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    • Vern Darke Memorial
      • Vern Darke Memorial: 1:30pm Saturday 26 March 2022. OBU Function Room, Cambridge Hotel. Please note covid restrictions (as of today) will apply and numbers may be restricted. Entry only through presentation of vaccination passes and any other such requirements of the Cambridge Hotel or government. It is hoped this will be available via Zoom, details [...] The post Vern Darke Memorial appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • 2022 AGM
      • Notice is hereby given of the 31st Annual General Meeting of Wellington College Old Boys and Victoria University Rugby Football Club Inc. It will be held on Thursday 24 February 2022 commencing at 6:00pm in the OBU Function Room, Cambridge Hotel, Cambridge Terrace, Wellington. Note you must be fully covid vaccinated to attend. Agenda & [...] The post 2022 AGM appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • OBU Club Day 2022
      • Nau mai, haere mai to our 2022 OBU Club Day! We welcome all OBU community members, volunteers and those that would like to be onboard the Waka for the 2022 season. Where: Cambridge Hotel When: Jan 29th 2022 Start: 10.30am #Oneherd #OBU2022 #Goats #Impalas The post OBU Club Day 2022 appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Nominations for Office Holders
      • In accordance with Section 12 (a) of the Constitution of WCOB & VUW RFC Inc, nominations are hereby called for Office Holders for the 2022 season, effective from the 31st Annual General Meeting, to be held Thursday 24 February 2022. Nominations are to be received by the Secretary via email (rboag@outlook.co.nz) no later than 29 [...] The post Nominations for Office Holders appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Vernon Lyall Darke
      • #image_967774993 { width: 48%; }   It is with great sadness that the OBURFC advises members of the peaceful passing of our Life Member and Past President Vern Darke. Vern joined the Wellington College Old Boys Rugby Football Club in 1949 and played through the grades finally playing for the Senior side in the mid to late 1950’s as a loose forward. Once retired he became a regular attender of the senior game’s week in week out. In 1978, along with two other members of the club, he helped set up the Wellington College Old Boys Rugby Football Supporters Club which operated very successfully for about 6 years. The club ran many raffles to raise funds to purchase an ex–NZ Railways bus which was used to transport supporters to and from the senior matches each Saturday and was also hired by the Wellington Rugby Union to take the Wellington Representative team to matches in the lower half of the North Island. Vern obtained his passenger service licence, along with 7 other members of the club and became a very accomplished bus driver! Vern went on to become the Manager of the Senior team during the time Brian Cuff was coach. He created a great team spirit and whilst the team never won the Jubilee Cup it was a very happy team and they played some great rugby. For the last 30 plus years, Vern has lived in Waikanae with his wife Joy, but during the club rugby season there would have had to have been a major disaster to have stopped him from coming into the city to watch his beloved rugby club playing in the Premier Competition. Only towards the end of last season was his absence noted and that was due to failing health. Vern was a very popular member of the OBURFC, always happy and smiling (particularly when we started winning the Jubilee Cup in latter years) and a great contributor to the rugby discussions post match. An OBURFC member to the core, he will be greatly missed The post Vernon Lyall Darke appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Prem 2 – OBU v HOBM 10-07-2021
      • This is from a new eye in the field who shall remain anonymous for now. A great read I’m sure you’ll agree!! This was submitted a few days after the match but has taken a while to get published. Apologies for that.   In the first of two OBU vs HOBM games this weekend the Prem 2’s travelled out to Hutt Rec in search of a win & bonus point to secure a top 4 finish in the pursuit of Ed Chaney. Severely depleted in the front row particularly meant season debuts for Jason Gore from the Righteous Pack & John from the Teddy Bears. Also pulling on the boots in nearly 3 years was Physio Mark Thorne-Alexander. OBU defended bravely smashing back the heavier HOBM forwards and forcing mistakes and turnovers. A break from the back of an opposing lineout by Josh Godsiff gave OBU a great field position deep in the HOBM half. A strong platform at the scrum created an overlap out wide and a quick draw & pass from Reece Plumtree enable a sharp finish by Pedro Valentine-Robertson out on the right-wing. Unfortunately, the conversion attempt by Reece P was unsuccessful. OBU continued their early success with some great breaks out wide through both backs & forwards although nothing came of these with some quality scramble defence from the eagles & a couple of goat mistakes. About midway through the first half and having broken into the HOBM 22 the backs were afforded some quick ball and made the most of it by releasing Owen Wright on the left wing to step inside his opposing winger and score about 15m in from touch. Again the conversion was unsuccessful by Reece P meaning the Prem 2 ‘s led 10-0. As is so often the case in many rugby matches the opposition were let back into the match following the restart. A regrettable charge down from an attempted box kick by Miller McQuoid led to a regather by HOBM inside the OBU 22 and scoring besides the posts with a simple kick the score was 10-7 and like that HOBM were back in with a sniff and picked up some momentum.  They followed this up with a couple of penalties around the breakdown and decided to take a shot at goal from in front 25 metres out to tie the scores up at 10 all after 30 minutes. With some wind in their sails, the larger HOBM pack tried to exert some dominance over the smaller but faster OBU forwards and were repelled with good line speed & consistent defence. Alas, the defence was unable to react to an overlap by HOBM who were able to spread the ball wide and their winger finished smartly in the corner. With the kick missing and the half time whistle close the half ended 15-10 to HOBM. A slight blow to the Prem 2’s chances of that top 4 finish and a rather disappointing scoreline in a half in which we controlled possession but failed to capitalise on our opportunities for more points. Following a refocus from Head Coach Greg Mullany the boys came out with a clear mindset, refocused attitude hoping to take the game to the opposition. This was shown immediately by Owen W who soared high into the air to regather the kick-off and crash into the HOBM 22. After a number of phases, the ball was recycled to the left wing where Josh Godsiff drew 2 defenders and popped the ball free in contact to release Owen Wright to score his second of the game. Again the kick was unsuccessful bringing the scores to 15 all a few minutes into the second half. In a back & forth contest between two closely matched teams, no yard was being given or points being taken. It continues this way for the start of the second half but neither team is able to carve out any clear cut opportunities. That was until around 15 minutes into the second half Miller M made another outstanding break from the back of a scrum inside his own confused the opposition found space out on the right & was able to send Issac Wilson cantering in under the posts for what seemed to be a certain 7 points. Daniel Harkin took over the kicking duties for Reece who had been substituted in order to make the bench for the Premier game at Nairnville. From dead in front and 10 out the kick was partially charged by a man-mountain of a HOBM player fortunately there was enough on it to drop the right side of the crossbar & restore OBU’s lead 22-15. Again HOBM came back into the game with some fresh & even heavier legs crashing into the goat’s defensive line. The effort & attitude on defence was at times nothing short of magnificent as wave after wave of attackers were stopped. Unluckily that was not to be the case for the rest of the second half and eventually the pressure became too much and their forwards crashed over next to the posts for another 7 points to tie the game up at 22 apiece. In an almost mirror image of the HOBM 1st try OBU captain Matt Eathorne was able to successfully charge down a box kick off the restart and regather before charging his way to the corner. With the conversion unsuccessful OBU led 27-22 with about 12 minutes remaining. HOBM rolled a couple more subs intent on crashing their way over the top of the green & white defensive effort. Some quality tackles and carries from Dom Trewavas & Fale Faingata’a led the way alongside Captain Eathorne putting his body on the line leading from the front. A fantastic turnover from replacement halfback Tamatea Marsh allowed the Prem 2’s to clear their lines in the final few minutes. Sustained pressure on defence led to a midfield scrum which the backs looked to capitalise on. However, fortune was not shining as brightly as the winter sun as the ball was spilled allowing HOBM one more chance to steal a win. In what turned out to be a precursor for the Prems game & snatching last-minute tries from nowhere the HOBM team managed to get over the gain-line against a fatigued and tired OBU side and found some space to allow their winger to score to level the scores at 27-27 with the kick to come. In this situation, the kicker was unable to ice the game and take the win. A draw was an unfortunate result in the teams valiant attempts to reach the top 4 but meant they finished 5th and now face Upper Hutt in a QF playoff game next weekend. The post Prem 2 – OBU v HOBM 10-07-2021 appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • iDMe and how to use it
