A Word from the Chair 10 July 2025

Talofa lava.

Another week of rugby is upon us, with all five of our teams playing this weekend!

Please note that there will be no games at Helston Park this Saturday, July 12. As a result, the clubrooms will be closed. We understand that closing the clubrooms is not ideal, and this decision was not made lightly. We considered the practicality of opening when there are no home games scheduled.

Last Sunday, we had a small gathering with our Colts team and their coaches and management to acknowledge the end of their season. We felt it was important to show our appreciation and support for these young players, and as a thank you, they were gifted with a 125th warm-up tee. A special thank you to Barry Ellis for saying a few words on behalf of the club.

Future Hawks, Next Generation. Photo credit@BraydenWard.

Future Academy Player @Nixon Photo credit@BraydenWard.

Rugby Update:

Hawks Prems vs Upper Hutt Rams: Saturday 6 July.

Redemption was sweet!!!

Hawks returned to Maidstone for round 1 of the Jubilee Cup and redemption. After a narrow loss the previous week and several key players unavailable, the squad aimed to improve their performance.

Hawks got off to a flyer leading 32-9 midway through the second half against the Rams, who were temporarily reduced to 14 players due to a sinbin. Johnsonville had held a 22-9 lead at halftime, with tries from first-five Nial Delahunt and right wing Finlay Sharp, who scored twice.

In the second half, Johnsonville defended for extended periods before adding another try, with Ish Perkins passing to Jacob Walmsley for the score, followed by a penalty.

However, the Rams responded with three consecutive tries, including a long-range effort by second five Leti Campbell. By the 77th minute, the Rams were within one try of a win, but Johnsonville maintained their advantage and secured victory.

The win earns the Hawks a trip to Polo grounds where they face Swindale Champions Ories for a Quarter Final elimination game. Early kick-off at 1.45pm so if you’re around please come support the team.

Photo below – Big carry from Lucas Aukuso. Check out Lucas catch up this week with Club Rugby: https://clubrugby.nz/wp/2025/07/10/lucas-aukuso-and-johnsonville-hawks-preparing-for-ories-challenge-this-saturday/

Photo credit@BraydenWard.

Photo credit@Caroline Lewis

 Hawks Prem Reserves vs Norths:

The boys travelled out to Porirua to play a very physical Norths side and put up a very good first half performance, showing a lot of individual and team talent. The boys let it slip a little bit in the 2nd half but finishing of strong with a try at the end.

The boys travel out to Para-Plim on Saturday and hope to get the job done, the boys looking up to the challenge.

Photo credit @chainsawphotos.

Terrahawks 85s vs Axmen:

In a fierce rematch from Round 1, the Johnsonville Terrahawks locked horns with the Axemen in a clash that showcased just how far both teams have come this season. With the weather turning the pitch into a battleground for the forwards, it was a game built on grit, muscle, and raw determination. But that didn’t stop the backs from lighting up the edges with explosive carries and daring runs.

The Axemen struck first, using their boot to slot a penalty and take an early lead. But the Terrahawks weren’t fazed. They roared back into the contest with a classic lineout drive, rumbling over the try line to ignite their supporters and shift the momentum.

Then came the magic. Rasta, reading the defence like a seasoned general, flung a pinpoint skip pass out wide to Amos Lavea, who danced through defenders to notch his second try of the day. The crowd erupted as the Terrahawks surged ahead.

The Axemen refused to back down, staying within striking distance and keeping the pressure on. But the Terrahawks held firm, showing composure and heart to close out the match with an 18-12 victory.

It was a gritty, thrilling encounter — and the Terrahawks proved they’re a team to watch this season.

Save the dates:

We have a busy month coming up for August. Please save the dates:

·         BOGAN BINGO, 7pm Saturday 9th August at 1841 Bar and Restaurant, 1 Disraeli Street Johnsonville.

Put a team together and check out the group discount specials: Book by clicking on the link: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/155902

Bogan Bingo - Individual Ticket $ 20.00

Bogan Bingo - 5 Tickets (10% discount) $90.00

Bogan Bingo - 10 Tickets (20% discount) $160.00

If you can't book online there will be door sales on the night.

Spot prizes, raffles and prize for best dressed.

You don’t want to miss out! Looking forward to seeing the Bogans/Rockers on the night!!

Any questions please email: chair@jrfc.co.nz or text 027 828 2468.

• Booths vs Pressies vs PBC annual tournament. Helston Park. Details to be confirmed.

• Prizegiving: Saturday, August 30, JRFC Clubrooms, 4 pm. Dress Theme: “Heroes and Villains.”

  

I want to wish the teams all the best for Saturday. If you're around, please pop along and support them. Good luck to you all.

If you need somewhere to watch the All-Blacks test game this Saturday, pop down and support Jono and his team at 1841 Bar and Restaurant.

Have a good weekend and hope to see you around.

#UpTheHawks!

Ia manuia,

Susan.

