – Leon Prinsloo. Leon has been Haha. winter and were fortunate enough awesome over the last two years as The kids have given their all to the to play most, if not all the games this coach. He has allowed the kids to team this year. We have managed year. Having a wee bit of moisture grow into the game at their own pace to develop them to a point where from time to time let us coaches get and given them an opportunity to they are running straight and really the kids filthy. It was mandatory at a enjoy just playing the game. He has taking on the line, turning and passing couple of training sessions for the kids bought the kids to a point where they quickly at the time of ripping and to get dirty, rub the dirt on their face are wanting to play tackle. having most, if not all of the team and hands and all trys had to be dives! Assistant Coach – David Adams. I’m in positions of support when a try is Kids loved it. The feedback from the the fella at the back, herding the kids being scored. mums wasn’t overly great at the game together and pointing them in the Awards: but we all had a laugh anyways! right direction, making sure they’re Player of the year - William Parsonage Shout out to the volunteers and not doing the ‘floss’ when they should sponsors below. be defending and doing most of the Most improved - Connor Ramsay

28 BLUES NEWS With all the team in their debut amazing manager who did a stunning season it was amazing to see the job - Thanks Jess! A huge thanks to confidence, skills and sportsmanship Christchurch Cleaning Supplies for grow. Some great tries were scored their very generous sponsorship - Troy with Tom Wheeler, James and Indy and Jess Pinnington-Pilet you guys (Speedy Gonzales!) leading the are awesome! With strong rumours way. Findlay grew with confidence circulating that James Rush is making throughout the year and was a push for head coach in 2019, Aaron rewarded with some amazing rips and and I would like to sign off by thanking tries. Benjamin loved running with the all the families for their wonderful U6 ball got some memorable tries. Other support. It was fun, see you next GREEN great moments included tries to both season. Thomas and Hemi against Kirwee BRAD HEGARTY, AARON WITBROCK Sponsor: and a huge runaway try by Graison & JESS WHEELER Christchurch Cleaning Supplies The Under 6 Green Team against Rolleston. It was a pleasure to see the enjoyment the players had Awards: was re-branded to the Player of the Year – Tom Wheeler Prebbleton Fire Team and and all families should be justifiably by the end of the year we proud of the manners and courtesy Most Improved – Findlay Kingdon were absolutely smoking! we saw across the team - well done to everyone! Jess Wheeler was our RED and games were fought and won by towards the end of the season and JAMES GALE & BEX BAXTER the slimmest of margins – the benefit play their strongest games in the final With a handful of of blowing the whistle for last play! – both getting their first rips, and boy experienced Under 6 As the season progressed, players did that bring joy to their faces! Rippers, some enthusiastic started to advance and push harder Our player of the season was difficult, beginners, a newbie coach, with the ball and dig deep during with many in contention for the and well know manager, the the defensive ripping. Jimmy Nott coveted award. This years Red Rocket Prebbleton U6 Red Rockets was a young man possessed when of the season goes to Fern, with were formed. it came to defending; he would stop great dedication during training, and for nothing and enjoyed claiming It was clear from the start that our consistently setting high standards the prize for the most mud attached. old hands in the form of Jimmy Nott, each game. Fern showed the team how to run Alexandra Smith, Fern Broomhall, Our most improved award was with the ball and scored tries at ease; Cooper Baxter and Eli Pert would another difficult decision, as all Alexandra had some great runs with enjoy the chance to lead the way and players had shown steady progress the ball, and was all over the team’s take the junior players under their throughout the year. However, due tactics along with Coach Gale’s wings. The core of senior players to commitment, getting back when pronunciation of her name. Cooper threw everything into the practices getting knocked down, and showing was a finely tuned darter who turned and the weekend games and ensured it really is the size of the fight in the most opposition defenders inside out the Red Rockets would become a dog, Eli Pert is our Red Rocket Most with some spectacular tries. Eli put his formidable and feared team. Improved. body on the line game after game and The younger players made up of practiced like there was no tomorrow. What a great season we all had, Jimmy Whitham, Leo Nott, Tyler plenty of wins, no losses (that I am As the junior players grew in Botha and Samuel Gale all stood tall aware of), a great bunch of kids with confidence, the practices and games to the challenge and enjoyed being plenty of smiles and super supportive benefitted significantly. Jimmy W. shown the ropes and building on their parents – well done Red Rockets, found the direct route to the try line skill sets. All showed great eagerness you’re all Champs! was easy as he monstered his way and dedication by attending practices, through teams. Meanwhile Tyler Sponsor: games and grabbed hold of any began showing the ball skills of a Quadrant Ltd chance to build up their talents. veteran with storming Springbok style Awards: As newbie Coach Gale mastered the runs to the try line. Meanwhile slow Player of the Year – Fern Broomhall coaching skills like a young Steve starts for our 4 year old’s Leo and Hansen, practices became tougher Samuel, ensured both would build Most Improved – Eli Pert