      • iDMe is one of the tools provided by sporty who handle the registrations database for NZRugby. OBU has decided to use their solution for a couple of reasons. It is NZ Rugby’s recommended solution for all NZ rugby clubs. VUW football and other sports are also using it. It is also well thought out for our conditions in that we use a 5 letter code in place of QR codes for venues like sports grounds. This means that we don’t need to use QR posters at the field that get wet and stop working after a few days. As an added bonus it also means that you can check-in and leave your phone in the car or at home. So how does it work? Briefly… Register and download a QR code (one-time) to your mobile from https://www.idme.co.nz/  Each practice – use the link on your downloaded QR to manually sign in to Boyd-Wilson field. code is PNOIS. You don’t need to sign out. That’s it! After 1 month the record of that practice is deleted. Process overview… Below is what the Saved QR code on your phones home screen will look like and how you use it to sign into a venue. Boyd Wilson in our case. Obviously none of us are George Clooney from Auckland. The code is just as misleading. There is a poster with the correct code on it PNOIS outside the Boyd Wilson changing shed if you forget. Keep the code handy so you can sign in before you get there and leave your phone somewhere safe if you don’t want to have it with you while you train. Tip: to remember the code just think Pinot Noir, and shorten it PNOIS! +++++++ Stay Classy Goats+++++         The post iDMe and how to use it appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Covid Update – Practices under Level 2
      • Participants need to be prepared to practice with the following in mind –  Must be able to check-in using the iDMe app  Must bring their own water bottle/mouthguard, absolutely no sharing. Must arrive prepared to practice as changing sheds are closed. Must also leave immediately after. Participants ‘check-in’ using the app. The best way is manual using the code PNOIS. You can then leave your phone in the car or at home if you want to. The field should be clear 5 minutes before the official start time. Teams meet on the field 5 minutes after the official start time Take a photo of your training group and forward to pete@oburugby.com and clubcaptain@oburugby.com we’ll be doing spot checks. Equipment checked out from the shed with a sanitiser wipe-down (recommend 1 or 2 people decided beforehand, please do this inside the shed to avoid contact with any departing BW users) Training drills as per coaches plans. N.B. Contact is OK if required 10 minutes before the end of the training slot Start clearing the field Put gear away, wiping it down first Everyone should be clear of the field 5 minutes before the end of the training slot. Notes Upstairs rooms are closed for meetings etc Greenroom is available and can be used as long as the rest of the rules are observed. Starting 5 minutes later and finishing 5 minutes earlier is to minimise crossover for us and other clubs using the facility. Please treat it with respect Goalposts are not available for use… yet. Football has been instructed to look after their own posts including putting them out of the way after themselves The post Covid Update – Practices under Level 2 appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Joint Statement by Old Boys University RFC, Marist St Pats RFC & Wellington Rugby Football Union
      • Hi all, here is a joint statement from both clubs about the incident on the 8th of May. Following an incident at a match between Old Boys University RFC (OBU) and Marist St Pats RFC (MSP) Premier Men’s teams on May 8th, a meeting was held on Thursday evening 20th May at the offices of the Wellington Rugby Football Union (WRFU).   Representatives from the two clubs, along with representatives from the Wellington Rugby Referees Association (WRRA) and the WRFU, all met to resolve any issues.    The parties were all pleased with the meeting and express regret and dismay at the events that occurred towards the end of the match.  There was a united view that such incidents are completely contrary to the values of the clubs, the union and of our wonderful game.    Both MSP and OBU have enjoyed a long-standing fierce on-field rivalry against a background of equally long-standing mutual respect and friendship.   MSP acknowledged that OBU is not a racist club.  The clubs, the WRRA and the WRFU are united in their condemnation of racist comments or slurs.   The clubs have confirmed their continued co-operation with the WRFU in improving side-line behaviour across all grades.  From now on there will be a better patrolling of side-lines to proactively call out bad behaviour and better manage issues relating to alcohol consumption at grounds. The post Joint Statement by Old Boys University RFC, Marist St Pats RFC & Wellington Rugby Football Union appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Statement from the OBU Chair about the incident vs MSP
      • Hello all, I hope you’re having a relaxing Sunday after a great day of rugby yesterday where 7 of our 10 teams notched up victories!   I’m writing to you today in response to some antagonistic remarks about OBU being raised on social media.   We will not be responding to these claims as it is before the judiciary and we believe it is totally inappropriate to be debating the serious allegations of assault, intimidation of referees and referee abuse in those forums.   Our initial investigations, including statements from people actually nearby the incident, have led us to believe the allegations of racist abuse levelled at OBU supporters are mistaken or false. If our understanding of that is changed through this process we will be the first to take issue with those concerned! OBU does not condone racism, racist abuse or any other kind of abuse for that matter!    Too many people have put too much effort into our club over the last decades to be the club that is good at winning on the field but also makes positive contributors to the rugby community off the field. Yes, it hurts to have these allegations made against us but we need to be the bigger people and rise above.   So I’m asking that you please refrain from joining any of these social media debates so that we can respect the importance of allowing a robust process that considers the facts of the issue, rather than unfounded allegations that can only lead to trial by media / social networks in a way that is harmful to our rugby communities and individuals involved.    It has been heartening to be contacted by several other clubs in the Wellington Rugby community with offers of support and we look forward to meeting up with those people to discuss rugby as always as we progress through the season.   It is our intention to seek a full retraction and apology as well as applying for costs.   Cheers Pete McFarlane OBU Chairperson The post Statement from the OBU Chair about the incident vs MSP appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Statement re club rugby incident on Saturday
      • To all club members…. Below is a copy of what has been sent to the media following on from the incidents at the end of Saturday’s match. Please be reassured that we are taking this very seriously.   OBU is investigating an incident that occurred at the end of the top of the table premier match with MSP on Saturday afternoon. At this stage, we are piecing together what happened and it would be unwise to speculate further in any regard until we have all the information. MSP has made an allegation of a racist comment/s being made by a spectator/s in attendance at the conclusion of the game.  These allegations will be fully investigated. If established OBU will not hesitate in taking action as this does not reflect the values of our club and community. OBU does not condone or tolerate any conduct of this nature.  To date, all parties who have been interviewed have denied any such conduct.  This allegation follows on from an assault on a spectator by a number of MSP players and verbal abuse by other MSP players against the match officials at the conclusion of the game. OBU does not condone or tolerate any behaviour of this kind.   It is important to note that there are no allegations against any OBU players, management or coaches from the match and from what I have seen they conducted themselves admirably given the circumstances. It was a deeply disappointing end to what was a very intense and physical match with a very exciting finish. OBU will not be making any further comment until the facts of these matters are established at the conclusion of the judicial process.    Thanks Pete McFarlane OBU Chairperson The post Statement re club rugby incident on Saturday appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • The Cambridge & the App!
      • Do the App and get the Treats! This year we have a new deal with the company that runs the Cambridge.  The nub of it is everything you pay for using the NZ Venue Company app gets counted against OBU so we can get teams on the field and celebrate victories. You still get the discounts and everything too! See the poster below for more details!     #image_1501800150 { width: 100%; } The post The Cambridge & the App! appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • 2021 Premier/Premier Reserve Season – The Arrivals and Departures Lounge
      • Here are the movements for 2021 as far as we know!   Departures Taine Plumtree has been contracted to the Blues. Possibly back after Super Rugby TBC Dale Sabbagh has transferred to Norths for personal reasons Zeke Sopoaga has transferred to Petone to be closer to work Adam Clarke has also transferred to Petone Paddy Carter has moved back to Auckland for work Matt Sleith has returned to HOBM. We may see him during the season! Trevahn Ta’ufo’ou has moved to Christchurch Sam Combs to Hawkes Bay Sam Green retired Tai Durie to Poneke Antonio Vaka to Poneke Campbell Cowie to Wainuiomata All the best to those leaving us, you will be missed. We’ll look forward to seeing some of you around Wellington club rugby and to those moving from Wellington…. don’t be a stranger on the odd occasion you make it back to Wellington!   Arrivals Regan Verney returns from injury – he has played for The Chiefs, Northland & Taranaki since leaving the Goats in 2017 Te Wehi Wright returns from the Waikato Luke Campbell signed with the Hurricanes. Unlikely to play many, if any, games for us though as he’s getting plenty of time with the ‘canes. Shamus Hurley-Langton. Well, he never really departed, but we did expect him to be playing his rugby in Manawatu after picking up a contract with the Turbos. Fortunately for us, he has been allowed to return to finish a paper or two and is available to play.  Tobias Wickham-Manuel from Manawatu Great to have you guys with the Goats and we’re looking forward to watching you play throughout the season.   Starting with colts initially but names to watch for the future! Owen Wright new to OBU (Aotea College & NZ Schools Barbarians) Dominic Ropeti new to OBU (Scots College & NZ Schools Barbarians) Treyah Kingi-Taukamo new to OBU (Saint Kentigern College & NZ Schools Barbarians) Welcome to OBU guys looking forward to seeing you play and taking your career forward with us.     The post 2021 Premier/Premier Reserve Season – The Arrivals and Departures Lounge appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Peter Scott elected WRFU Life Member
