The 2005 season, in review ...
PREMIERS: It was a tough season for the OBU Premiers. The team was fortunate enough to secure the coaching services of All Black Legend, Dave Trapper Loveridge. The management team was completed by Dean O'Shaugnessy and assistant manager Matt Loveridge. It was frustrating season though for the team, as they were constantly hampered by injuries.
The team found it tough going in the Swindale Shield. Despite trying valiantly, the team were unable to win a game.
The season started with a 29-20 loss to Ories at the Prince Of Wales Park. There were encouraging signs as the first round progressed, with the team being unlucky not to win many of the games. An example of this was when we played Tawa at the Basin. The boys were up 20-0 at halftime. Great tries were scored by Seminar Manu and Darryl Gore. Then we were down 22-20 in injury time. Seminar Manu had a penalty kick to win it. It was from 48 meters out and in to the wind. The kick hit the post and the game was lost. The only games that were not close were to eventual champions Upper Hutt and Poneke.
As a result of the Swindale Shield, the Premiers qualified for the Hardham Cup along with other top clubs Ories, Johnsonville and Hutt Old Boys Marist. The round started with a 25-7 win over MSP B. The following week there was a 46-21 win over Norths B.
Week three, saw a special appearance by Conrad Smith in the 26 14 win over Ories at the Polo Ground. The team bet Poneke "B" 43-22.
The feature game of the Hardham Cup was the game vs HOBM. It was a tough game, that was featured on Sky TV's "Heartland Rugby", and sadly we went down 13-10.
In the last two weeks, there were victories over Johnsonville (23-13) and Petone "B" (19-0).
A home semi was secured against Oriental Rongatai. In front of the biggest crowd of the season, the team went down to the eventual champions 24-14.
Despite the fact results did not go to well, there were many players who played well through out the season. New to the premiers, outside backs Tomasi Palu, Sam Gavin and Danny Shaw all had big seasons. They all can look forward to big futures at the club. Senior players Nathan Masters, Ian Tulloch and Clinton Huppert added valuable experience, while Willie Helu showed that there is a lot of potential for future seasons. Nathan Sweetman had a frustrating year with a few injuries.
In the midfield Sam Polsen and Tim Molenaar were constant threats to opposition defences. They were also solid on defence. JD Fraser showed that he is a player of much potential.
The Number Ten Jersey was filled by Patrick MaGuire, Seminar Manu and Randel Walker. They all had their moments of success mixed with an unfortunate run of injuries.
For the majority of the season, the halfback was Hayden Roache. He did give a lot of good service to the backs, and proved that he was not afraid of mixing it with players that were a lot bigger than him. Andrew Fleming and Hayden Gore also made appearances, showing there is a lot of depth in the club
The teams star forward was number eight Mike Te Moana. He was the team's best ball carrier, always getting over the advantage line. James Oliver got better as the season went on. He is a open side of real promise. In his first year out of Wellington College, Tom Everton showed that he has a big future at the club. Club favourite Michael Barnes got injured early on, ruling him out for the rest of the season. Whether it at blindside or at lock, Ian Kennedy showed he has the potential to get higher representative honours. Brendan Symes was a welcome addition to the club and showed that Canterbury's loss was our gain.
Locks Sam Green and Brad Wheeler were great sources of lineout ball. Justin Cullen's size and experience were a great help to the rest of the forward pack.
It was tough going for the props, but Wilbur Davies, Scott Wise and Matt Anderson can hold their heads high for their efforts against bigger front rows. Senior one prop Andrew Welch can feel proud of his efforts when in the team as well. While club Chairman Mark Larsen also featured in the front row.
The hooker's heresy was dominated by Daryl Gore. He played to a consistent standard and showed what a great club man he is.
PREMIER 1ST ROUND – SWINDALE SHIELD
Oriental Rongatai at Prince Of Wales Park, 9-29 - P Maguire 3 penalties.
Northern United at Porirua, 3-56 - P Maguire. 1 penalty
Johnsonville at Nairnville Park, 10-14 - S Gavin try; P Maguire conversion, penalty
Avalon at Fraser Park, 17-27 - A Fleming, Mike Te Moana, S Poulson tries; R Walker conversion
Tawa at Basin Reserve, 20-22 - S Manu, D Gore tries; R Walker 2 conversions, 2 penalties
Hutt Old Boys Marist at Hutt Recreation Ground, 21-29 - S Manu, W Davies tries; R Walker conversion, 3 penalties.
