Hi Everyone,

What a great weekend for Otago Rugby.

Ranfurly Shield Challenge:

We were treated to another great game of rugby from both sides on Sunday with Otago proving superior, holding onto the Shield for the sixth defence of the season. Thames Valley, North Otago, Southland, Manawatu, Taranaki and Waikato have all presented real challenges for our side but the character and determination together with some outstanding skills have kept the Shield at home. The 45-35 final score was a fair indication of the run of play with both sides picking up important bonus points. This week will be a massive challenge for the team particularly with the short turn around, so we need to get along to the Stadium and give the boys plenty of encouragement.

Otago Spirit Dominant:

The double header at the Stadium was just wonderful. The Otago girls played some outstanding rugby in both halves, which North Harbour could not counter. The Spirit led 45-0 at halftime and kept up the open style of rugby to win by 92-0. This week the team travel to Napier to play the other undefeated team Hawkes Bay. I am sure the girls will prepare well and do their level best to pull off a victory before heading into the play-offs.

Under 18 & Under 16 Games:

The matches between Country and Metro at 18s and 16s level were played at Hancock Park on Saturday. While both games were won by the Metro teams, Country were competitive and provided stern opposition. The Under 16 teams will head to Invercargill this weekend for the finals of the South Island Tournament, while the Under 18s will travel to Christchurch for their finals.

Sevens Competition:  

Good to see that all Metro Premier Clubs entered a 7s team in the competition run by the ORFU on Saturday. In addition, Eastern and a team based out of Cromwell took part in the 11 team competition which was eventually won by Alhambra-Union. It was a good work out for all sides leading into next Saturdays competition which will be held at the North Ground.

Life Members & Past Presidents Gathering:

It was great to have a number of the Past Presidents and Life Members attend a function at the ORFU in the Forsyth Barr Stadium and then be hosted by both the ORFU and the Sassenachs in the Sassenachs Lounge prior to kick off on Sunday.

Rowena Davenport, Chairperson of the Board, gave an interesting presentation on the state of sport in the country and in particular how this aligns with rugby in the provinces. She also outlined some of the initiatives the ORFU Board are implementing particularly around Community Rugby.

Richard Kinley, General Manager, outlined the further physical development that will be taking place in the foyer area of the offices and the images that will be designed on the Seminar Room walls to give a real Otago Rugby theme. Some members of the Board were also in attendance and a number of questions were asked by our guests. Enjoying each others company in the Sassenachs Lounge was a nice way to lead into a fine Shield victory.

There is only one place to be this Saturday night.

Des Smith MNZM    

Article added: Wednesday 02 October 2019