Newsletter 4 July 2025

Kia ora e te whanau,

It has been a while since our last newsletter, and we appreciate your understanding during what has been a challenging and hectic time for our club. Navigating the loss of our liquor license has put us in a new space, and we are working to adjust to our "new normal."

A few weeks ago, Brent, Debs, and I had a constructive meeting with the District Licensing Agencies. This meeting was crucial for us to begin working collaboratively with them and to understand the path forward. We know many of you have questions, and rightly so. We ask for a little more time and will provide an update on the meeting and our next steps in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to Brent Comis (President).

Clubrooms:

We have had to close the clubrooms a few times, primarily when there is no home game or only one home game at Helston. Please note that the clubrooms will be closed tomorrow, Saturday, July 5, due to Wellington City Council (WCC) starting maintenance on Helston this week. The work should be completed by July 11.

Colts:

A couple of weeks ago, we made a difficult decision regarding our Colts team. Despite their commendable efforts and perseverance since the beginning of the season and giving their absolute best for themselves and the club, we have unfortunately had to withdraw from the competition.

This decision was made due to a combination of factors, including ongoing injuries and consistently low player numbers, which raised concerns for the well-being and safety of our young players. While we had hoped to continue, especially with only one bye and one game left in this round, followed by the knockout round, prioritizing the welfare of our players leaves us with no other choice.

I want to express our sincere gratitude for the incredible support we've received throughout this challenging period. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Sonny Whitman, Gus Smith, Bob Selkirk, and Sophie Gates. Your perseverance, support, and being there for our Colts, we truly appreciate your time and the aroha you had for these young players. A special thank you to WRFU Community Rugby for your assistance, and to Upper Hutt, Poneke, and Ories for their support on game day. Their understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

Rugby Update: Saturday, June 28:

Premiers' vs Upper Hutt:

With Jubilee's top 8 confirmed, heading to Maidstone determined the next fixture's location. Despite missing five players (Ant, Kuso, Olly, Mea, Tyler), the Hawks felt confident in their depth. The game began poorly for the Hawks, trailing 5-0 after an early try. Captain Fin intercepted a pass, with Niall converting to lead 7-5. Down 11-7 at halftime, they aimed for simplicity. Regan scored to lead 12-11, but two penalties saw them fall behind 17-12. Jacob W tied the game at 17-17. Both teams pushed beyond 80 minutes, but a final penalty gave Upper Hutt a 20-17 victory over Johnsonville. The Hawks return to Maidstone this weekend for a Jubilee Cup fixture, taking many positives from Saturday's match and hoping for another strong contest with key players back.

 Photo Credit: Brayden Ward.

Premier Reserves vs Upper Hutt:

It was a game of two halves. We started strong and stayed competitive in the first half, working hard to hold onto possession and successfully executing our game plan inside their 22. We went into halftime with a 17–12 lead. Unfortunately, the second half was a different story. A string of injuries disrupted our structure, and Upper Hutt capitalized with multiple unanswered tries. The game ended 45–17 in their favor. Despite a tough injury toll, we’re looking forward to regrouping and responding strongly against Norths next week.

Photo Credit: Brayden Ward.

Cripples vs Norths:

The Cripples had good numbers, with plenty of forwards and a slightly lighter backline, against a huge Norths side at Jerry Collins Stadium. We didn’t execute our game plan as well as we know we can and spent a lot of time defending. However, after 30 minutes, against the run of play, we scored first. From then on, we chased the game, going into halftime down 12-5. We were better in the second half, playing into the wind and scoring two tries to their one, bringing the score to 17-all. With the last play of the game, we popped over a penalty, winning 20-17. We didn’t play as well as we know we can, but we won, which shows a good team. Plenty of work-ons, and we will. Next weekend is finally a home game. Up the Mighty Cripples\!

Save the dates:

We have a busy month coming up for August. Please save the dates:

• Saturday, August 9, Bogan Bingo: 1841 Bar and Restaurant, 7 pm. Please look at our socials for more details. Funds raised will go towards Prizegiving, Colts, and the Academy Programme.

• Saturday, August 16, Booths vs Pressies vs PBC annual tournament. Helston Park, times to be confirmed.

• Prizegiving: Saturday, August 30**, JRFC Clubrooms, 4 pm. More details to follow.

Fixtures for Saturday, July 5, 2025:

Unfortunately, the wet weather has impacted this weekend's games, with all Reserves and Presidents games canceled.  

1. Premier Reserves game has been transferred to Porirua Park 2, 12:30 pm.

2. Terrahawks 85s game has been transferred to Ian Galloway, 2:45 pm. 

3. Premiers will play as scheduled at Maidstone Park, 2:45 pm.

I want to wish the teams all the best for Saturday. If you're around, please pop along and support them. Good luck to you all.

If you need somewhere to watch the All-Blacks test game this Saturday, pop down and support Jono and his team at 1841 Bar and Restuarant.

Have a good weekend and hope to see you around.  

Ia manuia,

Susan

A timely reminder from WRFU