WWW.PREBBLETONRUGBY.CO.NZ 29 together. We are all very grateful season; may have made progress in for this wonderful generosity and a particular area across the season support. eg attack, ripping, passing, listening, There’s nothing better than seeing a attitude; gave their best effort at team all turned out in the club gear - I practice and on game day; a team know that I have seen a few envious member who has made a positive looks from some of the opposition!! impact with his presence in the team We have also been lucky to have and is supportive of his team mates. such an engaged and helpful group Most Improved was a hard fought of parents who have stepped into the battle, with all players showing different roles (chores!!) as they have significant skillset and game U6 been requested. It really has been a knowledge improvement, however BLUE pleasure. one player stood out. His growth as a MARK STREETER & We have been seamlessly managed player and contribution to the team JENELLE HOOSEN by our wonderful manager Jenelle effort has been outstanding this year. He is a well-rounded, well liked player The 2018 U6 Blue team is a mix of Hooson. I think we can all agree that who has a lot of potential. returning new and returning players. things are only made to look so easy The core group carried over from when someone is working really hard Well done Nate, this is well deserved, 2017 with 4 of these players coming in the background. Thanks Jenelle, it has been a pleasure working with from one family group (the Fletchers). your efforts are really appreciated. you this year and I look forward to seeing your game develop further. The new additions, largely from one Amongst my many proud moments class at Prebbleton School plus one this season one particular game Our Player of the Year was another from Halswell School, all slotted in stood out. We asked the boys for a very difficult choice, with a number really quickly. These first year players huge ripping effort against a strong of strong candidates to choose from. all bought a high skillset and from Waihora team. No tries were scored However, the player we have chosen is early on it was obvious we had the for the first 7.5 minutes, which in a worthy recipient. He has performed makings of quite a good little team. ripper terms is un-heard of! The consistently at a high level, often un- boys dived and chased like their lives noticed. He is always attentive and After a name vote, the Blue Bandits depended on it, everybody lifted and hard working at training, listening were born (thankfully the Blue Flies it was an intense well fought battle and putting into practice what he was didn’t win that one…!) – we ended up running out winners shown. He has quietly accumulated Early practices are always entertaining 50-30. Everyone on the side line the most tries and consistently been especially with kids in their first year, (including Waihora supporters) all one of the top rip makers during each luckily I had Jonno Fletcher helping realised we had actually witnessed game. me herd them into a some sort of something special. It was a good day Well done Adam, it has been a order. Jonno’s ‘calm under pressure’ to be a coach. pleasure working with you, if you keep approach and flexibility has been I would class the season as quite your focus, be hungry for the ball and really helpful and added to the team’s successful with the following statistics back yourself you will go a long way. success. We have also had help from summing it up: other parents along the way, which The bandits will be force to be is always appreciated. We quickly Games played: 15 reckoned with in 2019, so watch out, developed a routine, with some core Games won: 10 we are coming to get you…. ‘go-to’ drills helping provide structure Games drawn: 3 Sponsors: to our practices. We then set about Raeward Fresh - Tower Junction developing different aspects of Games Lost: 2 the game: run – evade – support Tries for: 180 Awards: - rip - pass. Most recently we have Tries against: 168 Player of Year – Adam Blagdon progressed into spatial awareness on Selecting the awards this year was Most Improved – Nate Manson the field and decision making, which very difficult. We adopted a points is pretty good going for a group of 6 voting system, with specific criteria year olds! to guide the selection. We wanted We were incredibly lucky to have to reward the strongest performers, Simon & Jo Turnbull, Raeward Fresh but also put a focus on being a team Tower Junction, generously sponsor player, commitment and growth. each child a team hoody. They also The criteria for Most Improved Player provided cheerios for every morning was: showed a clear development in tea and hosted our end of year get a skill and/or confidence across the

