Chooks News 30 June 2023

Chairpersons Update

Well just like that we are at the final round of round robin. This week sees all teams at home with our Premiers, Div 1, and Colts up against NPOB and our mighty Snr 3rds playing their quarter-final against Kaponga. Even though our B’s and Premiers have more injuries than A&E on a Saturday we have managed to put two teams out there that will play for the blue and whites and leave nothing behind. Our Colts need a win to try and lock in a home semi-final.

Our Snr 3rds have lifted their foot off the pedal the last few weeks but I am sure these boys can get the job done and live for another week. They have named a strong lineup with 28 players that probably put over 1000 caps for Tukapa with Jack Fleming picking up over 300 of them. I have really enjoyed following our Snr 3rds this year and to be honest it hasn’t had a lot to do with the on-field rugby but it’s how these boys operate off the field that impresses me the most. The way they get around the whole club and make sure no one is left behind. As a team, they are mates on and off the field and just enjoy their rugby and enjoy their mates afterward. Good luck Saturday fellas.

Collective First National Day

It’s a massive day Saturday and the reason is we give thanks to Collective First National for their ongoing support of Tukapa Rugby as naming rights sponsor. This is their 5th year being our sponsor and the amount of support shown is second to none. This relationship started with Judy Hurlstone and Grant Paterson and that relationship has carried on with Shawn Gibbon and Owen Mills along with Nick Hughes. We will be hosting Collective First National on the deck this Saturday so be sure to shake their hands and say thank you. But more importantly, if you are selling your house, please use these guys and make sure you tell them it's because they back us.

50 Games for Mairena

This week we say well done to Mairena Laapo who will play his 50^th game. Ma has been part of our Premiers since leaving FDMC and in the last couple of years has been our starting number 8. I look at him as a Crossy in the making, he is a hardball runner and not scared to put in the hard work around the field. Off the field, he is a hard man and usually the last to leave the club or first to fall asleep on the blue couch upstairs. In saying that he respects his club and will always greet you with a smile and a handshake. Go well this week mate.