The 2003 season, week by week ...


Week Nineteen: 26 July 2003

Two Eds are Better Than One - Senior Ones take Championship: Call it what you will - ticker, guts and determination, or just the sheer will to win - it was displayed in abundance at the Basin Reserve on Saturday. Needing nothing less than a win to take the Senior One Championship, the Old Boys - University Senior Ones lifted the Ed Chaney Cup for the second year in succession, defeating a combative Rimutaka side 23-5 - the visitors' first loss in some 40-odd games. After a long season, OBU saved their best performance for last, stepping up the pace and intensity of their game when it mattered most. OBU opened the scoring with a couple of Steve McColl penalties, and held a 6-0 lead at the break. In the seond half, a try to evergreen centre Jason Leung-Wai following a brilliant chip-and-chase by wing Toops Fidow extended the lead to 13-0, before forwards Matt Aileone, Dean Gifford and Ian Kennedy combined in breath-taking fashion to send lock Paul Swift on a match-winning 30-metre run to the line. It was a wonderful try - one truely befitting a final and rich reward for all Swift's toil. A further McColl penalty rounded out the scoring for OBU, with Rimutaka picking up a consolation try just before full-time. For OBU, no one stood taller than No. 8 John Furlong who was once again an inspiration to his side. So exhausted was Furlong at the final whistle, it was left to tough second-five Harry Woods to hold the trophy aloft for the cameras (above). But as good as Furlong was, this was no one man performance: props Wilbur Davies and John Bell (and replacement Matt Anderson) were immovable, hooker Larry Larsen's experience was essential, locks Paul Swift and Dean Gifford dominated the lineout, and the loose-forward trio of Furlong, his replacement Nick Skinner, blindside Ian Kennedy and openside Matt Aileone were devastatingly effective on attack and defence. In the backs, Hayden Gore, who replaced the unfortunate Rueben Bouge who suffered a broken jaw, showed he's a player of the future with a polished performance, McColl dictated play well at flyhalf, and the midfield pairing of Woods and Leung-Wai were impregnable on defence and smart on attack. Out wide, wings Fidow was a constant threat, while fullback Mike Seabrook was a rock. Full credit to coaching and management team of Robert Vance, Grant Cederwall, Kerry Hiku and Mike Brodie, as well as those players who missed the final through injury or unavailability, including Dom Glasewski, Chris Lincoln, Matt Gloag and Sean O'Brien. If we've missed anyone, it's unintentional. Love your work - all of you!

The Senior Ones celebrate their win. Click to enlarge:





Week Eighteen: 19 July 2003

Senior Ones Set-up Ed Chaney Showdown: The mighty Senior Ones are just one game away from back-to-back championship wins following a dour, yet courageous, 11-7 win over Stokes Valley at Delaney Park on Saturday. Prop Nik Shipkov scored OBU's only try, capping off an excellent all round game, while singing flyhalf Sean O'Brien nailed two penalties to round out the scoring. For OBU, captain and No.8 John Furlong was again in outstanding form, while centre Jason Leung-Wai (pictured) showed there's no substitute for experience, or indeed class. This week, the Ones take on an unbeaten Rimutaka side at the Basin Reserve, kick-off 3pm. C'mon OBU, let's get behind the team!

In other games, a strong forward display, in poor conditions, created the platform for the Senior Fours 27-0 win over Avalon. A blanket could have covered the OBU pack as they took the game to the opposition right from the opening whistle of the game. Lock Ben Cattermoul, center Rima Ravenga and wing Tristan Hinz all produced their best performances of the season for the Fours. While the display by open side flanker Mike Sisam, whose return from injury now seems complete, was another highlight of the game. Tries were scored by Sisam, who netted a brace, Matt Arcus, Mark Gilray, and Julian Rowe. And playing in his final match before returning home to England, flyhalf George Cullis managed to convert one out five conversion attempts, all of which were straight out in front. George, we are really going to miss you!