      • At its Annual General Meeting held 31 March 2021, the WRFU elected Peter Scott as a Life Member.  Peter’s major contribution to WRFU started when he became OBU’s Delegate to WRFU’s Rugby Board in the late 1990s. He went on to being the Chair, with combined service of over two decades on the Rugby Board.    Peter has been active in many initiatives for WRFU and oversaw major changes to the club competition structure, compliance issues & many other big issues facing the clubs and WRFU in very turbulent times for the sport.  Peter stepped down in 2020 from the Rugby Board but continued to serve by initiating the very successful and popular ‘Wellington Lions Numbering Project’ and continues to lead this programme today, incorporating the ‘Wellington Pride Numbers’ as well. Congratulations Peter, this is a rare honour as there have only been 48 Life Members since the WRFU was formed in 1880.  He joins OBU’s Rhys Barlow and only 7 other WRFU Life Members active today.  This is a great reflection on the contribution Peter has made to WRFU and of course OBU over the years. See the story from the WRFU here... #image_612744582 { width: 100%; } The post Peter Scott elected WRFU Life Member appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • New Major Sponsor Announcement
      • <div class="slider slider-nav-circle slider-nav-large slider-nav-light slider-style-normal" data-flickity-options='{ "cellAlign": "center", "imagesLoaded": true, "lazyLoad": 1, "freeScroll": false, "wrapAround": true, "autoPlay": 6000, "pauseAutoPlayOnHover" : true, "prevNextButtons": true, "contain" : true, "adaptiveHeight" : true, "dragThreshold" : 10, "percentPosition": true, "pageDots": true, "rightToLeft": false, "draggable": true, "selectedAttraction": 0.1, "parallax" : 0, "friction": 0.6 }' > #image_1623982015 { width: 100%; } #image_529304892 { width: 100%; } #image_226924934 { width: 100%; }   OBU is proud to announce Jarden as the naming rights sponsor for the 2021 OBU Premiers. This is a special sponsorship relationship, as Jarden was originally set up by legendary All Black, and Victoria University Rugby Club player, Ron Jarden. The OBU Premiers will be known as ‘Old Boys University Jarden’ and the Jarden logo will be on the front of the Premiers jersey.  Jarden is New Zealand’s leading investment and advisory group. Ron Jarden started the company 60 years ago, running the company until he passed away in 1977. Operating in both New Zealand and Australia, they provide services including investment banking, capital solutions and wealth management. Peter McFarlane, OBU Chairman, is delighted with the new relationship. ”It is great to have Jarden as a sponsor. Ron won three Jubilee Cups with our club in the 1950s and is a famous All Black, so he is a legend at our club. This sponsorship relationship will help fund our club’s high-performance programme. We have had a lot of  success in recent years, and Jarden’s support will help us continue to grow and develop our players on and off the field.” The team at Jarden are equally excited about the relationship – “The club is built around committed volunteers and alumni who support and mentor youth. They foster values of team-first, continuous improvement, and whanau – being a part of something greater. These all link closely with Jarden’s own values.  ” Ron Jarden scored 145 tries in 134 first-class games. This included 16 tests for the All Blacks, 63 games for Wellington while also representing NZ Universities and North Island. He also won the Super Award at the 1951 Halberg Sports Awards.  You can find more about Jarden HERE The post New Major Sponsor Announcement appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • 2021 AGM
      • Notice is hereby given of the 30th Annual General Meeting of Wellington College Old Boys and Victoria University Rugby Football Club Inc. It will be held on Friday 26 February 2021 commencing at 6:00 pm in the OBU Function Room, Cambridge Hotel, Cambridge Terrace, Wellington. Agenda & Minutes from 2020 AGM will be available via the OBU website by Friday 12 February https://oburugby.com/about-obu/documents/  and the 2020 Annual Report will be available from the same page in due course. The post 2021 AGM appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Nominations for Office Holders for 2021
      • In accordance with Section 12 (a) of the Constitution of WCOB & VUW RFC Inc, nominations are hereby called for Office Holders for the 2021 season, effective from the 30th Annual General Meeting, to be held Friday 26 February 2021. Nominations are to be received by the Secretary via email (rboag@oiutlook.co.nz) no later than 31 January 2021. The nomination form can be obtained from the Secretary via email request. Please contact the Secretary with any enquiries. The post Nominations for Office Holders for 2021 appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • 2020 OBU Senior Prize Giving
      • The 2020 Senior Prizegiving was held on Friday 2nd October at The Cambridge. Congratulations to all of the winners listed below. Looking forward to doing it all again next season!   Trophy Nominees / Notes Mike Lorigan Memorial Shield Most tries in social rugby Peni Finau – Pink Ginners – 5 tries Graham Haggett Cup Most points in social rugby Fraser Hunter – Pink Ginners – 28 pts Brown Copeland Cup Most successful off field social team Teddy Bears Peter Scott Cup Most successful on-field social team Teddy Bears Jackie Ruru Shield End of Season Holder Teddy Bears Jackie Ruru Blazer The Player who epitomizes the values of the Jackie Ruru Shield Owen Thomas – Pink Ginners Frank Scott Memorial Trophy The Social Player that best served the Club Edward Griffiths – Righteous Pack Braddock/Forde Cup 85kg Player of the year Blair Miller Darryl Longley Cup Best Under 21 grade player: Colts Black Isaiah Tuputupu Prime Corporation Cup Best Under 21 grade player: Colts Green Miller McQuoid Dai Hayward Trophy Top age grade points scorer Sam Champion 118 Colts Green Nick Jones Memorial Cup Player who contributed most to Colts Green side (selected by players) Liam Zinzley Sir Richard Wild Cup Premier Reserve player of the year Stewart Gray Stephen Robertson Cup Most Improved Women’s player Nicole Wilson Sisam Cup Woman’s Player of the Year Chloe Te Moananui Most tries scored Training Grades Sam Reid – Premiers – 14 tries Most points scored All Grades Dale Sabbagh – 131 pts – Premier Noel Ryder Cup Outstanding Player First Year out of School Tobias Christensen – Colts Green Al Keown Memorial Cup Best Under 21 Player – all grades Caleb Delaney Dr Elliot Memorial Cup Club Team of the Year Colts Black Old-Boys University Cup Most Loyal Club Player/Member Jonathan Fuimaono – Premier Stu Wilson Trophy The Player who best epitomized the spirit of OBU Rugby Paddy Carter – Premiers MJB (Jock) Hobbs Trophy Coach of the Year Dallas Paotonu – Colts Green Lt Gen Bernard Freyberg Trophy Volunteer of the Year Hayden J Smith Brown Copeland Presidents Cup Person who best served the club Finbarr Kerr-Newell (presented 26 September) Supporters Cup Most Improved Premier Team Player Kenan Gillson Ian Archibald Trophy Premier Team Player of the Year Dale Sabbagh   The post 2020 OBU Senior Prize Giving appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Match Report Rd 9 Swindale – OBU gets the win under some unusual circumstances
      • #image_1637806030 { width: 70%; }   OBU 17 Wellington 0 Conditions They say sunshine is the best disinfectant. If that were truly the case we would have had no Covid issues to worry about. It was sunny, calm and a mild temperature. Perfect rugby conditions. The surface was firm without being too hard. The game was unusual in that no spectators were allowed and we were only allowed 45 people at the match including players support crew and those involved with the operations of the day. However the cunning spectators managed to find a perch high up on the bank out of the controlled area to watch the match. OBU playing from right to left as we face from the Western side of the field beneath the Seaforth Terrace bank. Notable Performances Matt Sleith for his gate opening exploits Hayden Smith for convincing the ambulance staff to drive unto the pitch to minimise the discomfort of our injured player. Jack Green for sticking with Josh the whole time he was on the sideline and keeping him calm Taine Plumtree had a strong match in particular his running, although at one point going backwards to get outside a player he was aggressive with the ball in hand, setup a try and scored one himslef. Reece Plumtree who is picking up confidence and starting to show what a classy player he can be. Shamus Hurley always looks dangerous with the ball in hand, today was no exception. Callum Harkin slotting into 1st5 did a great job of it. Josh Thomas was looking really dangerous with the ball in hand until the injury unfortunately ended his season. Hopefully we’ll see him back next season after doing everything the physio says! Izzy was back to his best, a tower of strength in the midfield attracting lots of defenders which left unmarked Goats! How the Game Unfolded Minute What happened Score 1 Min OBU stamped their mark on the game early with a rolling maul that went close to 50 m   2 Mins OBU penalised for holding on in the tackle. Wellington clear to touch in OBU territory. OBU puts defensive pressure on Wellington who spill the ball in contact.   4 Mins From the scrum Matt Fowler manages to clear under pressure OBU reclaims the up and under which sets in motion some great play by the OBU forwards. Luke Chisholm manages to put Taine into a gap. Taine bursts down the sideline in a prickly run with knees and elbows everywhere, making the defenders reluctant to put the tackle on. Unfortunately, as he was looking to unload the pass inside the Wellington 22 the ball spills forward.   5 mins Wellington work their way out of trouble toward the halfway. OBU backs are penalised for offside. The kick to touch about the OBU 10 metre line doesn’t go out. Taine receives the ball and has some real fire under his sails as steams across the field even going backward for a moment to get outside his man. He connects with Josh Thomas playing on the left wing just in front of us on halfway. Josh hares off down the field with a better than even chance of scoring only to be whistled back as the pass was forward.   