30 BLUES NEWS season with some fun games and passion for being ultra-competitive special moments watching the kids often would lead to multiple back develop. The fact that all our players to back rips as well as him being our improved with their skills, gained highest try scorer with more than confidence and worked great as a 60 tries. Taylor often would be given team cemented what great coaching a senior role in our team, by always they had. We had some super team supporting the other players and off- players this year, all being hungry for loading to players. His competitive the ball but also learning the skill of attitude and being ready to listen off-loading before getting ripped to to the coaches helped Taylor have a U6WHITE help score tries. Massive thanks goes successful season. to our coaches, Gordon Napier and Big thank you to all our families who Ash Hope who both committed to supported our team throughout the GORDON NAPIER & the team and worked with the boys KAREN CARPENTER season. Thank you for always getting to finish a fantastic season and only the kids to the games, trainings and Team White U6 was a very losing one game but got to replay this helping out when needed. Thank you young and new team. team as a friendly and come away to our team photographer, Aunty We had just 3 players from the with a win. Special thanks to Ash and Mellie for showing up every week to previous year and all our other Mel McCurdie who often stepped snap the kids in action. into any of our shoes when needed players were new to the game. It U6 White has been supported by on game day or training and keeping wasn’t only the kids new to the game some great businesses, so thank you scores. Without great coaches you but our key coach “Gordy” who is to Shands Outdoor Power for team can’t have a great team. previously a soccer coach and still hoodies and Player prizes. Plastic is a keen soccer player. However his Our “Most improved player” went Bag Company for drink bottles and love for his kids and to coach soon to Gabe Pulley. This is Gabe’s second medals. Pak N Save Hornby for player was the drive behind becoming our year, what a massive difference a year prizes. With their generous support super coach. After game one we had makes. Not only is he the youngest we have been able to reward the kids Ash join us to be our extra coach (or in our team and he may be quiet on for their fantastic efforts. and off the field, he certainly isan herder) he jumped at this role foot Personally I’d like to say thank you to active player who is determined to first. It wasn’t long and the “herding” the team for all being super kids and rip, run hard and score. He has always developed into actual game play. This always making me smile watching done what is asked of him and has year my role was manager as well as you achieve your own personal goals, certainly become a key player in our being a coach too, and I love being on whether it was getting your first rip, team. It’s been awesome to see his the field with the kids. receiving a pass, scoring a try and development thought out the season Team White is made up of the even your turn at captain, all exciting and watch his confidence grow. awesome players; Lucas who is a key achievements in the eyes of 5 year team player, Ollie a very determine “Player of the year” went to Taylor olds. Thank you Team White it was a ripper, Jack who gets some awesome Carpenter. This is Taylors 3rd year memorable season run away tries, Blake has loved doing playing and he is still as keen as ever Sponsor: everything in the game, Guy is super to get out and show his skills, speed speedy, Henry loves to get a run down and determination. Taylor also known Shands Outdoor Power Centre the side line, Gabe a very keen ripper as “Turbo” had a knack of stepping his Pak n Save Hornby and scorer, Layken loves to tap off way through the opposition team to Awards: and Taylor top scorer and committed score many tries throughout a game Player of the Year – Taylor Carpenter ripper. We have had an awesome and soon this became his move. His Most Improved – Gabe Pulley