In the early game at Prince of Wales Park, the Colts defeated Hutt Old Boys Marist 21-18 in a thriller, after leading 14-5 at halftime. For OBU, flanker Richard Currie had a storming match.


Week Seventeen: 12 July 2003

Season Ends Early for Premiers Despite Strong Finish: The OBU Premiers narrowly missed qualifying for the Jubilee Cup semi-finals despite thumping Upper Hutt 45-10 at Maidstone Park on Saturday. In the final analysis, a narrow loss to Ories and the failure to pick up a couple of extra bonus points along the way proved costly for the Premiers, who now finish their season despite having beaten two of the four semi-finalists. Saturday's game also heralded the final club appearance (for only a wee while, hopefully) of Paul Steinmetz, who leaves Wellington for a stint in Ulster at the end of the NPC season. An unqualified legend of OBU rugby, Steiny has been a loyal club man since his colts days. And while the few words expressed here can't begin to describe the respect with which Steiny is held at OBU, suffice to say everyone connected to the club wishes Paul well for both the NPC and his Irish adventure. He's a champion bloke who deserves better than the ignorant rubbish that appeared in the Dominion Post's letters to the editor section last week. Anyway, back to the game. After leading 12-5 at the break following tries to flanker Matt Willis and wing Tim Molenaar, the OBU backs proceeded to cut their Upper Hutt counterparts to ribbons with some slick passing and strong running. Well worked tries to centre pairing Conrad Smith and John Dams were followed by a crowd-pleasing effort from lock Justin Cullen, before the Steiny and fullback Vince Curtin rounded off the try-fest with two magnificent length of the field efforts. For OBU, open-side flanker Matt Willis and the world's best Colts lock forward Ross Kennedy (pictured above), were simply sensational, with hooker Daryl Gore, half back Steve McColl and loosies Ben Robertson and Mike Te Moana not far behind.

The OBU Premier team would like to thank Hurricanes' stars Luke Andrews and Jason Spice, who despite their injuries, have provided unstinting support during the season. But most of all, they would like to thank the loyal band of supporters (you know who you are!) who've followed the team week-in-week-out over the past seventeen weeks, providing encouragement, enthusiasm and mirth. Respect to you, Gentlemen. See you at the Ball.

Meanwhile, the Senior Ones have silverware in their sights following an impressive 25-9 win over Upper Hutt, extending their unbeaten run to six games. Trailing 3-6 at half-time, the Ones turned up the heat in the second half, scoring four splendidly created tries. Pacey wing Dom Glasewski netted a brace thanks to some natty passing from his insides, while outstanding flanker Matt Aileone and fluent scrum-half Rueben Bouge also scored - the latter from a wonderfully cheeky dummy. For the Ones, No. 8 and captain John Furlong was in Zinzan-esque form, reading the game superbly, demonstrating plenty of vim on defence and some quite brilliant handling on attack. Classy centre Jason Leung-Wai was another to stand out with his piercing midfield breaks, while manly lock Dean Gifford and bustling prop Wilbur Davies were part of a strong all-round forward effort.


Week Sixteen: 5 July 2003

OBU 2 Marist St Pats 0: That's right sports fans, the Old Boys - University Premiers rolled defending Jubilee Cup champions Marist St Pats for the second time this season in front of a loyal band of supporters at the Basin Reserve on Saturday. OBU won the match 24-10, scoring four tries to one in bitterly cold conditions to snatch a bonus point and remain in the race for a semi-final place. Man-of-the-match was surely midfield maestro Paul Steinmetz (pictured), who scored two superb tries and continually bedazzled the Marist back-three with his clever little kicks off his left shank. Not far behind was halfback Steve McColl, who hassled and dashed with spit and aggression all day and well deserved his try. In the pack, hooker Matt Willis continued his ravishing form, lock Justin Cullen was hugely industrious, and No. 8 Jamie Joseph was his usual commanding self. However, the forwards spoils go to props Nik Shipkov and Alan Kent who effectively muscled up the Marist scrum all day, providing a solid platform from which Steinmetz was able to control the game. OBU's other try went to shimmering centre Conrad Smith. Said one spectator: 'It was cold but it was worth it!'