7 Mins From the scrum the Wellington No 8 knocks it on. He looks to be a strong runner but during this game he only seemed to run across the field making himself easy pickings for the OBU defence.   8 Mins OBU feed to the scrum but are free kicked for some offence we couldn’t see.  Wellington take the quick tap and OBU are caught not back 10. Then Wellington drop the next quick tap which might have caused OBU some issues had it got some width.   9 Mins In the resulting scrum Wellington halfback plays the ball early and is penalised. OBU take the quick tap but drop it in contact.   11 Mins OBU are penalised from the resulting play but I’m not really sure what the offence was.   12 Mins Wellington then spend a good period down on attack bear the OBU line. Heroic defence from several players stops Wellington from getting over the line. Eventually OBU knock it on.   14 Mins OBU are penalised from the resulting scrum I think for pre-engagement. Wellington elect to attack the line again. Once again some strong defence holds out the Wellington attack who knock it on and OBU try to play it out from our own line. Wellington knock it on as OBU turn it over.   15 Mins Scrum OBU feed 10 m out from the line. Ball is cleared well downfield.     OBU are penalised for offside again. Wellington tack the ball back to near our 22 meter line but knock it on just outside OBU 22.   22 Mins OBU makes a big breakout through Matt Sleith who pops it up to Izzy who crashes through and drags several defenders with him. Matt Fowler has lots of work to do and takes it up to the try line but loses it just short!   24 Mins Wellington clear it from the scrum down to the 22m line.   26 Mins OBU execute a lineout drive into the 22 m line and then releases it to the runners. There are a couple of crashes through in the midfield but good Wellington defence wins the penalty for hanging on. Wellington try another quick tap but knock it on again. Perhaps their own worst enemies at the moment are themselves with knock-ons but you could say the same thing too for OBU and penalties!   29 Mins From the resulting scrum OBU attack the line. Reece shows some clever footwork and great evasion skills but doesn’t quite make the line there are a few pick and goes at the line from there with who else but Taine Plumtree crashing over for the try. Callum converts it OBU 7 – Wellington 0 34 Mins Wellington are penalised for side entry on their own 22m after a great run down the sideline from left wing Josh Thomas.   37 Mins Scrum 5 meters out from Wellington line. The OBU scrum is dominant and eventually Shamus crashes over for the try! The conversion misses OBU 12 -Wellington 0 39 Mins From the kickoff there is a breakout from our own 22m Taine takes it wide on the far side from us deep into the Wellington half. He then brings it back infield and links up with brother Reece who finishes it in the right-hand corner. This has an ominous feel that things are about to open up for OBU to really put the hammer down. OBU 17 -Wellington 0   HALF TIME OBU 17 WELLINGTON 0   41 Mins From the kickoff the ball runs down into the Wellington in-goal. Josh Thomas jumps up claiming the try. There is discussion between the ref and officials with it not being awarded. Its too far away to see what the reason was.   42 Mins Sam Reid gets the ball in OBU territory and sends a clever kick down the field into the Wellington 22m   43 Mins From the next play OBU are putting heat on the Wellington line but play is stopped as Josh Thomas has gone down with a serious injury. A suspected broken leg.       The ambulance is called immediately and there is some frantic but fruitless searching for a stretcher. Eventually the ambulance arrives and after a quick discussion the chain is removed with an angle grinder and the ambulance carefully ventures onto the pitch with the driver petrified it will get bogged. It doesn’t. Josh’s parents are in town from Blenheim and join in making him as comfortable as can be until the ambulance workers can get some pain killers into him. Jack Green also deserves a pat on the back for staying with Josh and helping him through the pain, especially early on before the ambulance officers got there. The WRFU official (who was really there to check we were following our Covid promises) has been keeping in touch with the Union who eventually make the decision for the referee and the teams, calling the rest of the match off with the result standing. i.e. OBU take 4 points.       Wishing Josh a speedy recovery and next time we hope to write more about his play than his injury! He really was having a great game too. Great to meet his parents and hear about Josh’s brother who was playing in the Malborough competition at the same time! In the end for OBU it was good to get the 4 points but gutted to get the injury and frustrating for the team to not be able to put away the opposition and take the bonus point.     The post Match Report Rd 9 Swindale – OBU gets the win under some unusual circumstances appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • WRFU – Update on Club Rugby – Friday 21 & Saturday 22 August
      • The following was received on Monday night from the WRFU –   Good Afternoon Club Chairs, Delegates, Captains, GDO’s and Junior Convenors, Firstly, thank you all for your assistance and resilience last week with changes to Rugby after the move to COVID alert Level Two. Following on from last week’s correspondence, WRFU has been working through options for all grades of Club Rugby to be played this coming weekend. This includes all grades of Junior and Senior Rugby. We aren’t quite in a position to share this with you this afternoon as we are awaiting Council sign-off. What we can share for now is that we will be utilising Friday evening for three Senior matches, and utilising a number of grass fields on Friday Evening for Junior Rugby to be played under lights. We will also be tweaking kick-off times where required to create a buffer between matches. We appreciate this is abnormal and will create some challenges, however, if we didn’t adopt this approach we would be forced to cancel some grades. Once the draw is signed off by Council we will share immediately. This is likely to be tomorrow early afternoon. Please understand that this week is unique and we are highly unlikely to be able to accommodate any changes to this draw once published. In the meantime we wish to reiterate that all grades are playing this Friday or Saturday. Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to any member of the Community Rugby team. Thanks in advance for your understanding. The post WRFU – Update on Club Rugby – Friday 21 & Saturday 22 August appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Covid: Checking in to iDMe the easy way
      • #image_468400232 { width: 100%; } The WRFU have added a way for all players and support crew to check in to iDMe. As you will see from the shot above each match on the weekly draw has its own check-in button. From there you can enter your details without having an app on your phone and you can enter multiple people on one device. E.g. One person could enter on behalf of the whole team and crew or each person can be responsible for adding their own details. Make sure you know who is responsible for entering your name. This is also an ideal way for parents to add their kids! You don’t need to wait to get to the ground to enter the details. Do it before you leave home for the match then you want forget. Step by step instructions Navigate to the WRFU draws page for your team* Seniors – https://www.wrfu.co.nz/senior/draws-results/ Juniors – https://www.wrfu.co.nz/junior/draws/ Select ‘Old Boys University RFC’ in the filter at the top of the page, which will refresh to show just our matches. Click the ‘iDMe’ button for the correct match. Fill out the details as per the screenshot below Click save. Repeat as many times as necessary for the people you are responsible for. Done. As easy as that. *Tip: Chrome browser on Windows desktops doesn’t work so well for some people with the WRFU Draws page. Try a different browser like MS Edge if you have trouble (works well for me). #image_1136155472 { width: 100%; } The post Covid: Checking in to iDMe the easy way appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Match Report Rd 8 Swindale – OBU outclasses Avalon
      • <div class="slider slider-nav-circle slider-nav-large slider-nav-light slider-style-normal" data-flickity-options='{ "cellAlign": "center", "imagesLoaded": true, "lazyLoad": 1, "freeScroll": false, "wrapAround": true, "autoPlay": 6000, "pauseAutoPlayOnHover" : true, "prevNextButtons": true, "contain" : true, "adaptiveHeight" : true, "dragThreshold" : 10, "percentPosition": true, "pageDots": true, "rightToLeft": false, "draggable": true, "selectedAttraction": 0.1, "parallax" : 0, "friction": 0.6 }' > #image_2121900899 { width: 100%; } #image_1756060410 { width: 100%; } #image_1620690608 { width: 100%; } #image_1026050202 { width: 100%; } #image_1577598149 { width: 100%; } #image_1927667897 { width: 100%; } #image_1641516802 { width: 100%; } #image_827261293 { width: 100%; } #image_216336848 { width: 100%; } #image_91478291 { width: 100%; } #image_1173873092 { width: 100%; } #image_529119233 { width: 100%; } Score OBU 78 Avalon 5 This was a difficult game to report on as the scoring action was thick and fast so some of the action may not be as precise as we’d like! Conditions There was a strong crosswind blowing from the new clubrooms across the field to the North. There was the usual low-sun for this time of year to contend with for both teams. OBU played from right to left as we viewed from the clubrooms side. A couple of changes to the run-on team announced on the Club Rugby website. Taine Plumtree was out with a minor injury. Same Godwin gets a start. Josh Thomas, in his premier debut, was wearing the 22 Jersey and Tiaki Fabish switched to 21 pushing Matt Sleith to 20 (I think). Notable Performances Shamus can’t seem to keep his name off the scoresheet this season. Another 3 tries for him taking him to joint top of the try-scoring leader board in Wellington club rugby! Sam Reid had another solid game at centre and picked up a brace of tries. The Waimea wanderer, Caleb Delaney, notched a couple of tries and was a powerhouse around the field in the set-piece and loose play. Matt Fowler played a full match and claimed to be even more shattered than he looked at the end. Nevertheless, he was into everything from sniping runs around the phase plays to mighty defensive covering tackles. The whole front row was on fire especially with the ball in hand, Kenan Gillson taking the reward of a try on behalf of the engine room. Special mention for late replacement Sam Godwin who started in Taine’s place and got on the scoreboard early on with a well-taken try. A typically abrasive performance from Sam! How the Game Unfolded Minute What happened Score 1 Min OBU run it back strongly from the kickoff but get penalised for holding on 5 Mins OBU worked into the Avalon 22 but get penalised for offside in the backs. Avalon takes the quick tap and hit it up with one-off ball runners. But the OBU defence is strong and they don’t really go anywhere eventually knocking it on for an OBU scrum. 