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