Buoyed by criticism on this website last week, Senior One No. 8 Nick Skinner led his team to a 33-22 win over Wellington at Prince of Wales Park on Saturday. A fired up Skinner was all muscle and guts, ripping into the Wellington pack from the outset. A rampant Skinner was ably supported by props Matt Anderson and John Bell, as well as usual Premier team lock Dean Gifford who excelled against his former club. In the backs, the former club record try-scorer Mike Seabrook (that record now belongs to The Jet) ducked in for a couple of tries, with second-five Harry Woods continuing his fine form with some bullocking runs.


Week Fifteen: 28 June 2003

Why oh why isn't Cully in the All Blacks? A magnificent solo try to unwanted All Black legend Christian Cullen ended the Old Boys - University Premiers' hopes of victory against Northern United at the Basin Reserve on Saturday. Cullen's try, as well as some direct running from ex-All Black centre Pita Alatini, sparked a brilliant second half team performance that saw the visitors turn a 10-12 half-time deficit into a 34-17 lead at the final whistle. Earlier, a Matt Willis burst set up another try to centre Tim Molenaar, who minutes later scorched up the middle of the field to set up the athletic Vince Curtin for his sixth try of the season. Electric wing Nathan Masters also scored for OBU late in the second half. Despite the score line, it was a courageous performance by OBU, who but for a couple of contentious refereeing decisions, might have contested the game to the final whistle. Thems the breaks. For OBU, Molennar and hooker Willis were outstanding, while centre John Dams tackled with alacrity.

The Senior Ones meanwhile continued their surge toward Ed Chaney Cup glory with a solid 33-14 win over Wainuiomata's best at Prince of Wales Park. Two tries (again!) to Chris 'The Jet' Lincoln (pictured) plus others to wing Dom Glasewski, centre Harry Woods and hooker Darryl Gore saw the Ones home. For OBU, props Matt Anderson and John Bell and flanker Scott Wise were a tower of strength in the forwards, while halfback Rueben Bouge centre Jason Leung-Wai and fullback Greg Ashton were all class in the backs. No. 8 Nick Skinner failed to recapture his commanding form of last week, turning in a shocker.

In other games, the Senior Fours went down 8-22 to Marist St Pats, as did the Colts, 18-25. Better luck next week chaps.


Week Fourteen: 21 June 2003

Rugby the Winner on the Day: Despite a standout performance from former All Black flanker Jamie Joseph, Oriental Rongotai were just too good for the Old Boys - University Premiers at the Polo Ground on Saturday, taking out a tremendous game of club rugby 29-19. The 20-test veteran, playing his debut game for the club, led an impressive forward assault that resulted in OBU dominating possession and territory for much of the game. However, a Hurricane-style scoring blitz from Ories mid-way through the second half spelled an end to OBU's chances of victory. For Ories, All Black centre Ma'a Nonu was in devastating form with the ball in hand, sparking three scoring moves from deep in his own half. Not far behind for Ories was former All Black flanker Kupu Vanisi and New Zealand Sevens stars Justin Wilson, Tafai Ioasa and Roy Kinikinilau, who all played key roles in the game. For OBU, lock Justin Cullen and props Nik Shipkov and Alan Kent continued their impressive form of late, while flanker Michael Barnes (pictured) made a successful return from injury, more than keeping pace with Vanisi. In the backs, wing Tim Molenaar was a constant threat, while Paul Steinmetz's try-saving tackle will be remembered for a long time yet. Centre Conrad Smith, Cullen and Joseph scored for OBU. Despite the loss, OBU can take some satisfaction from competing in one of the most intense club games seen for some time, featuring no less than four current or former All Blacks.