7 Mins Shamus takes it off the back of a solid scrum. There is some great inter-passing between the forwards and inside backs. Eventually, it is turned over and kicked out. 9 Mins From the lineout, it is taken up the middle. Reece crashes in through the centres. Avalon is penalised for offside. OBU elect to take the scrum. 10 Mins Shamus makes another strong run off the back of the scrum and is under extreme pressure but somehow manages to keep going forward. Avalon infringes at the ruck. 12 Mins Callum crashes over about 8m from the left-hand touch. The conversion just misses floating directly over the top of the right hand upright. Unlucky! OBU 5-0 18 Mins There is a series of pick and go’s at the try line by OBU. Eventually, Sam Godwin breaks the deadlock to score it near the sticks. Conversion is successful. OBU 12-0 23 Mins After 6 or so phases near the Avalon line, Shamus takes the ball back around to the left and scores it. Conversion is successful. OBU 19-0 29 Mins Some nice play by the OBU backs. Dale drops a little inside pass to Sam Reid who crashes over the top in the tackle to score. OBU 26-0 34 Mins Disallowed try after a foot in touch! It started from a great run inside the OBU 22. Olly got the pass from Reece to run it in, but out! 39 Mins There is a long-range try finished off by Shamus. Conversion misses. OBU 31-0 Halftime 41 Mins Starts off with OBU on a long period of attack with Avalon holding on well. Eventually, the pressure becomes too much and Shamus sneaks it in under the sticks. Conversion is successful. OBU 38-0 44 Mins There is a series of great offloads in the centre of the pitch has the Avalon defence at 6s and 7s. Ty Poe gets the try under the sticks. The conversion is successful. OBU 45-0 47 Mins OBU forwards mount a drive at the line which is then spun to the left. Sam Reid crashes over the line. Conversion is successful. OBU 52-0 48 Mins Josh Thomas takes the field along with Izzy Foai for his premier debut. Congratulations Josh. 55 Mins Kenan Gillson carries the ball strongly into the 22 and it is then recycled a few times from the ruck. Eventually, Kenan takes the reward for his endeavours to score in the corner. Dale lands a tough kick back upwind to register the conversion. OBU 59-0 56 Mins Fui, Kenan and Shamus are subbed off. 60 Mins Caleb Delaney gets a well-deserved try after the ball is moved into open spaces in the middle of the pitch OBU 66-0 65 Mins A few changes and a lapse in concentration allows Avalon to crash over in a pick and go on the OBU line. Conversion misses. OBU 66-5 70 Mins There is a lineout drive and OBU score the try. I couldn’t see who scored it but by subtraction, it must have been Caleb Delaney again(Waimea College forever)! The conversion was successful. OBU 73-5 79 Mins Reece juggles the pass initially but gets it off to Tiaki Fabish who scores it. The conversion was unsuccessful! That’s the final score! OBU 78-5 The post Match Report Rd 8 Swindale – OBU outclasses Avalon appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Match Report Rd 7 Swindale – OBU defence wins the day against determined Tawa
      • <div class="slider slider-nav-circle slider-nav-large slider-nav-light slider-style-normal" data-flickity-options='{ "cellAlign": "center", "imagesLoaded": true, "lazyLoad": 1, "freeScroll": false, "wrapAround": true, "autoPlay": 6000, "pauseAutoPlayOnHover" : true, "prevNextButtons": true, "contain" : true, "adaptiveHeight" : true, "dragThreshold" : 10, "percentPosition": true, "pageDots": true, "rightToLeft": false, "draggable": true, "selectedAttraction": 0.1, "parallax" : 0, "friction": 0.6 }' > Taine Plumtree in the blood bin. Sensational sponsor logo! #image_840778479 { width: 100%; } Fui and Morgan charge it up the field #image_35539783 { width: 100%; } Callum Harkin steps the Tawa centre #image_832130887 { width: 100%; } Dale lines up the shot with Jack Green doing the tee duties, Luke Chisolm returning from injury in the nbackground #image_1739355293 { width: 100%; } Sam Reid slides over for the 5 points after whipping down the sideline #image_419362905 { width: 100%; } #image_1665940115 { width: 100%; } Caleb Delaney with a towering lineout take #image_2048566506 { width: 100%; } Morgan bullocks through the tackles with Fui and Shamus in support. Sam Reid is eyeing up options to the right! #image_632142925 { width: 100%; } #image_11988736 { width: 100%; } OBU 27 Tawa 9 The rugby trip to the suburb of Tawa-hiti is always a torrid affair. This week was no exception. For extra spice, Tawa drew the ire of many in the rugby community by starting the player currently accused of assault in an incident outside the Poneke clubrooms late at night a few weeks ago. From an OBU perspective, the most important points were a solid defence that didn’t leak any tries and no serious injuries. Sam Reid has a minor injury concern but was thumbs up for the Avalon fixture this coming Saturday. Conditions It was an overcast day with with barely a breath of wind. This brought terror to those still petrified from Alfred Hitchcock’s movie, ‘The Birds’ as a tree on the clubrooms side of the field attracted thousands of twittering birds. Who knows if it interfered with the lineout calls. OBU was playing from right to left from the terraces side of the field in the first half. Or if you like back to the road and clubrooms end. Notable Performances Caleb Delaney had one of his best if not the best performances in the jersey. A towering presence in the lineout and involved in everything around the field. Similarly Morgan Poi had the best game I’ve seen him play for OBU proving a really difficult opponent for Tawa to stop. The partnership of Dale Sabbagh and Callum Harkin at first and second five is looking stronger every week both on attack and defence! Ty Poe continues to grow in the centre role. He may not be the size of some of the players he marks, but he proves that they still hit the ground hard if you use good technique. It seems like I repeat myself every week but Shamus was stellar at the back of the scrum, as was Kyle at 9 and Sam Reid playing at fullback this week. How the game unfolded Minute What happened Score 1 Min OBU win the kickoff and set to the right. Finally lost forward in the ensuing ruck. 4 Min OBU scrum on halfway, close side. the ball spins wide but goes in behind the backs. Well picked up and taken into contact. OBU penalised for holdng on. Kick to the corner by Tawa goes out in goal. 6 Mins Scrum to OBU, Shamus takes it down the blindside and recycled 10 m on. Kyle chips it over the top. Tawa gather and bring it back to the close side of the field. Sam Reid makes a good tackle and Shamus turns the ball over and kicks it long. 8 Mins OBU feed to the scrum. The backs take it right for one phase then back to the left. Tawa backs get caught offside. It’s not straightforward but is a kickable penalty. OBU successfully kick to the corner through Dale. The lineout throw is called not straight and scrum is set. OBU penalised for dropping the scrum. 16 Mins OBU penalised for side entry to the ruck. Tawa opt for the shot 38 metres out from the posts and just to the left. Penalty is successful! Tawa 3 OBU 0 18 Mins OBU knock on from the restart! 20 Mins OBU penalised for not releasing the tackled player. This starts a solid period on defence 5 meters out from the goal line. Eventually Tawa spill the ball on about the 6th or 7th pick and go. Somewhere in the middle of that Taine subs off for blood and Josh runs on to take his place (Caleb into lock, Josh on the blindside). Josh Gimblett Replaces Taine Plumtree (blood bin) 25 Mins OBU penalised for player going off their feet at the ruck. It’s about 35 meters out and in front of the posts. Kick at goal is successful. Tawa 6 OBU 0 27 Mins The kickoff goes out on the full. Taine and Josh trade places after Taine is cleaned up. Taine Plumtree replaces Josh Gimblett (blood bin) 33 Mins Tawa lineout on their 22 meter line. They clear the ball down to Sam Reid who runs it back strongly but is taken in a head high for his trouble. OBU elect to go for the shot 40 meters in front. Dale lands it. Tawa 6 OBU 3 39 Mins Tawa penalised for dropping the scrum 5 meters in from the near touch on halfway. OBU kick to the corner to take the lineout 5 meters out. Tawa are penalised for collapsing the ensuing maul. OBU go back to the lineout again. The lineout drive goes again with the backs piling in. The ref has a penalty advantage to OBU. there are several pick and go’s. The penalty is called and a quick tap is taken with a driver at the line. try to Taine. Successfully converted by Dale. OBU take 10-6 lead into the halftime oranges. Tawa 6 OBU 10 ———————————- 44 Mins OBU attacking the Tawa line are penalised for not releasing the tackled player. Someone offers an opinion and we are marched 10 meters. Ouch! Tawa elect to have a shot 45 meters out and to the right of the sticks. Tawa kicker lands a useful kick Tawa 9 OBU 10 46 Mins Tawa center makes a good break and looks to put his wing into space. Not sure if the pass wasn’t up to it or the wing didn’t get to where he needed to be, either way the ball rolls meekly into touch on the close side of the field. 48 Mins Tawa holding on in the tackle. OBU go for the posts about 42 meters out in front and slightly to the left. The discipline monster is back to upset proceedings for Tawa. The kick misses but the ref plays his joker and gives Dale another shot. I think it is due to a Tawa player trying to put Dale off by shouting something. No-one seems to know what the hand signal is for that! Dale makes no mistake on his second attempt. Tawa 9 OBU 13 50 Mins From the 10 meter line in Tawa territory Adam Clarke gets away an impossible pass to Sam Reid who boosts along the far touchline and scores it in the far corner. The referee and his assistant consult for a few seconds before the try is awarded. The difficult conversion is successful. Tawa 9 OBU 20 53 Mins Great kick from Dale down into Tawa corner. Tawa lineout. OBU backs are caught offside. Tawa clears to touch about halfway. An action replay takes Tawa into the 22. Morgan is issued a team warning. Tawa mounts an attack down the sideline and the Tawa fans are ecstatic but Kyle has taken care of the hooker who is in touch before the corner. Kurt Sickler on for Sam Reid (injury) 58 Mins Tawa concede a penalty on the 22 for backs offside. The referee issues another warning to both teams. Josh Gimblett on for Matt Sleith (tactical) Matt has had yet another busy day at the office. This time in the number 7 shirt after a few weeks in the front row. 63 Mins Tawa has a strong scrum which they drive off to the left. The OBU clean-out comes from the side and the ball is cleared out to the touch on halfway. 