There has been plenty of action on the rugby fields around the globe over the past couple of weeks.
The All Blacks are going well. Some interesting results from teams in the top half of the North Island. Auckland put on an encouraging performance against Otago, Counties Manukau had a really encouraging game against Auckland (!), North Harbour have won four games and Northland broke their duck by beating Waikato.
But the real action has been at the secondary school level where a tournament is underway involving NZ Schools, Fiji Schools, Australian Schools and the NZ Barbarians Schools.
The following message from our President puts you in the picture:
For those of you who don’t know, our NZ Barbarians Schools team had a very good 28-17 victory over Australian Schools (Monday October 4) at MAGS.
They dominated the scrums and lineouts (Australia hardly won any of their own throws) and had excellent defence – very committed and accurate.
Standouts were the hooker Ricky Jackson, locks Cameron Suafoa and Naitoa Ah Kuoi, flankers Joe Johnston and Sam Dickson(who has just been elevated to NZ Schools due to injury), halfback Folau Fakatava and first five/captain Lincoln McClutchie, replacement second five Scott Gregory and wing Danny Toala.
The conditions were wet and slippery, so some of the handling from both sides at times wasn’t great as they tried to play dry weather rugby but nonetheless this was a real standout performance from our guys.
There was a short after-match for both teams in the MAGS’ hostel dining room and it was great to see the work Roger Moore had done to the place, which is the base for our team, so that it had a Barbarians look and feel – it was really special and I am sure has played a big part in bringing this team together.
Don’t forget Thursday night (that’s tomorrow October 6 – ed) at the club where we welcome the coaches/managers of each team plus the executives of the New Zealand, Australian and Fiji Schools. This starts at 5.30pm.
Saturday (October 8) our team plays Fiji Schools at Auckland Grammar at 1.10pm which is followed by NZ Schools vs Australia. Following the games there is a test match dinner from 5.30 to 7.30 pm at St Peter’s College.
See you Thursday
Cheers
Ron
The new members’ induction night was held on Thursday September 29
This from our esteemed club manager Dean Paddy:
This is always a very special night on our calendar. A list of some 13 new inductees were present. Ron Williams’one-armed introduction was spot-on. On receiving their ties and scarf from Ron and Ken Baguley, all spoke exceptionally well, expressing their pride at being invited to become a member of such an illustrious club. Their intent to contribute in any way possible to become an active serving member was sincere. They spoke of how honoured and flattered they were.
It is always a timely reminder to our old membership of how special our club is. When you have been a Baabaa for sometime you can become a little blasé about the meaning of being a member. After the acceptance speeches of the new inductees, you are left in no doubt of how special it is!
Rather unusually there were three families honoured by the continuing lineage down through the generations. Barry Thomas and son Greg, for example. Barry was still not well enough to be there to enjoy his son’s induction. Ray Reardon was present to watch his son Russell receive his tie. Pat Walsh watched from above as his wife Noeline received her scarf. She is proving to be a great asset to the club, along with son Mark. Noeline has taken charge of a group of widows of old members to keep them active and interested in the club’s activities. She proposed a toast to this end.
A memorable gathering
Dean Paddy
Great to read this from the Herald website:
Sir Colin Meads breaks media silence – to win Bieber tickets
12:13pm Tuesday Oct 4, 2016
Sir Colin Meads called radio station ZM today – to win tickets to Justin Bieber for his granddaughter.
Kia kaha, Pinetree
Upcoming events
Thursday October 6 – Mitre 10 Cup – Auckland vs Tasman, 7:35pm at Eden Park
Saturday October 8 – NZ Barbarians Schools vs Fiji Schools, 1:10pm at AGS
Saturday October 22 – All Blacks vs Australia 7:35pm at Eden Park
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 30 AT 6PM: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