Meanwhile, the Senior Ones scored 33 unanswered second half points to defeat Tawa 36-22 at Lyndhurst Park. Trailing 3-22 at the break, Harry Woods led an OBU second half charge with his strong running resulting in two excellent tries. Fullback Dom Glasewski and, of course, wing Chris 'The Jet' Lincoln also crossed for tries - Lincoln extending his tally to 19 for the season. For OBU, Woods led a polished backline display, while lock John Furlong and hooker Matt Gloag led a strong forward effort. No. 8 Nick Skinner was his usual no-nonsense self, putting in a powerful effort in attack and defence.

The Senior Fours secured valuable points, beating Paremata-Plimmerton by default, after they failed to front for their 3pm appointment at Prince of Wales Park.


Week Thirteen: 14 June 2003

Defensive Effort Secures Win: A herculean defensive effort plus two well-taken opportunist tries saw Old Boys - University rebuff a stiff challenge from Avalon 20-9 at the Basin Reserve on Saturday. With the wind at their backs in the first half, all OBU could muster was two Scott Ireland penalties, despite threatening the Avalon line on several occasions. By mid-way through the second half, however, Avalon had clawed their way back into the game to lead 9-6. Then big, bustling left wing Tim Molenaar pounced on an Avalon backline fumble and powered over to score near the posts to make it 13-9 to the home side. The scoring was then completed when wing right Nathan Masters rocketed in following a strong break by replacement back Clinton Huppert and excellent support play by fullback Vince Curtin. For OBU, the defence of Steve McColl, John Dams and Scott Ireland in the backs and Chris McLean, Matt Willis (pictured) and Ben Robertson in the forwards was outstanding, with McLean excelling in his first run of the season following an arm injury in 2002. The standout performances, however, belonged to frisky locks Justin Cullen and Dean Gifford and loosehead prop Nik Shipkov who led a strong forward effort with purpose and vigour. The game was also notable for the return of OBU's favourite son (along with Spicey) Paul Steinmetz. Welcome home Steiny!

In other games, the Senior Ones defeated Avalon 23-20 at Prince of Wales Park, with Chris 'The Jet' Lincoln scoring another brace of tries to take his season tally to 18. Prop Wilbur Davies capped an outstanding game with a try, as did comeback kid, openside flanker Mike Sisam, who returned to the Ones after a lengthy injury layoff. The Senior Fours, meanwhile, were gutted to go down to Johnsonville 13-17.


Week Twelve: 7 June 2003

OBU Back on Track: Flyhalf Scott Ireland turned in a classy display to steer the Old Boys-University Premier team to a comprehensive 22-0 victory over Petone at the Petone Recreation Ground on Saturday. Up against Wellington Lions five-eighth James Gopperth, Ireland's was on song with the boot and marshaled his back line superbly, showing a clean pair of heels to score a tremendous solo try early in the second half. Earlier, belligerent wing Tim Molenaar had crossed for two first-half tries following strong running and neat timing from the inside backs. Steve McColl, in his first Premier start at halfback, was polished and competitive, while the midfield pairing of John Dams and Conrad Smith were outstanding on defence. Upfront, lock Dean Gifford and hooker Darryl Gore led from the front with flankers Ben Robertson and Matt Willis also having strong games.

In other games, the Senior Ones thumped Johnsonville 36-3 with Chris 'The Jet' Lincoln notching tries number 15 and 16 for the season. Prop Wilbur Davies, returning from an ankle injury, turned in a tremendous game. And Mat Arcus' Fabulous Fours' run of six games without defeat came to an end when they were beaten 15-3 by Wellington