Western Suburbs at Basin Reserve, 9-19 - R Walker 3 penalties.
Marist St Pats at Basin Reserve, 0-33.
Petone at Petone Recreation Ground, 6-23 - P Maguire 2 penalties
Upper Hutt at Basin Reserve, 20-62 - S Gavin, T Palu tries; P Maguire 2 conversions, 2 penalties
Poneke at Kilbirnie, 17-50 - D Gore, H Roche tries; P Maguire 2 conversions, penalty
Swindale Shield : Played 11, Won 0, Lost 11, For 132, Against 364.
PREMIER SECOND ROUND DIVISION TWO - HARDHAM CUP
Marist St Pats "B" at Basin Reserve, 25-7 - M Te Moana 2, D Gore, J Oliver, W Helu tries
Northern United "B" at Basin Reserve, 46-21 - Oliver 3, P MaGuire 2, W Helu, S Polson, I Kennedy tries; P MaGuire 3 conversions
Oriental Rongatai at Polo Ground, 26-14 - J Oliver, P Maguire, M Te Moana, S Polson tries; Maguire 2 penalties
Poneke "B" at Basin Resrve, 43-22 - D Shaw 2, J Oliver, M Te Moana, I Tulloch, S Polson, T Palu tries; S Manu 4 penalties
Hutt Old Boys Marist at Hutt Recreation Ground, 10-13 - I Kennedy, D Shaw tries.
Johnsonville at Helston, 23-13 - (M Te Moana, D Shaw, T Molenaar tries; J Gopperth conversions, 2 penalties
Petone "B" at Basin Resrve, 19-0 - S Manu 2, C Huppert tries; Manu 2 conversions
Semi Final:
Oriental Rongatai at Basin Reserve, 14-24 - D Shaw try. S Manu 3 penalties
Hardham Cup - Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2. For 206, Against 114
SENIOR ONES: It was a year of ups and downs for the Senior Ones. The team was coached by Bert Vance and John Furlong and the team manager was Brad Houlahan.
In the Harper Lock Shield the team had to wait until Round Five for their first win of the season, a 41-5 win over Tawa. Their other win in the first round was a 15-8 win over Upper Hutt.
The team started the Ed Chaney cup strongly with wins over Upper Hutt and Tawa. Their best effort was a 28-16 win over Rimutaka at Nairnville Park. It was an important win as it secured the teams status in Senior One for 2006. The team had a huge crowd, as the Premiers were not playing until the Sunday. The team played some great rugby scoring three tries. Two were scored by Willie Helu while Hayden Gore got one also.
There were many players to stand out throughout the year. Backs Chris Lincoln and Danny Shaw looked dangerous with ball in hand. Midfield backs Tim Wells and Tuna Talamaiva added a lot in midfield. The backline was directed well by Logan Oliver, Andrew Fleming and Hayden Gore.
In the forwards, the loose forwards all played well. Dave Garland, and Richard Currie played with a lot of heart. Nick Skinner was a worthy recipient of the player of the year reward. Lock Nick Warmke had a great season resulting in selection for Wellington Under 19. The team was greatly helped by the size and strength of Paul Swift at lock .While not being the biggest props around Andrew Welch and Jason Gore played very strongly and the scrum was strong throughout the season. While hookers Stu Simonsson and Hayden Foskett complemented the forwards through out the season.
The team were also helped by Pemiers players through out the year. Players to stand out were Randell Walker, Sam Polsen, Willie Helu and Tom Everton
1st Round – HARPER LOCK SHIELD
Oriental Rongatai (h) 15-24, Northern United (a) 7-15, Rimutaka (h) game cancelled, Wainuiomata (a) 10-17, Tawa (h) 41-15, Hutt Old Boys Marist (a) 17-31, Stokes Valley (h)10-17, Marist St Pats (h) 3-28, Petone (a) 0-50, Upper Hutt (h) 15-8, Poneke (a)13-31.
Played 11, Won 2, Lost 8, Drawn 1, For 131, Against 237
2nd Round – ED CHANEY CUP
Wellington (h) 22-16, Tawa (a) 19-14, Oriental Rongatai (a) 25-53, Upper Hutt (h) 47-10, Hutt Old Boys Marist (a) 10-43, Stokes Valley (a) 27-25, Wainuiomata (h) 15-16, Rimutaka (h) 28-15, Paremata-Plimmerton (a) 18-27.
Played 9, Won 4, Lost 5. For 174, Against 256.
