A Word from the Chair 18 July 2025

Talofa lava,

This week's newsletter is a short one, mainly focusing on last weekend's rugby updates.

What a weekend it was! The Prems had a nail-biting win over Ories, the 85s secured a close win against OBU, and the Pressies had a great win over MSP. The Cripples tried their best, but as CE mentioned, it's tough to play catch-up rugby when you're behind. You can find some great reading in our teams' updates below.

We go again tomorrow! Let's get behind our teams and pack the parks with blue, blue, blue!

Rugby Team Update 12 July 2025.

PREMIERS:

Marching On – Hawks Defy the Odds!!!!

2^nd time in 20 odd years Hawks have made a Jubilee Cup Semi-Final.  

If you were a Hawks supporter at Polo Grounds, you would have witnessed an incredible performance, heart, passion and self-belief, something you can’t coach.

In an unexpected turn of events, Johnsonville triumphed with a 25-20 victory over Ories – Swindale Champions. This game was a nail-biter, with Ories, who had previously secured 13 straight bonus point wins, now heading to Seatoun beach after their second consecutive Jubilee Cup match loss.

The game reached its climax with Ories relentlessly attacking Johnsonville’s line, desperately searching for an equalizing score. They even thought they had clinched a victory with an apparent late try by prop Salesa Suemanufagai after multiple phases. However, this was ruled held up over the line, leaving Johnsonville to celebrate a significant win.

The match began with Johnsonville's intense offensive, capitalizing on an early Ories error and securing the game’s opening try by loosehead prop Ha’amea Ahio. Ories quickly found their rhythm, responding with two consecutive tries by left wing Herman Seumanufagai and right wing Sam Tautiaga, following a sweeping attack and a strategic skip out pass from fullback Tom Maiava. However, just before halftime, Johnsonville's Jacob Walmsley, marking his 125th match for the Hawks, scored their second try, bringing the halftime score to 12-10 in Ories' favor.

The second half was just as thrilling and closely contested. Walmsley struck again, hacking a kick ahead and scoring his second try, followed by a penalty from Hawks first-five Nial Delahunt, pushing the score to 18-15 with half an hour left. Centre Aukuso

Tuitama then extended Johnsonville's lead to 25-15 with a try under 10 minutes to play.

Ories kept the tension high with a reply from No. 8 Dom Ropeti, but ultimately, Johnsonville emerged victorious.

This match was a testament to the incredible skill and determination of both teams, and it certainly kept us all on the edge of our seats!

Hawks Bus heads to Lyndhurst Park for a Semi-Final knock-out vs Tawa, 2:45pm on Saturday 19 July 2025

PREMIER RESERVES:

A difficult way to end the season for our boys. Tough conditions and a strong Para-Plim side that played some strong attacking rugby scoring plenty of tries. Our boys tried their best in what can only be described as pond like conditions but in the end it wasn't meant to be.

A huge thanks to all the boys for showing up this season and for our supporters for cheering us on.  

Premier Reserves 2025 Signing Out      

TERRAHAWKS 85s:

In a match dominated by poor weather conditions, the Terrahawks showcased resilience and determination to secure a hard-fought 19–16 victory over the OBU Scallywags.

OBU struck first, converting an early penalty to take the lead. But the Terrahawks responded swiftly, charging down the wing to score a try in the corner, swinging momentum in their favour.

The remainder of the game saw the Hawks under immense pressure, spending long stretches defending on their own try line. Their defensive effort was nothing short of heroic, repelling wave after wave of OBU attacks to maintain their narrow lead.

The win was made even more special by a significant milestone for Jamie Walker wearing the mighty blue, who marked his 400th Under 85s game—a testament to his dedication and longevity in the sport.

With this victory, the Terrahawks have secured a home semi-final against the Axemen. The team will be looking to carry their momentum and defensive grit into the next stage of the competition. 

Terrahawks (U85kgs) vs Wellington at Helston Park 1, 2:45pm on Saturday 19 July 2025

CRIPPLES:

The Cripples played top of the table Wgtn Axemen on a wet mud bath at Helston Park. 1st half was tough only scoring 1 try and having 2 held up over the line mean while Wgtn played running rugby scoring 4 Tries often against the run of play leading 24 to 7 at half time.

 2nd half was a different story our players and bench finally got our game going and finishing off our scoring opportunities but running out of time to pip them. Going down in a tight game 34 to 29 

We picked up a few key injuries which will make it tougher this weekend, but we will go again   

Cripples vs Wainuiomata at William Jones Park 1, 2:45pm on Saturday 19 July 2025

UP The Cripples

PRESSIES:

Jville Pressies vs MSP Pressies

Kilbirnie park 12/7/25

1.45 KO

Looking sharp and sounding positive on a cold and cloudy day, JVille Pressies , with excellent numbers, turned up to face the once powerful MSP Pressies who struggled to get a XV on the field, until, but thanks to David and Ants, they managed to fill their jerseys. 

After a good confident start (also by ref Neville) by JV, knock-ons both ways, then a series of penalties, Josh was awarded a confusing try by Neville, (5-0)

Our new temporary Auckland Pressie player, Sam scored the first of his 2 tries after some tough forward exchanges and great backline work, (12-0).

MSP struck back with their only try after multiple attempts on our line, (12-7)

2nd Half;After being hot on attack and some more slick backline handling, Sam went over again, (17-7).

Using the sideline,the wind and Peters’ boot to drive MSP back, lead to JV cracking their defence and Peter crossing the line, (24-7)

Big hits and big support play resulting in Jerome finishing off a 60m try,(29-7).

This win cements our 2nd place on the table with a game in hand against SV at home this weekend. 

Comment Of The Match ‘NEVILLE, YOU KNOW HOW RUGBY WORKS!’ Cheers Peter, he sorta does!

PoD- Sam at fullback with 2 tries and excellent all round play

DoD - Roy, punishment for breaking the last mug

Special mention to Gert, thanks for getting these new mugs made out of his own pocket and his own initiative; may the bring many years of pride and embarrassment to their recipients!

Cheers

Pressies vs Stokes Valley at Pukehuia Park 1, 2:45pm on Saturday 19 July 2025

Ted - Co-assistant probationary manager and hindsight expert

1841 Restaurant and Bar:

Be great for people to head over to 1841 after the Hawks games tomorrow  to support our club sponsor, Jono, and his team. We can catch the ABs game there and enjoy a few beers. They also have a great menu if you're looking for something to eat.

Good luck teams…Up The Hawks!

Ka kite

Susan.