12/7/08 OBU SUFFER LOSS AT PORIRUA PARK: The OBU Premiers suffered a 45-0 loss to Norths at Porirua Park on Saturday. This loss ends OBU's chances of making the Jubilee Cup semi finals.

The home side started strongly and were up30-0 at the break. OBU missed a few tackles at Norths made the team pay for it.

OBU played better in the second half. They were able to string a few phases together and ask a few questions of the Norths defence. However they were not able to capitilise on them and Norths were able to score 15 more points in the second half to get a 45-0 victory.

It was a hard game for the backs as they did not get much ball. Paula Kinikinilau looked dangerous in midfield every time he had the ball in hand.

In the forwards, James Oliver worked tirelessly throughout, and lock Thomas Fleming continues to impress.

5/07/08 OBU SUFFER LOSS AT THE BASIN RESERVE: The OBU Premiers suffered a disappointing loss to Ories at The Basin Reserve on Saturday. The score was 27 : 14 to the visitors. The result makes it difficult for the team to secure a spot in the Jubilee Cup semifinals.

There was no score in the first 20 minutes of the game. Ories spent large periods on attack, but resolute OBU defence meant that they managed to keep Ories scoreless. Seminar Manu opened the scoring for OBU with a penalty to take a 3-0 lead. Two converted tries to Ories were counted by two further penalties to Seminar Manu, to make it 14-9 to Ories at the break.

The talking point of the second half was a huge fight between both teams. Ories had one player sent off and another carded, while OBU had number eight, Jono Naupo yellow carded as well. Ories scored 13 further points to take the game beyond doubt. OBU winger Scott Murray scored a try just before fulltime to make the final score 27-14.

The game offered ideal condition which suited the backs. Midfielder Matt Gordon and replacement back, Scott Murray looked dangerous when they got the ball.

In the forwards, open side James Oliver continues to impress with his consistent form every week.

28/06/08 PREMIERS EARN FIRST WIN IN JUBILEE CUP: The OBU Premiers bet Hutt Old Boys Marist 23-22 on Saturday at The Basin Reserve.

The feature of the game was the appearance of All Black Conrad Smith, who was playing since the All Blacks did not have a game on Saturday. In addition to this, many other players returned from injury and unavailability including backs Seminar Manu and Tomasi Palu, while in the forwards Ian Kennedy and James Oliver returned.

Conrad Smith showed his class early on, producing a magical offload in the tackle to set up openside James Oliver for the first try, which was converted by Seminar Manu. HOBM scored two converted tries and kicked a penalty in the first half to have a 17-7 lead at the break.

OBU maintained a lot of pressure on the visitors in the early stages of the second half, and were rewarded with two Seminar Manu penalties. Conrad Smith showed again why he is the best centre in New Zealand, by setting up winger Scott Murray for a good try, which was converted by Manu. HOBM scored a try to take a 22-20 lead with a few minutes remaining. Manu had a penalty chance from 40 meters out but it just fell short. The clearing kick from HOBM missed touch and a few phases later; halfback Tomasi Palu slotted a drop goal to win the game for the home side.

When the backs had the ball, they looked very dangerous. Conrad Smith was all class and reminded everyone just how good he is. The backs were marshalled around the park well by Seminar Manu who continues to impress.

The forwards played well and put a lot of pressure on HOBM, particularly at lineout time. James Oliver had a good game linking well with the backs, while leadership of captain Darryl Gore and Sam Green played a crucial part in a tense game.

21/06/08 OBU SUFFER LOSS AT MAIDSTONE PARK: The OBU Premiers suffered a 36-12 loss to Upper Hutt at Maidstone Park on Saturday. It was the second loss in a row for the team in the Jubilee Cup.

It was a tough game for OBU, with several players missing through injury and other commitments. Upper Hutt got out to a early 10-0 lead and then two tries just before halftime, gave Upper Hutt a 22-0 lead at halftime.

OBU showed a lot of heart in the second half and improved significantly on their first half effort. OBU scored two tries, to flanker Tom Everton and First Five John Marshall to make the final score 36-12.

It was a hard day for the OBU forwards. Tom Everton continues to impress, and is making the most of some regular starts.

It was a young backline for OBU on Saturday, with some players having their first start for the OBU Premiers. Will Mowbray, Scott Murray and John Marshall all showed signs of a bright future for the OBU Premiers!

14/06/08 OBU START JUBILEE CUP WITH A LOSS: The OBU Premiers started the Jubilee Cup with a 25-8 loss to Poneke on Saturday at Kilbirnie Park.

OBU had the use of the wind in the first half and scored an early try through winger Sheldon Goodin. OBU then scored a penalty to take an 8-0 lead. However from the on, the team faced a very determined Poneke side that did not allow OBU to score any more points.

Above: Mike Scott breaks away

The second half was all Poneke as they dominated and did not let up for the entire 40 minutes. OBU applied lots of pressure, but the Poneke defense was relentless.

Openside Tom Everton had a big game at the breakdown while James Hansen continued to impress.

Midfielder Paula Kinikinilau had a strong game in the midfield despite limited opportunities with ball in hand.

It is a big game next week, with OBU travelling to Maidstone Park to play Upper Hutt. The teams will be seeking to reverse the result from when the two teams played earlier in the season.

Above: Supporting OBU from the sideline is great fun. Meeting the challenge of opposition supporters is quite a different game!