SENIOR 2: It was a mixed year for the Senior Seconds and their coaching staff of Dave Morton. They had to wait until week seven for their first win, and they finished the first round in eleventh spot.
They struggled in the second round as well, but had a great 32-10 win over West's in their second to last game. This shows the high level of team spirit that was evident throughout the season.
The back of the year was Leon Smith. He had a great year, and was an integral part of the backline.
Chris Cakebread was the team's player of the year. His form at prop was solid, and he held the teams scrum together. Loose forward Mike Reid was consistently good, both on and off the field.
Senior 2 1st Round - NATIONAL MUTUAL CUP
Avalon (h) result unavailable, Northern United (a) 17-27, Johnsonville (h) 17-22, Avalon (a) 17-19, Poneke (a) 6-21, MSP (h) 6-21, Western Suburbs (h) 0-36, Petone (h) 22-12, Paremata Plimmerton (a) 6-41, Wellington (h) 0-40, Hutt Old Boys Marist (h) 16-10.
Played 10, Won 2, Lost 8, For 107, Against 252
Senior Two 2nd Round - HD MORGAN MEMORIAL CUP
Northern United (h) 7-17, Johnsonville (h)6-37, Avalon (a) 5-24, Petone (a) 6-46, Hutt Old Boys Marist (h) 8-13, Western Suburbs (a) 13-10, Marist St Pats (h) 27-16
Played 7 Won 1 Lost 6 For 80 Against 174
WOMANS TEAM: The second season for the OBU team was hard. The management team of Jack Fagalilo (coach), and managers Lisa Crawford and Tania Potaka had a tough season with the team, but still enjoyed the season.
The performance of the year was the 48-0 win over Wainuiomata. It was a complete performance, both in attack and in defence.
The best back for the team was Melinda Hodgson. While star players in the forwards were Tuila Waterhouse (player of the year), Claire Rowat, Adrienne Wilson and Maggie Starr.
1st Round - FLEURS TROPHY
Poneke (a) 5-29, Northern United (a) 0-80, Johnsonville (h) 5-32, Hutt Old Boys Marist (a) 5-32, Wainuiomata (h) 34-12, Avalon (a) WBD, Oriental Rongatai (h) 24-19.
Played 7, Won 3, Lost 4, For 73, Against 204
2nd Round - VICTORIA TAVERN TROPHY
Poneke (h) 0-10, Northern United (a) 0-56, Hutt Old Boys Marist (h) 7-52, Wainuiomata (a) 48-0, Avalon (h) 10-14, Oriental Rongatai (a) 5-5, Johnsonville (a) 0-65.
Played 7, Won 1, Drawn 1, Lost 5, For 70, Against 202
COLTS: 2005 has to be considered a success for the team and coaches Ian Tulloch and Matt Hayne. They finished fourth in the first round of Colts Division 2, while in the second round they finished fifth.
The player of the year was John Gibbins
1st Round JRD Cup
Western Suburbs (h) 17-32, Avalon Blue (a) 12-17, Avalon Red (h) WBD, Wainuiomata (h) 34-0, Oriental Rongatai (a) 22-15, Stokes Valley (h) 22-15, Upper Hutt (h) WBD, Tawa (h) WBD, Hutt Old Boys Marist (h) 19-28.
Played 9, Won 6, Lost 3, For 126, Against 107
2nd Round Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup
Western Suburbs (a) 8-15, Wainuiomata (h) 10-3, Northern United (a) 8-21, Oriental Rongatai (h) 15-35, Stokes Valley (h) 23-11, Wellington (h) 30-12, Upper Hutt (h) WBD.
Played 7, Won 4, Lost 3, For 94, Against 97.
80-80 GRADE
OBU - ONSLOW GREEN
It was a tough year for this team. There were some great performances, but sometimes consistency was a problem. The best game in the first round was a 38-3 win over Upper Hutt White.
The team struggled in the second round also. The only win was a 18-10 over Avalon.
The player of the year was Ben Whaanga
Division One - 1st Round - JC BOWL: Played 9, Won 3, Drawn 1, Lost 5. For 130, Against 188.
Division One - 2nd Round - PAUL POTIKI SHIELD : Played 9, Won 1, Lost 8, For 73, Against 138.
OBU - ONSLOW RED
It was an interesting year for the team. It was a lot of the player's first year playing rugby. Despite mixed results, the team enjoyed the year.
The team did not win a game in the first round. They played with growing maturity in the 20-7 loss in the second to last game versus Western Suburbs.