WWW.PREBBLETONRUGBY.CO.NZ 31 Higher Honours ELLESMERE Senior: U16 U11 Development: Steve Lees Goodwin Kieran Charlton Bailey Anderson Tim Murgatroyd Jack Fantham Benjamin Broomhall Eddie Sunia Brodie Gason Cameron Jones Tom Brand Connor O’neil Carter Baxter Todd Henderson Coby Magon Guy Murgatroyd U16 Development: Darren Rogers Bailey Mcdonald Harrison Durie Senior Development: Ben Weaver Matthew Edge Jamie Murray Duncan Fulton Matthys Potgieter Tim Symoms Harry Coleman Ryan Foster Tom Brand Josh Dent Jackson Mcintyre Lourens Klopper Kieran Charlton Alex Coulthard U65kg: George Wigley U15 Development: Sam Jackson Mitch Laughton Lachlan Hlaca Pita Rokosuka Matthew Brooke Ave Rokosuka Thomas Lavender

Colts U14 Development: CANTERBURY COUNTRY Caleb Harrington David Rodgers Senior: Alex Couthard Jack Ackroyd Steve Lees Goodwin Tahemaka Nui Jamie Mcalister Tim Murgatroyd Ngakau Knowler Etu Sunia U18 Greg Mitchell Ben Kahu U13 Development: Pita Rokosuka Nic Forster Lachie Anderson Cody Reynish Mitchell Tait Colts: Sam Jackson Alex Coulthard U18 Development: Ashley Sharpe U12 Development: U18: Cody Reynish Ford Honeywill Nic Forster Harry Mayo Thomas Hopkins Isaac Leonard Logan Barnes U16: Josh Kelly Callum Samson Jordan Lill Nathan Marsh Nathan Edge Jack Fantham Nathan Silcock Seth Whiten Connor O’neil Preston Kelly Brodie Gason

32 BLUES NEWS CLUB AWARDS Club Awards Keenest Club Member (Pioneer Cup): Brad McIntosh Personality of the Year (Owen Hoskin Memorial Trophy): Ryan Butler Senior Coach of the Year (Jim Jones Memorial Trophy): Derek Todd & Tony Martin (Div 1) Junior Coach of the Year (Prebbleton RFC Cup): Grant McIntyre, Brendon Edge, Kent Ramsey (U11) Most Achieved Senior Player (Prebbleton Transport Cup): Tim Murgatroyd Club Stirrer of the Year: Craig Fossey Colt of the Year (PRFC Junior Cup): Alex Couthard 100 Games Blazer: Steve Lees-Godwin JAB Forward of the Year (Prebbleton RFC – Frank & Woody Trophy): Caleb Johnstone (U16) JAB Back of the Year (Mackie & Macdonald Trophy): Sam Iffland (U13 White) JAB Tackler of the Year (Syd Crossen Trophy): Thomas Lavender (U14.5) Team Who Scored the Most Points in the Club (Andy Todd Cup): U18 670-289 Highest Achiever in JAB 2017: Corey McKay, Thomas Hoskin, Logan Coft (Country U18) Division 1 Awards Player of the Year (Prebbleton Tavern Trophy): Tom Brand Players Player (Matt Orr Memorial Trophy): Tim Murgatroyd Rookie of the Year (Lumber Specialties Cup): Ave Rokosuka Division 2 Awards Player of the Year (John Burns Cup): Dave Campbell Players Player: Dave Campbell Most Valued Player (Pop & Jumbo Trophy): Tim Hastings Colts Awards Player of the Year (Prebbleton RFC Trophy): Alex Coulthard Players Player: Tomo Neiman Most Improved: Dallas Edens-Te Rito Under 18 Awards Player of the Year (Ian Barr Memorial Cup): Nic Forster Players Player: Nathan Marsh Most Improved: Nathan Rogers Blue Bullets Awards Player of the Year: Andrew Bruce Players Player: Chris Grosvenor

WWW.PREBBLETONRUGBY.CO.NZ 33 Prebbleton Rugby Football Club www.prebbletonrugby.co.nz 80 Tosswill Road Prebbleton 7604 Christchurch

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