Week Eleven: 31 May 2003

OBU on wrong end of try-fest: The Old Boys-University Premier team went down 34-62 to a David Holwell inspired Poneke team at the Basin Reserve on Saturday. The game was closer than the final margin of twenty-eight points suggests, with OBU fighting its way back into the match during the second half thanks to a superb hat trick of tries to athletic fullback Vince Curtin who was in splendid form. Tyro flanker Matt Willis and Benny Elias look-a-like hooker Darryl Gore also scored for OBU. Alas, Poneke finished the free-running game the stronger, with three late tries extending its lead. For OBU, Willis was again a standout, while centre Conrad Smith (pictured) showed the skills and commitment that have him on the fringe of representative selection. Hurricane star Jason Spice and our favourite Highlander Paul Steinmetz are due back in OBU jerseys in the coming weeks. In the early game, the Senior Ones went down to Poneke 20-28 at Prince of Wales Park. Details have yet to come to hand, but it's likely that wing Chris Lincoln scored at least one try and that evergreen hooker Matt Gloag had a storming game, again.

In other games, Matt Arcus' mighty Senior Fours once again saved the club's blushes, defeating Avalon 14-10 - their sixth win on the trot. The winless Colts lost a heartbreaker at Petone 12-13, as did the 80/80s, going down by a point to Tawa Blue. Stink.


Week Ten: 24 May 2003

OBU Secure Top Four Finish: Even a cameo performance from the best rugby player in the world couldn't stop the Old Boys-University Premiers confirming their place in the Jubilee Cup round with a 21-18 win over Petone at the Basin Reserve on Saturday. Tana Umaga, who entered the fray half-way through the second half, led a Petone revival that saw the Villagers come back to snatch a bonus point on full time. But it wasn't enough. Earlier, two well taken tries to speed merchant Nathan 'Hazeem' Masters and another to slippery centre Conrad Smith had stretched OBU's lead. For OBU, hooker Darryl Gore (pictured) had a storming match, doing the work of two men in the tight, while lock Brad Wheeler was a dominating presence. In the early game, the Senior Ones were edged out 18-20 by Petone, with Chris 'The Jet' Lincoln scoring another two tries, the Colts went down to Upper Hutt mumble mumble-17, and the 80/80s had a fantastic win over Hutt Old Boys Marist, winning 27-13.

The performance of the day, however, went to the Senior Fours, who extended their unbeaten run to five games, defeating MSP 22-5. Gavin Mahoney, Keirnan Wells, Geoff Hitchcock and Sean O'Brien scored tries for OBU. Coach Tony Tumoana reports that it was a composed and disciplined team performance. "Two tries in the opening seven minutes to Mahoney and Wells gave the Fours an advantage that they were never to relinquish. Good forward play supported by attacking back play saw a number of scoring opportunities created and with Hitchcock and O'Brien scoring on either side of the break, a well deserved victory ensued. MSP's solitary try and six yellow cards summed up their efforts for the afternoon. And in a moment of possible genius, Manager Bryan Lambert made a strategic decision to play the team in the club's alternate green strip - keep up the good work Lambo."


Week Nine: 17 May 2003

OBU Suffer Second Successive Defeat: The OBU Premiers suffered consecutive losses for the first time this season, going down 7-15 to Poneke in a torrid encounter at Kilbirnie Park on Saturday. Scott Ireland scored all OBU's points with a neatly worked try and a tricky conversion. OBU slipped to sixth on the Swindale Shield table following the loss. For OBU, lock Dean Gifford, flanker Matt Willis, prop Alan Kent and replacement hooker Darryl Gore had excellent games. In the early game, the Senior Ones were defeated 10-27 by an experienced Poneke side. Steve McColl (pictured, above right) and Nick Skinner scored for OBU, while flanker Ian Kennedy and lock John Furlong had strong games in the pack. Alas, the Colts went down to Poneke 17-64, with second-five Blair Meredith (pictured right) standing out with some strong running. Despite the score, the Colts showed character and contested everything to the final whistle. Once again, it was left to the impressive Senior Fourths and the 80/80s to register wins, with the Fantastic Fours defeating Paremata-Plimmerton 26-10 at the Ngatitoa Domain and the 80/80s knocking-off Upper Hutt 31-7 at Maidstone Park. That's four in a row for Tony Tumoana's boys, while Pete Craig's 80/80s are hitting their stride after a slow start. Well done teams.