65 Mins OBU has a strong lineout drive to disrupt Tawa possession. Tawa’s experimental kick pass to the left wing doesn’t pay off as OBU is awarded a penalty possibly for in front of the kicker. Cleared down to 15 Meters out from Tawa line. 66 Mins Another powerful OBU lineout drive at the line with Shamus taking it over to keep his try tally marching on (2nd equal for Wellington premier rugby, 1 ahead of Sam Reid and 2 ahead of Ty Poe and Taine Plumtree!) OBU were under penalty advantage for collapsing again. Conversion successful. Substitutions – Luke Chisholm on for Fui at tighthead prop (tactical) Wirangi Parata on for Kenan Gillson at hooker (tactical) Great to see these two back in action after a few weeks off for injury. Tawa 9 OBU 27 75 Mins Matt Fowler on for Kyle Preston at halfback (tactical) Izzy Foai on for Adam Clarke (tactical). Clarky was on the wing but Izzy is usually a 2nd 5. I didn’t get much time to work out who moved to where but safe to say Izzy’s hard ball running was back on display nearer to the ruck than wing. Great to have him back! Josh  makes a great break from a lineout but the pass in the tackle goes into touch. 78 Mins Long period of OBU attacking the Tawa line. Tawa infringe and seeking the bonus point, OBU takes the lineout in the corner. 81 Mins From there an error leads to a Tawa scrum. they bravely try to run it out to salvage something from the game. Eventually they knock it on from some strong OBU defence. From the scrum OBU are penalised for not rolling away and after a few more phases the game is whistled to completion. All in all a well taken victory. OBU looked in control for most of the match while not ever looking completely dominant. That was probably the strongest scrummaging side of the season so far. We didn’t get the clear advantage we have usually enjoyed. That’s to Tawa’s credit. There were a lot of penalties, but to that we’d have to say there was a lot of infringing! The referee had a very good game I thought. The post Match Report Rd 7 Swindale – OBU defence wins the day against determined Tawa appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • 90th for Selwyn George (“Mick”) Bremner
      • #image_1443738259 { width: 100%; } #image_1737535796 { width: 32%; } Mick Bremner’s 90th Birthday Celebration L toR: Don Trow, John Walker, David Howman, Kerry McDonald, Brent Impey, Mark Robinson Peter Osborne, Mick Bremner, Barry Dineen, Roger Drummond All Black # 545 Selwyn George (“Mick”) Bremner. All Black # 545 A great All Black, former University team coach, President of the VUWRFC, President of the Wellington Rugby Union and current President of Centurions Rugby Club celebrated his 90th birthday, 2 August 2020.  Mick was an All Black in 1952, 1956 and 1960 when vice-captain for tour of South Africa.  During his playing days, he was also selected for NZ Universities (1955-57) and the provincial teams for Auckland (1952-53) Wellington (1954) Manawatu (1955) and Canterbury (1955-59).  From 1963 to 1965 and 1971 and 1972, he was coach of the Victoria University of Wellington first fifteen, winning the Jubilee Cup in 1964.  His illustrious playing career and tactical acumen was recognised with his election as President of VUWRFC from 1980 to 1982 and later as President of the Wellington Rugby Union.  He is a Life Member of OBU & is proud to have an OBU Junior team named after him – the Under 8 Bremners. Mick played mostly at second five-eight, but also at first five.  He is remembered as a fine sportsman, a most reliable five eight who played the game with enthusiasm, and who often featured as the key person for achieving a win for his team.  There are three occasions in particular in the 1950s when Mick initiated play that brought an exhilarating result for his team.  These three wins have been long remembered in the history of the game in New Zealand. For Canterbury, against the British and Irish Lions team of 1959.  This game has been described by the members of the Lions team as the toughest and roughest of their whole playing career.  Near full time, the teams were tied and then a jinking run from Bremner to score a try and a historic win for Canterbury. For New Zealand Universities against the Springboks, at Athletic Park in 1956, the Universities played spectacular rugby but didn’t clinch the extraordinary win until Tanner ran the length of the field to score a try.   But it was an intercept from Bremner earlier in the movement that allowed Tanner to break free. For University against Petone at the end of the season in 1954.  University was attempting to win its third Jubilee Cup in succession.  At full time, the score was even and the game seemed at an end when Petone were awarded a defensive scrum.  However, an unsung hero. Denis McHalick the University hooker won the tight head and the ball was passed to Bremner.  Bremner reversed the play and kicked the ball back over the scrum into the hands of the flying Ron Jarden on the left wing, to score the winning try.  This result brought huge excitement and celebration for the University team and their supporters.  The decisive play from Bremner was talked about by the old-timers for many, many years afterwards. Thank you, Mick, from OBU, for all that you have done to contribute to the betterment and enjoyment of rugby at Victoria University and throughout New Zealand. Prepared by Don Trow Vice President OBURFC The post 90th for Selwyn George (“Mick”) Bremner appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Jensen Family Cup – OBU Impalas vs MSP Women
      • <div class="slider slider-nav-circle slider-nav-large slider-nav-light slider-style-normal" data-flickity-options='{ "cellAlign": "center", "imagesLoaded": true, "lazyLoad": 1, "freeScroll": false, "wrapAround": true, "autoPlay": 6000, "pauseAutoPlayOnHover" : true, "prevNextButtons": true, "contain" : true, "adaptiveHeight" : true, "dragThreshold" : 10, "percentPosition": true, "pageDots": true, "rightToLeft": false, "draggable": true, "selectedAttraction": 0.1, "parallax" : 0, "friction": 0.6 }' > #image_1968984265 { width: 100%; } #image_1125687181 { width: 100%; } #image_1052258460 { width: 100%; } #image_1424922198 { width: 100%; } #image_36984625 { width: 100%; } This Saturday the OBU Impalas Women take on the MSP Women. It is Gala day for women’s rugby so this means that the fixture is to be played out at Fraser Park on the artificial turf. This is a big day for Women’s rugby and a big day for Dave Jensen who’s family have generously donated this trophy. There aren’t many games left for the Impalas this season so if you have been thinking about coming along to watch this is your ideal game! I know the team would love to see some supporters! Wear some OBU colours or make yourself known to the team staff by giving them the nod and the thumbs up! More about the cup itself The Jensen Family Cup is to be played between the Marist St Pats women and Old Boys University Impala teams. It has been donated by the Jensen family. Michael Jensen was a player in the first-ever Marist St Pats trophy-winning side, the Junior 1st’s in 1971. He also played for Wellington Juniors in the same year. Dave Jensen was the coach of the first-ever Old Boys University Women’s trophy-winning team in 2016. He also went on to be a part of the Wellington Pride coaching set up. The Jensen Family Cup is believed to be the first interclub trophy for women’s rugby in Wellington. The post Jensen Family Cup – OBU Impalas vs MSP Women appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Match Report Rd 6 Swindale – OBU lose first 2020 match to MSP
      • <div class="slider slider-nav-circle slider-nav-large slider-nav-light slider-style-normal" data-flickity-options='{ "cellAlign": "center", "imagesLoaded": true, "lazyLoad": 1, "freeScroll": false, "wrapAround": true, "autoPlay": 6000, "pauseAutoPlayOnHover" : true, "prevNextButtons": true, "contain" : true, "adaptiveHeight" : true, "dragThreshold" : 10, "percentPosition": true, "pageDots": true, "rightToLeft": false, "draggable": true, "selectedAttraction": 0.1, "parallax" : 0, "friction": 0.6 }' > #image_638246734 { width: 100%; } #image_886644742 { width: 100%; } #image_1156154081 { width: 100%; } #image_2018455272 { width: 100%; } #image_975258038 { width: 100%; } #image_627336695 { width: 100%; } OBU 18 MSP 22 This was never going to be an easy match. MSP have recruited well this season particularly in the backs and welcomed some Hurricanes experience in the Proctor brothers to the starting line-up. It was old-timers day for MSP and a fair few of the older members had turned out to their clubrooms to preload! Conditions The weather was fine with the wind blowing diagonally down the pitch from the north into the south-eastern corner where the field dips away a little. the sun was low in the first half and difficult for OBU to deal with playing into it from the southeastern corner. It would be even worse for MSP in the second half. OBU was playing from Gym end toward the road in the first half. John ‘JC’ Cable & Jaesen Sumner were kindly present to keep an eye on the play while I wrestled with the screen lock on my phone. We are positioned up beside the video platform on the northern side. Notable performances The front row was mighty but didn’t really get the rewards it may have felt entitled to. The lineout applied lots of pressure and caused plenty of mistakes from MSP Paddy Carter was immense around the field. He is becoming a valuable utility player covering locks and flanks and is certainly a lineout option with outstanding aerial skills whichever position he is in. Shamus and Caleb deserve a mention every week. Hardworking, rugged and abrasive all over the park. In the backs, Sam Reid was once again rock-solid barely making a mistake. Ty Poe is a consistent performer growing each week. Callum and Dale are a great pairing of skill, speed and determination. Kyle really stood up in this match and had several classy touches including the chip and regather for the try. How the game unfolded 2 mins The tone for the match was set early scrum-wise by OBU. A powerful shunt spoilt the MSP feed which resulted in a knock-on in the backline due to the backfoot ball. 5 mins A series of pick and goes near the MSP line in the left corner resulted in a penalty to OBU. Dale steps up and nails the shot on the 22m line about 15 in from the left touchline OBU 3-0 6 mins From the kick-off there is a penalty for a high shot on Paddy. The penalty kick doesn’t find touch. The kick is followed up well enough to pressure MSP whop are finally able to clear to the touch after a couple of minor wobbles. 