Their best performance of the year was their 61-17 over Johnsonville, in the forst game of the second round.
The player of the year was Nathan Chan.
Division Two – 1st Round: Played 9, Won 0, Lost 9. For 24, Against 314.
Division Two - 2nd Round: Played 8, Won 2, Lost 6, For 165, Against 174.
SOCIAL RUGBY
2005 was a great year for the social teams of OBU. While not all teams had successful seasons on the field, they all were off the field. The social teams all showed how to party and drank one or two orange juices...............
The Sixty Niners
The Sixty Niners had a great year. They are the holder of the most prestigious trophy in OBU rugby, the Ruru Shield. They took it off the DT's. They were able to defend it against the DT"s 56-15 in the last challenge of the season.
The boys won the Reserve Grade Division One final, beating HOBM 14-10. They got into the final beating Ories J8s 18-10.
The team also won the OBU Team Of The Year at the OBU Prize Giving.
Reserve Grade Div One 1st Round - Played 7 Won 6 Lost 1 For 158 Against 100
Reserve Grade Div One 2nd Round – Played 9 Won 5 Lost 3 Drawn 1. For 147 Against 112
The Pink Ginners
It was a satisfactory year for the Pink Ginners in 2005. They had the prestige of holding the Ruru Shield at the start of the year.
Their best win was a 44-14 win over Paremata Plimmerton at Ngatitoa
Reserve Grade Div One 1st Round - Played 7 Won 4 Lost 3 For 133 Against 131
Reserve Grade Div One 2nd Round – Played 7 Won 3 Lost 3 Drawn 1. For 78 Against 114
The Delirium Tremours
It was a good year for the DT's. They felt the magic of the Ruru Shield when they took it off the Pink Ginners, before they lost it to the 69er's.
Their best win in the first round was the 33-12 win over the Pink Ginners to win the Ruru Shield.
In the second round, the team continued their dominance over the Pink Ginners, with a 18-15 win.
Reserve Grade Div One 1st Round - Played 6 Won 3 Lost 3 For 116 Against 84
Reserve Grade Div One 2nd Round – Played 7 Won 1 Lost 6 Drawn 1. For 25 Against 29 (The DT's lost five games by default in the second round).
The Yardies
It was a solid year for the Yardies. They had a good year, and played some entertaining footy.
Their best performance in the first round was a 27-22 win over Ories 87 RWC.
They were in better form in the second round. Their best game was a 62-8 win over the Righteous Brothers. They made the semi finals. They lost 35-19 to Paremata Plimmerton
Reserve Grade Div Two 1st Round - Played 7 Won 2 Lost 5 For 104 Against 201
Reserve Grade Div One 2nd Round – Played 7 Won 4 Lost 1 Drawn 2. For 193 Against 122.
The Dead Ants
It was a good season for the Dead Ants
Their best performance in the first round was a 62-26 win over Ories 87 RWC.
Their best performance of the second round was their victory over the Righteous Brothers, 31-11. They qualified for the semi finals, but were unsuccessful. The Poneke Hammers ended their campaign with a 44-10 victory.
Reserve Grade Div Two 1st Round - Played 7, Won 4, Lost 3, For 169 Against 152
Reserve Grade Div One 2nd Round – Played 7 Won 4, Lost 1, Drawn 2. For 101 Against 92
The Teddy Bears
It was a good year too for the Teddy Bears. There was a number of encouraging performances from the team.
Their best performance in the first round was a 64-10 win over the Righteous Brothers. It was a complete team performance.
The team was promoted to the first grade in the second round. They found the grade a bit tougher. However they did enjoy a 17-0 win over the Pink Ginners.
Reserve Grade Div Two 1st Round - Played 7 Won 6 Lost 1 For 240 Against 110
Reserve Grade Div One 2nd Round – Played 7 Won 2 Lost 4 Drawn 1. For 80Against 74
The Righteous Brothers
It was a tough year for the Righteous Brothers. Despite the fact that results did not quite go their way, the team spirit was high until the end.
In the forst round the team only had one win, but what a win it was. A convincing 36-10 win over Ories J8's.
The second round featured a very enternaing victory over Ories 87 RWC, 44-26.
Reserve Grade Div Two 1st Round - Played 7 Won 1 Lost 6 For 108 Against 262
Reserve Grade Div One 2nd Round – Played 6 Won 1 Lost 5 Drawn 1. For 75 Against 235
Representative Teams
ALL BLACKS
The club was very fortunate and proud to have Conrad Smith be selected for the All Blacks this year. He played one test, and was a reserve for another.