Week Eight: 10 May 2003

OBU Suffer Double Defeat: Both the OBU Premiers and Senior Ones went down to Northern United at Trust Porirua Park on the weekend. The Premiers were defeated 31-15 in a wind-affected match where they failed to turn territory and possession into points. Tireless hooker Matt Willis and wing Tim Molenaar scored tries for OBU, with lock Ross Kennedy and prop Nik Shipkov standing out in the pack. Despite the loss, OBU remain in fourth place on the table, with a top-eight Jubilee Cup start more or less assured - touch wood. The Senior Ones meanwhile went down 14-31 to Norths, despite Chris 'The Jet' Lincoln's 11th try of the season. No. 8 Nick Skinner had a strong game returning from injury as did hooker Matt Gloag and prop John Bell. Earlier in the week, the Ones had despatched Wellington 32-14 at Westpac Stadium thanks to two scintillating tries to The Jet. Centre Mike Seabrook also ducked in for a brace, while tall timber Ian Kennedy and Dean Gifford also crossed the line. Prop Jeff Hitchcock, flanker Matt Aileone and halfback Hayden Gore had fine games. In other weekend games, the Colts suffered another defeat, going down to MSP, while the 80/80s got back on track with a tight win against the Tykes, winning 10-3. And the Senior Fours made it three on the trot with a hard-fought 6-0 win over Poneke. Well done fellas - you're starting to hum.


Week Seven: 3 May 2003

Premiers Bounce Back with Emphatic Win: The Old Boys - University Premiers put the disappointment of last week's defeat to last-placed Tawa behind them on Saturday, toppling competition front-runners Oriental Rongotai 40-31 at the home of cricket thanks to a superb team performance. Just back from NZ Universities' tour of Japan, wing Tim Molenaar was in bristling form, running in two stunning tries, while fellow tourist, flanker Matt Willis, centre John Dams, wing Clinton Huppert and man-mountain lock Justin Cullen also crossed for well-taken scores. For OBU, Willis and No. 8 Michael Te Moana (pictured far right) were superb - the latter more than matching Ories' NZ Sevens star Roy Kinikinilau, while Cullen was simply a colossus.

In other games, the Senior Ones defeated Ories 25-15 at the Polo Ground thanks to the accurate boot of centre Harry Woods and the Senior Fours had an excellent win against Wellington, winning 26-10, thanks to tries to Karl Oliver and Nick Tyler (set up by Rod Ford, pictured) and 16 points from the boot of man-of-the-match Greg Easton. Manager Bryan Lambert reports that Easton aside, lock Simon Taylor had a stand-out performance, securing quality two handed ball in the line-outs and making his presence felt in the rucks and mauls, while No. 8 and captain Matt Arcus had a strong defensive game, combining well with open side flanker Gavin Mahoney to provide strong defence close in or as support for the mid-field. Nick Tyler, playing in the unaccustomed position of second 5/8, was strong on defence and made some good half breaks and was well rewarded with his try late in the game. The coaches' decision to bring on replacement prop Milo Faletolu early in the in the second half paid immediate dividends, with Milo's bullocking runs and no-nonsense work in the rucks giving the team the forward impetus it needed to get on top of Wellington and take a deserved win.

Alas, the good news ends there, with the Colts going down 16-30 to Johnsonville, after leading 16-3 at halftime. No 8 Daniel Jackson, fullback William Barnes and flyhalf Patrick McGuire had strong games for OBU.