9 mins MSP manages to get it wide to their left side close to the touchline in front of us. The MSP player makes a great burst upfield but eventually, it breaks down and we go back to the penalty the ref was playing advantage for. The shot is successfully taken from 35 metres out and just to the right of the posts. 3-3 13 mins MSP puts up an up and under (or ‘Gary Owen’ for the northerners), then they regain at the ensuing ruck and the halfback chips downfield. Sam Reid has no choice but to run it into touch near our line on the far side of the paddock. From the lineout MSP throw is not straight so OBU gets to clear from the scrum. Pressure diffused for now. 17 mins MSP sets up a driving maul from a lineout but OBU gets the drive on. The maul breaks up with MSP players in behind our forwards. MSP flanker and halfback both have a dab at the line but it’s the right-winger who busts through for the score. The conversion misses. MSP 8-3 20 mins OBU charge down an MSP clearing kick. Ty Poe claims the loose ball and scores it under the sticks. The conversion was successful. OBU 10-8 23 mins A great move from OBU down the left-hand side of the field, Shamus makes lots of ground commits the defence and sets Paddy for the pass but it goes behind Paddy. MSP runs it out. There is a brief altercation. The Assistant Referee puts his flag out and a discussion ensues with the ref. The referee calls the captains together and presumably issues a warning to both teams to keep it clean despite what looked like a punch thrown by the red player. 24 mins Kyle darts down the blindside and chips past the first line of defence. He regathers under pressure from 3 defenders and scoots the rest of the way down the far sideline to score it in the corner. Conversion unsuccessful. OBU 15-8 28 mins Shamus crashes through the defence with some good pace and offloads to Finbarr. Reece ratchets up the pressure with an attack down the close touchline. OBU is right on the MSP goal line but are penalised. Can’t tell from our position what it was for. Unfortunately, someone says something to the ref so we deservedly get marched 10 metres. 30 mins OBU is in MSPs half again and looking likely but are penalised for holding on in the tackle. Good play from MSP flanker to beat the cleaners to the ball. MSP kick into the far corner. From the lineout MSP over-throw the ball and Kyle makes a great 40-meter clearance. 39 mins MSP is penalised for backs offside. Callum steps up to have a long-range shot from just inside the MSP half and out to the left. Kick misses Halftime OBU 15-8 41 mins MSP on the attack, OBU backs are caught offside 35 metres out and slightly to the right of the posts. Kick landed OBU 15-11 46 mins A long sequence of pick and goes on the MSP line. An MSP player crashes over the top believing he is onside and concedes a very obvious penalty. Dale successfully takes the shot. OBU 18-11 49 mins OBU concede a penalty for holding near the 10-metre line straight out in front. Kick is successfully taken. OBU 18-14 52 mins Paddy claims the kickoff with a memorable AFL-style leap. 55 mins OBU move the ball wide to Sam Reid who slips through the first tackle but can’t get through the second and eventually the ball runs into touch. MSP again overthrow the lineout. Morgan tries to gather the ball but knocks it on. MSP feed to the scrum. 57 mins MSP manages to clear the scrum which is under pressure and begin a promising period of attack near the OBU line. OBU player gest over the ball and wins the penalty which is cleared to touch taking some of the pressure off but we lose the lineout. Matt Fowler makes it on for his 50th replacing Kyle Preston at the base of the scrum. Sam Godwin on James Poloniati Off 60 mins A great driving maul from OBU. Eventually, MSP concedes the penalty and OBU elects to kick to the corner. Another great driving maul and an MSP forward rolls the dice by dropping it and gets away with it this time. Eventually, OBU knocks the ball forward. 63 mins MSP clear their line from a massive kick by James Proctor playing at 2nd 5. He kicked from the 5-meter line and the ball eventually goes out just on OBUs side of halfway. 66 mins Almost an action replay with another great clearing kick from Proctor. 73 mins MSP are hot on the attack and looking dangerous. There is an OBU player down. It turns out to be Matt Fowler in his 50th. Kyle comes on to replace him as a precaution. Morgan comes back on sporting a bandage on his head. I missed where he went off! Sam Coombs leaves the field. Taine Plumtree is replaced by Josh Gimblett 75 mins There is a series of Pick and goes on our line. Eventually #19 James Tuia crashes over. Conversion unsuccessful. MSP 19-18 75 mins Sam Coombs is on for Finbarr Kerr-Newell and somewhere along the way Matt Sleith came on at hooker for Kenan Gillson. OBU just need to hold the ball and work it back up the field to get in position to pressure MSP into a mistake. OBU puts the drive on from a lineout but the ball is knocked on. 78 mins OBU desperate now tries to run it out to the other end of the field but MSP turn the ball over in our 22 and the 1st 5 for MSP lines up and slots the drop goal. MSP 22-18 That’s the way the match ended. A riveting game with a very tight finish. I get the feeling that this match could well be replayed over the coming weeks in a semi or a final, but let’s not count our chickens just yet. Another almighty challenge awaits against Tawa out at Lyndhurst Park next week. Final Score MSP 22-18   The post Match Report Rd 6 Swindale – OBU lose first 2020 match to MSP appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Goat Profile: Sale Sorovaki
      • #image_514979091 { width: 100%; } Harlequins Jersey. Sale is 3rd from the right. #image_1279474599 { width: 88%; } Global Comp, Governance & Growth From left to right  Chairman Commander Francis Kean, Bill Beaumont, Sale Sorovaki & Brian Thorburn #image_345901765 { width: 100%; } Harlequins team unpack new jerseys from sponsors Pacific Agencies How are things going with Covid-19 for Fiji rugby? Very similar to New Zealand. We are coming out the other side of lock-down and are looking forward to resuming rugby soon. Training has been tricky for most teams with the restrictions. The weekend of the 25th should be the start of the competition. We begin our Provincial Competition this weekend and its full on for the next 14 weeks.  Tell us about where you came from to join OBU? I was studying at Massey in Palmerston North and playing rugby there. We had an away match against Harlequins (OBU’s immediate predecessor). We won that game and had a great bus trip home. I moved to Wellington in ‘93 and Bill Cavubati lined me up for Harlequins straight away (Bill can still be found on the door of the Bristol Hotel today)! The team was coached by Hamish and Bert Vance. I played until 1996 then took up a contract in Japan. I remember lots of the people from those days well! Did you play rep rugby in New Zealand? Yes I did, I played for Wellington first then Manawatu. And Fiji of course, even when I was based in Japan I still made it back for the Fiji matches. What’s your favourite on-field memory? Perhaps not favourite, but definitely memorable was my first game back from a broken wrist (in the Massey fixture) on the basin reserve. I got concussed and got the shakes just like the famous clip of Dean Lonergan. You can view that here… A more positive memory was of the brandy after the game in the changing sheds. I didn’t like it at all but it kept me warm! Oh and like Chris Te’o stealing Tom Bamber’s smokes! He used to complain about it all the time but still let us have them, haha!  What is your favourite off-field memory? We used to train at the Basin and Boyd Wilson. I remember a practice where there was this little guy turned up and streaked ahead of us. We were thinking who is this showoff? It turned out to be Jon Preston coming to play for us from Christchurch and was already an All Black. We were more than happy for him to showoff from there! I also used to run to training everyday and then grab a lift home after training from some of the boys that has a car. It was my way of keeping fit as well, and running up to the ground everyday for 4 years must have done me a whole lot of good. Are you involved in rugby these days? Tell us about it.. Yes I’m coaching at the University of South Pacific. We also have a club called Harlequins named after Wellington Harlequins and we have a Harlequins song. We play in the premier grade which means we are in the top 14 of 42 clubs in Suva. We are currently sitting mid table and hope to push back toward the top. I have been National Operations Manager for the Fiji Rugby Union. I was Rugby Development Manager for 9 years before that. What’s life like after Harlequins? Where are you these days? Work, family. I left for Japan from Wellington in ’96. I spent 4 years in Japan where we got married and then moved back to Fiji. I first worked for Colonial insurance for a couple of years helping the 3000 Fijian soldiers serving in the British army. We’re now settled in Suva. I have 4 kids, the eldest plays over there for OBU Colts! I am very proud that my son is playing for the same club in the same position as I did 27 years ago! Any messages of inspiration you want to pass back to the Goat community? Cherish these times when you are playing and the friends you make. As these remain with you forever. Surround yourself with good people. Later on in life you will sit back and reflect with great pleasure. Perhaps this might be a good opportunity for us to arrange a video of We are OBU and share it with the Fiji Harlequins and maybe they could sing their song back! Some links to related stories –  https://fijisun.com.fj/2018/06/09/fijians-can-do-it-sorovaki/ https://fijisun.com.fj/2012/01/12/sorovaki-will-coach-fijiana-development-team-for-uprising-7s/ https://fijisun.com.fj/2011/06/24/this-is-your-day-sorovaki/ https://fijisun.com.fj/2011/05/19/controls-the-key-sorovaki/   The post Goat Profile: Sale Sorovaki appeared first on OBU Rugby.