He was an inspiration at the Polo Ground the week before, and Conrad Smith was in great form for the All Blacks against the Lions at Eden Park. Conrad scored the first try of the night. As he stepped past the Lions fullback every person associated with OBU would have been filled with pride. He was solid on defence and was always a handful on attack.
As the review was being written, it was announced that Conrad had been selected for the Grand Slam tour, and has made the team for the First Test against Wales.
HURRICANES
Old Boys University provided five players for the 2005 Hurricanes squad. They all played significant parts in what was a successful season, culminating in a third Rebel Sport Super 12 semi final appearance.
Jimmy Gopperth played his first season at Super 12 level, and settled in so quickly he looked like he had been playing for years. He took his opportunity with both hands. He started all 12 games, scoring 139 points (3 tries, 23 conversions, 25 penalties and one drop goal).
Luke Andrews had another solid season. He started 9 games and had one game off the bench. He did a lot of the hard work that goes unnoticed, but was an integral part of the team.
The stocks of Ross Kennedy continued to rise. Had it not been for him requiring surgery, he may have found himself in an All Blacks jersey. He started all 12 games and scored 2 tries.
Shannon Paku's season was one of few opportunities. He started 6 games, with 3 more games off the bench. He played well when off the field, and was solid in both defence and attack.
Conrad Smith had a standout Super 12. He started 9 games, with one appearance off the bench, and scoring one try. Snakey's form was so good that Ma'a Nonu was forced to the wing. His season was rewarded with selection in the All Blacks.
JUNIOR ALL BLACKS
Ross Kennedy was selected for the tour of Australia. He started in the first game against Australia "A" and made appearances from the bench against Queensland and in the second game against Australia "A".
NZ UNDER 19
Seminar Manu was part of the team that took part in the IRB Under i9 World Championship in South Africa. The team was runner up to South Africa. Seminar started all five matches
WELLINGTON LIONS
As with last year, OBU provided five players in 2005.
Jimmy Gopperth again showed that he has quickly become one of the most promising number tens in the country. He scored 114 points (3 tries, 17 penalties and 24 conversions).
Shannon Paku had a very strong NPC. As always he was very solid on defence, but he also showed how dangerous he is with ball in hand. He started in eight games and scored four tries.
Conrad Smith had a consistently good NPC. His season started late due to All Blacks commitments, but week in, week out, he showed why he is a All Black. He started in five games and made one appearance from the bench. He scored one try.
Luke Andrews was a key part of the forward pack, playing particularly well in the shield challenge versus Canterbury. He started in all nine games
Ross Kennedy was not given many chances this year in the NPC. Most of his appearances came from the bench. He started in three games and came on from the bench in six games. He scored one try
NZ UNDER 19
Seminar Manu was chosen for another year. He started in all five games for the team.
WELLINGTON COLTS
The team was managed by ex OBU Premiers manager Richard "Puddy" Newsome. It also featured four OBU players
Seminar Manu played every minute of the season for the colts. He scored two tries, four conversions and four penalties.
Ian Kennedy played all seven games at lock. His form was superb throughout, and he scored one try.
James Oliver played five games. He showed he is a open side flanker of much promise. He scored one try.
Wilbur Davies played 3 games at prop.
WELLINGTON UNDER 19
It was a great year for the Wellington Under 19 team. At the forefront of this was Dave Loveridge and his son Matthew. They were part of the management team. There were three OBU players in the team as well.
Nick Warmke - The lock from the senior ones had a huge season for the Under 19s. He started in six games, and came on as a reserve in one.
Tomasi Palu - The utility back started in one game and came on as a reserve in one.
Tom Everton - Had one appearance as a reserve.
WELLINGTON WOMEN
There were two players from OBU team in The Wellington Pride NPC team this year. The team did well, making the semi finals, before losing to eventual champions, Auckland in the semi finals.
Tuila Waterhouse started in one game and had five appearances off the bench.
Claire Rowat started four games, while appearing off the bench three times.
OBU OFF THE FIELD
As in previous years, people associated with the club enjoyed many Saturday nights at the Cambridge Hotel. Everybody looked forward to the BBQ provided each week.
Highlighs of the year included the OBU Karaoke and Blind Date nights. However the best night of the year, was Mr OBU. This year it was taken out by Senior One prop, Jason Gore. Well Done Senior!!!!