Week Six: 26 April 2003

OBU Suffer Embarrassing Defeat: The OBU Premiers were defeated 13-37 by a committed Tawa team in front of a large home crowd at the Basin Reserve on Saturday. While there's no doubting the team's effort, it was one of those days when nothing seemed to go right for a team eager to please those who'd gathered to celebrate the University club's centenary. While it is difficult to single anyone out in an overall disappointing team performance, No 8 Michael Te Moana's commitment was rewarded with two well-taken tries, while lock Ross Kennedy put in a solid effort.

In other games, a 10 minute lapse in concentration and confidence cost the Senior Ones their match against Tawa, with a quick three try burst earning Tawa a 27-11 victory. Captain Sean O'Brien's hard work and determination was rewarded with a try near full-time, while prop John Bell and lock John Furlong again has strong games. And the Senior Fours got off the mark with a resounding 22-10 win over Wests. Well done to the team and to coaches Tony Tumoana and Dave Morton.

Picture: Axe passes to Harry Woods in the Senior Ones' loss to Tawa on the weekend.


Week Six: 23 April 2003

OBU Defeat J'ville in High Scoring Encounter: The Old Boys - University Premier team came back from a 0-17 deficit after 12 minutes to defeat a fiesty Johnsonville team 51-41 at Trust Porirua Park on Wednesday night. For OBU, Scott Ireland scored a hat-trick of tries, with others going to Steve McColl, Vince Curtin and Nathan Masters. McColl converted all six tries as well as kicking 3 penalties for a personal tally of 26 points.


Week Five: 19 April 2003

Unbeaten Run Comes to an End: The Old Boys - University Premiers were defeated 22-6 by Avalon at Fraser Park on Good Friday. While dominating the first half in terms of possession and territory, OBU could only register two Steve McColl penalties to an Avalon try against the run of play. OBU came unstuck in the second half, with a high turnover count the consequence of players trying a little too hard. It was, said one observer, one of those days. For OBU, No 8 Ben Robertson made a strong return to the side following injury, while flankers Michael Te Moana and Michael Barnes were again in good form. Clinton Huppert (pictured) showed that he's close to recapturing his form of last season, with some strong running out wide. In the early game, OBU Senior Ones went down to Avalon 17-18, despite tries to backs Vince Curtin, Toops Vidow and Chris Lincoln (his sixth of the season to date). No 8 Nick Skinner had another strong game, as did locks John Furlong and Ian Kennedy. In other games, the Senior Fours went down to Poneke (score to be advised) while the Colts rounded out a shocking day, going down 15-34 to Wainuiomata. Flanker Zane Lockett, fullback William Barnes and blindside Richard Currie has strong games for OBU.


Week Four: 12 April 2003

Unbeaten Record Remains Intact: Another strong finish saw the OBU Premiers maintain their winning streak against Western Suburbs at Ian Galloway Park on Saturday. A late penalty to flyhalf Steve McColl, followed by wing three-quarter Nathan Masters' first Premier grade try, edged OBU out to a 21-16 win over their near neigbours. Earlier, OBU had begun the game well, with fullback Scott Ireland scoring following some excellent lead up work by hooker Matt Willis and lock Justin Cullen. Hurricanes' lock Ross Kennedy had a fine game following last week's misfortunes, dominating the lineout as well as being an imposing presence around the field. Others to stand out for OBU were prop Wilbur Davies (pictured) who had a storming game in his first premier team start, centre Tim Molenaar, flanker Michael Te Moana, and inspirational captain, Michael Barnes.

In other games, the Senior Ones continued their improvement with a solid 13-5 win over Stokes Valley. Premier team lock Dean Gifford, making a late start to the season due to injury, had a strong game, as did Premier team regular Brad Wheeler. Chris Lincoln again scored for OBU, while impressive fullback Sam Priest added the remaining points with his trust right boot. No 8 Ben Robertson also made an encouraging return from injury.The Senior Fours meanwhile battled manfully against Petone, before eventually going down 13-27, the Colts accounted for Petone 18-10 while the 80/80s cleaned up Tawa 40-0.


