Hi Everyone,

A beautiful sunny day both in Dunedin and in Central Otago for watching some exciting games.

Mid-week Games:

During the week I was fortunate enough to see some catch-up club rugby as well as a secondary school game involving an Australian school from Brisbane. It is good to play visiting teams from Australia, as they play an attractive style of rugby and are always a pleasure to host. I note that a number of schools in Central Otago are also hosting Australian school sides, which is great to see.

Junior Rugby:

was out and about from 10am on Saturday watching the young girls and boys playing rippa and tackle rugby. What a joy it is to see these kids having so much fun. Some of the five year olds have very little idea of what do but they run around, have a turn with the ball, and enjoy eating the lollies after the game. Well done to all the coaches who give up their time to encourage our future players – it is appreciated.

Kings College from Auckland:

It is important that our local schools keep challenging themselves by playing against sides from the North Island. Kings College is an Independent School, very highly rated academically and on the sporting field, and has a boys roll similar to that of Otago Boys' High School. The two first fifteens played against each other on Littlebourne last Saturday, in what was a pre-season fixture of high quality. Kings went out to an early lead and looked as though they might win comfortably however the home team fought back well only to lose by 9 points, 34-25. Both teams scored five tries. It is worth noting that Kings College were the runners up in the Auckland 1A Secondary School Competition last year.

Otago Country Life Members:

I left Littlebourne around 3pm on Saturday to travel through to the Alexandra Rugby Club to be present at a ceremony to honour two new Life Members of Otago Country Rugby. It was a pleasure to have the company of Willis Paterson, former ORFU President, from Lawrence to Alex and return.

Rob Roy and Geoff McPhee have both given many years of service to the game particularly in the country.

Trevor Washington spoke about Rob Roy’s contribution to the Alexandra Rugby Club over many years while Bill Townsend highlighted his time playing for the University and Southern Clubs while living in Dunedin. I was asked to speak about his representative career and this is part of the speech I made to the large gathering. 

Hayden Meikle, ODT Sports Writer, counts down the 150 greatest moments in Otago sport.

No 145: Otago's Dominant rugby season (1975)

“There were many memorable victories when the 1975 Otago rugby team won 16 of 18 matches.

The vanquished included Scotland, the Junior All Blacks and all the major New Zealand provinces but the highlight was the 22-4 win over Auckland, the Ranfurly Shield holder, at Carisbrook.

Otago took charge from the outset in muddy conditions on a gloomy day in front of a crowd of 12,000 as Don Colling, Neil Purvis and Don Harley scored tries.

Just to make it an all-Otago triumph Don Colling's brother, Lin - who had played 68 games for Otago - captained Auckland and scored its only try.

The Otago team that winter included 10 past, present or future All Blacks. Its outstanding record was based on heroic defence - it conceded only 15 tries during the season.

The small pack seldom won more than 40% of the ball but Merv Jaffray, Rex Smith, Rob Roy and Don Harley were indomitable loose forwards.

Few will forget the day Auckland was humbled so emphatically. All that was missing was the shield.”

Fortunately, I had taken the Ranfurly Shield through with me to the function, which put a smile on everyone’s face. It is worth noting that Rob played 106 games for Otago between 1969 and 1979.

Bob Perriam, Chairman of the Otago Country Board, spoke comprehensively about the involvement of Geoff McPhee in Country Rugby including the many years he had given to the Clutha Club, South Otago Rugby as well as the 12 years of service on the Country Board including eight years as Chairman. Dave Latta worked for Geoff during his time playing for Otago and we all know the wonderful support Geoff gave to Dave to allow him to attend trainings and games as in those times the game was fully amateur. As President, I was also fortunate to attend many Country Board Meetings with Geoff as Chairman, and I have the utmost respect for his leadership. He always made things happen and he just loved being involved in the game.

To Rob and Geoff, well done on your Life Members Awards - it was a real honour for me to present you both with your Badges.

This Week:

With the Easter Break, there will be a number of games played during the week. Metropolitan Rugby at some levels, will be played on Wednesday and Thursday so look out for the draw. The traditional North v South game in the Southern Region, will be played at Kaitangata at 2pm on Good Friday. I will head to Kaitangata on Friday and on Saturday travel through to Arrowtown for their Jubilee Celebrations, accompanied by the lovely Raylene and the Shield.

Des Smith MNZM

Article added: Thursday 18 April 2019