    • Match Report Rd 5 Swindale – OBU take the spoils against a determined Upper Hutt Rams
      • <div class="slider slider-nav-circle slider-nav-large slider-nav-light slider-style-normal" data-flickity-options='{ "cellAlign": "center", "imagesLoaded": true, "lazyLoad": 1, "freeScroll": false, "wrapAround": true, "autoPlay": 6000, "pauseAutoPlayOnHover" : true, "prevNextButtons": true, "contain" : true, "adaptiveHeight" : true, "dragThreshold" : 10, "percentPosition": true, "pageDots": true, "rightToLeft": false, "draggable": true, "selectedAttraction": 0.1, "parallax" : 0, "friction": 0.6 }' > #image_318989084 { width: 100%; } #image_1313763625 { width: 100%; } #image_1818765043 { width: 100%; } #image_1355776034 { width: 100%; } #image_1587101594 { width: 100%; } #image_1076153350 { width: 100%; } #image_1356476967 { width: 100%; } #image_746539539 { width: 100%; } #image_813005546 { width: 100%; } Photos courtesy of Bruce Thomson OBU 38 upper Hutt Rams 7 This was never going to be an easy match. History tells us that you can never assume that you’ve beaten Upper Hutt until the final whistle. They certainly stuck with us in the first half and at half time we knew we were in a tight contest. Fortunately OBU had a strong bench and started to run away in the last quarter. Conditions The forecasters had told us it would be overcast and dry. It was overcast and wet with frequent showers throughout the match. It was cool but not bitterly cold. What little wind their was had little effect on the play. The surface was good, a bit sticky but firm with no pooling of water. OBU was playing from the Basin Reserve end in the first half. John ‘JC’ Cable was kindly present to correct my errors again. Notable performances Dale once again ran the back-line magnificently and kicked well when the commentators curse wasn’t applied! Both halfbacks were a nuisance for Upper Hutt today with Kyle starting and Matt Fowler taking over around the 50 minute mark. We’re lucky to have 2 halfbacks of this calibre. The Plumtree boys both played well. Both delivered the last pass for the other to score late in the second half. Once again the whole front row deserves massive ups for a truly dominant performance. There is a danger this bullet point will remain for the whole season! The locking combination of James and Taine together was very physical at set piece and the breakdown. Both have also proved that they’re no slouches where the goal-line is concerned. The newer players in their first few games for OBU at this level are finding their feet and becoming worthy contributors. Lawry, Josh, Tiaki, Olly all performing well. Keep it up lads! Kenan Gillson also had a busy game chalking up the full 80 minutes and was part of an efficient and lineout and dominant scrum. Plenty of ruck & maul and defense too. How the game unfolded 2 mins There is an impressive lineout drive followed by some slick hands in the backs. The ball is moved to the left with a quick flick on to Sam Godwin who dives over, try! The conversion from wide is good OBU 7-0 8 mins Lineout penalty to Upper Hutt about 38 metres out in front. It drops short and is cleared 12 mins Upper Hutt take the lineout from a penalty and setup the drive. They then execute a cut move on the centre who goes through and scores it under the sticks. Easy conversion taken and scores are locked. 7-7 18 mins Fui heads to the sideline to get some cranial claret taken care of. Lawry takes the field but this week the fan club have a 30 second delay before the cheer for some reason! 20 mins Jack Green goes down in a heap near the left-hand touch about the 10m line after a move down the sideline. The referee shows no sympathy and continues with the next scrum back infield to leave Jack the indignity of the bum shuffle to get off the field! Oliver Paotonu replaces Jack for the rest of the game. It looks like it might be a hamstring injury. Hopefully it’s not too severe and Jack is back with the team soon. The Upper Hutt Far Side boys claim that it could only be a back with a hamstring injury as forwards think that’s something you roast on Sundays. 22 mins Good move to the right side of the field. The ref plays advantage for the Upper Hutt backs being offside. Knowing the advantage is there OBU kick for the corner but it just goes out in the corner before any scoreboard adjustments are needed. We come back for the penalty and elect to take the shot 22m out and handily placed to the middle. But just as we were banking on it we accidentally applied the commentators curse and the shot misses. 25 mins Fui comes back with a bandage that the 1980s would be proud of and Lawry takes a seat. 26 mins OBU takes the lineout from a penalty deep in Upper Hutt’s half. There are several pick and go’s on the Upper Hutt line with Sam Godwin among those having a good dig at the line until James Poloniati completes the move by crashing over to the right of the posts. Conversion successful. OBU 14-7 That’s the way it stayed until half time. 42 mins OBU are penalised for hands in the ruck. Upper Hutt take the shot in front about 30 meters out. Once again commentators curse strikes as it looks like an easy shot but misses. 45 mins The first lot of tactical subs come on – Shamus, Paddy and Morgan for his 50th on and Sam Coombs, Tiaki and Sam Godwin off. All those sitting down contributed well to the cause! 46 mins There is a frantic OBU attack with quick pick and go’s on the Upper Hutt line. Upper Hutt do well to repel the attack for now and it’s held up in goal. OBU feed to the scrum. 48 mins The OBU scrum marches the Rams back and Shamus takes the spoils from number 8.  Conversion successful. Matt Fowler comes on for Kyle Preston. OBU 21-7 52 mins Upper Hutt fumble a lineout in their own half. It ends up with James Poloniati. From the resulting melee it comes out to Paddy Carter in the middle of the pitch who with horns locked bumps a Ram back on his backside ensuring the shorts will need a wash. He then runs it into the line with good pace and crashes over near the corner. The extras are added. OBU 28-7 53 mins Josh Gimblett gets a break on the bench after a hard working half. Matt Sleith gets a run on the side of the scrum. The kickoff ends up short so we have a scrum on halfway. There is some great play off the back of a solid scrum from Shamus and some clever interplay between Sam Reid and Reece but it breaks down. 65 mins Lawry comes on for Fui. There is then some good play from Upper Hutt giving themselves every chance but frustratingly for them the last pass goes to grass and dribbles over the sideline. 71 mins Upper Hutt penalised for holding on. The quick tap is taken and from the next phase Reece drops a nice inside ball to brother Taine who tracks it in to get the 5. Conversion misses. OBU 33-7 74 mins OBU break out of their own half with some fast work. OBU got in behind the defensive line a couple of times and it looked like Callum H would take it all the way for a second but just got caught. From the phase the ball is moved wide to the left and Taine returns the favour to brother Reece with the last pass leaving a run to the corner. Conversion drifts away. Final Score OBU 38-7 The post Match Report Rd 5 Swindale – OBU take the spoils against a determined Upper Hutt Rams appeared first on OBU Rugby.

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