Week Three: 5 April 2003

McColl Does it Again! A last second try to flyhalf Steve McColl saved the Old Boys - University Premier team's blushes against Upper Hutt at the Basin Reserve on Saturday. McColl's score completed a remarkable come-back that saw OBU score 12 points inside the last 5 minutes - turning a 10-21 deficit into a 22-21 lead at the final whistle. For those who were there, it was Ories last year all over again! The comeback was all the more special considering OBU had been on the back foot for most of the game following the controversial sending off of Hurricanes lock Ross Kennedy after 20 minutes. However, a well-worked try to Scott Ireland, and late tries to inspirational hooker Matt Willis and McColl saw OBU get home - just. For OBU prop Phil Venables anchored a 7-man scrum superbly, while lock Brad Wheeler, Willis and flanker Michael Te Moana had sterling games. In the backs, the powerful running of Tim Molenaar (pictured) playing his 50th Premier team match, was a constant threat, while Conrad Smith, Clinton Huppert and Nathan Masters all ran well with ball in hand.

In other games, the Senior Ones righted the ship with a solid 35-20 win over Johnsonville, with flying wing Chris Lincoln jetting in for 4 tries. John Furlong and Michael Seabrook also had strong games for the Ones. The Senior Fours went down 11-29 to Tawa, the Colts were defeated by MSP 0-19 and 80/80 As defeated Upper Hutt 31-17.

And yes, Matt Gloag's Teddybears did indeed win the Bowl Championship at the Hong Kong Tens for the second year in succession. What's more - they were also named Team of the Tournament. Check out all the action here.


Week Two: 29 March 2003

OBU Defeat MSP in Last Minute Thriller: In the final act of the game, OBU Premier team fullback Scott Ireland calmly slotted a penalty goal from wide out to seal a 11-8 win over Marist St Pats at Rugby League Park on Saturday. OBU came back from 8-0 down at the break, with flyhalf Steve McColl - as he did the week before - evading several tacklers close to the line to score another fine solo try. McColl added a penalty before Ireland's wonder-kick. For OBU, flankers Matt Willis and Michael Barnes were again in tremendous form, while the midfield defence of John Dams and Tim Molenaar was outstanding. Prop Alan Kent was again a colossus, while flanker Jeremy Clark put in a strong effort. Replacement lock John Furlong and prop Wilbur Davies made their Premier team debuts. In winning the game, OBU took ownership of the Jack Lamason Cup, played for by the two clubs.

In the early games, the Senior Ones fell to MSP 10-40, while the OBU Colts put up a strong challenge to the Wellington College First XV, before College pulled away late in the second half.


Week One: 22 March 2003

Premiers Start with a Win: The OBU Premiers kicked off the 2003 season with a shaky victory over newly promoted Hutt Old Boys Marist at Trentham Memorial Park on Saturday, winning 24-18. A brilliant solo effort by replacement flyhalf Steve McColl, (pictured), who evaded several tacklers on his way to the line, followed by a neat Scott Ireland pot in the final minutes was enough to see off the combative newcomers. Vince Curtin had earlier scored following some solid build up work by flanker Matt Willis and lock Ross Kennedy. Ireland added the remaining points with his boot. For OBU, Willis and captain Michael Barnes were strong in the loose, while prop forward Phil Venables had a strong debut for the club. Others to get their first Premier start were wing Nathan Masters and halfbacks Jamie Tait and Rueben Bogue.

In the early game, the Senior Ones went down to an experienced Wainuiomata side 8-15. Second-five Harry Woods, flanker Nick Skinner and prop John Bell stood out for the Ones, while fullback Dom Glasewski cut a fine figure in his baggy shorts. Elsewhere, James Solari's Colts and Pete Craig's 80/80s had solid workouts against Petone in preparation of the season start on 5 April and the Senior Threes gave the Gladstone Premiers a run for their money over the hill on Sunday.

Related links: 2003 Results | News Archive