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9/6/08 PREMIERS BEAT ORIES IN LAST ROUND OF SWINDALE SHIELD: The OBU Premiers bet Ories 20-6 at a wind swept Polo Ground on Saturday, in the last round of the Swindale Shield.

OBU played very well in the first half in to the very strong northerly. It was vintage into the wind rugby, as the forwards kept control of the ball as they slowly but surely made the ground. Michael Hobbs opened the scoring with a early penalty, and then sparked a attack down the blindside which resulted in a try to lock James Hansen. Ories scored two penalties in the first half to make the half time score 8-6.

Ories had a lot of ball in the second half, but strong OBU defence prevented them from scoring. OBU scored two late tries to Shaun O'Conner and Tomasi Palu, one of which was converted by Hobbs, to seal the victory.

In the forwards, flankers Ian Kennedy and James Oliver continue to impress. They both got through a mountain of work and were effective in everything they did. Special mention must go to young lock James Hansen who came into the team from the OBU Colts. He had a great game, and continues the tradition of excellent locks that have come from Wellington College.

In the backs, Michael Hobbs had a strong game. He marshalled the troops well and made use of the wind in the second half, with several long distance clearing kicks.

Unfortunately the Swindale Shield did not finish the way we had hoped for. However the slate has been wiped clean and it is important that we all get down to support the team on Saturday as they take on Poneke at Kilbirnie Park. Kick Off is at 3pm.

31/5/08 OBU PREMIERS SUFFER LOSS AT NAIRNVILLE PARK: The OBU Premiers suffered a 41-13 loss to Petone at Nairnville Park on Saturday. The home game was being played at Nairnville Park as the Basin Reserve was unavailable.

The visitors had the advantage of a strong wind in the first half and they took advantage of it. Petone played some exceptional rugby in the first half opening up a 29-0 lead at halftime.

OBU started stronger in the second half, with an early penalty to first five Jimmy Gopperth. The stage was set for a dramatic come from behind victory, but it was not to be. Following a long period on attack, Petone were awarded a penalty try which put an end to any hope OBU had of a comeback victory. OBU did score one further consolation try to Jimmy Gopperth, but it was not enough. The final score: Petone 41 OBU 13.

It was hard going for the forwards against a very well performing Petone pack. It was a special day for reserve prop Matt 'Mad' Anderson, who was playing his 50th game for the OBU Premiers. Matt has been a integral part of the OBU pack for a while, and 50 games is a special milestone, so well done Mad.

In the backs, it was great to see Hurricanes Jimmy Gopperth and Shannon Paku on the field for OBU.

24/05/08 OBU PREMS BEAT WAINUI IN TOUGH ENCOUNTER: The OBU Premiers had a tough 16-0 win over Wainuiomata on Saturday at William Jones Park. Because MSP had a win with a bonus point, they now join OBU at the top of the Swindale Shield table with two rounds to play.

In a tight first half, winger Sheldon Goodin got OBU on the board with a great try that followed good lead up from both forwards and backs. Seminar Manu converted the try and added a penalty as well to give the visitors a 10-0 lead at half time.

It was hard work for OBU in the second half, with the home team mounting a lot of pressure on OBU. But OBU's defence was strong, (image below), and they did a great job to keep a clean sheet. Seminar Manu added two more penalties to give OBU a 16-0 win.

The wet weather made it a hard day for the backs to shine. Jason Holdt played well at halfback, while Seminar Manu continues to impress.

It was a tough day at the office for the forwards. In trying conditions, loose forwards James Oliver, Tom Everton and Ian Kennedy all impressed.

17/05/08 OBU SECURE STUNNING WIN OVER NORTHS: The OBU Premiers bet Norths 37-26 in a great game of running rugby at The Basin Reserve on Saturday to go outright first in The Swindale Shield, with three rounds remaining.

OBU did not have the greatest start, with a intercept try to Norths in the first minute giving them a early lead. Norths scored another converted try and following a Seminar Manu penalty it was 14-3 to Norths after 10 minutes. OBU hit back strongly with excellent tries to halfback Tomasi Palu, and replacement back Paulua Kinikinilau. Both tries were converted by the deadly accurate Seminar Manu, to give OBU a 17-14 lead. The lead changed hands again with a Norths try to make it 19-14 at the break.

In the second half, the OBU backs cut loose. There strong running and good support play caused Norths all sorts of problems. David Palu got a great individual try, while Paula Kinikinilau picked up his second. (Image below, by Paul Brown)

Seminar Manu continued to have his goalkicking boots on and OBU clinched a famous win.

The backs played really well and were always asking questions of the opposition defence. Fullback David Palu had a great all round game, while first five Michael Hobbs controlled the game well at first five.

The forwards faced a difficult test against a highly fancied Norths pack, but they still managed to get some good quality ball for the backs to do the damage with. Lock Sam Green had a marvellous game and led extremely well from the front, while open side Jimmy Oliver worked tirelessly to secure the ball at the breakdown.

OBU 37: Paula Kinikinilau 2, Tomasi Palu, David Palu Tries. Seminar Manu 4 conversions and 3 Penalties.

10/05/08 OBU EDGE CLOSER TO SWINDALE SHIELD: The OBU Premiers got a step closer to potential Swindale Shield glory with a gutsy 24-15 over top of the table Hutt Old Boys Marist at the Hutt Rec on Saturday. The win puts OBU in top equal place with Norths.

In such a big game it was important to get a strong start. The team could not have wished for a better start, being up 10-0 after ten minutes. Full back David Palu got a good try which was converted by Seminar Manu. Manu then added a penalty to give the visitors a vital lead. Tomasi Palu added a second try before the break to give OBU a 15-0 at the break.

A second half comeback from HOBM did not eventuate. OBU showed so much pride in their try line. While HOBM got 15 points, Seminar Manu got three penalties to give the visitors a vital win.

Seminar Manu had an outstanding game in the number 12 jersey. He looked dangerous every time he had the ball and was punishing in defence. He brought his goal kicking boots with five from six. The Palu brothers were a constant threat to HOBM, and were rewarded with tries, while it was great to see Shannon Paku make an appearance off the bench for the team. It was his 50th appearance for the OBU Premiers, a well deserved milestone for an OBU favourite.

Lock Sam Green had a strong game. He was ferocious around the field getting through a mountain of work and was dominant in the lineout. Hooker Moeahu Flavell continues to impress. He was strong around the field and his work in the set pieces was good as well.

It was a good win for OBU. We look forward to a top of the table clash versus Norths at The Basin on Saturday

OBU 24 : David Palu, Tomasi Palu tries. Seminar Manu 4 penalties and 1 conversion. HOBM 15.

3/5/08 OBU PREMIERS HAVE STRONG WIN OVER AVALON: In freezing conditions, OBU bet Avalon 38-3 at The

Basin Reserve on Saturday. The result means OBU go first equal with Hutt Old Boys Marist on the Swindale Shield ladder.

The home team had use of the strong southerly in the first half but took a while to take advantage of it. Following a early Avalon penalty, the OBU machine clicked into gear. OBU scored four tries in the first half, three of which were converted by Seminar Manu. Moeahu Flavell's try was notable as it was his first try in the premier jersey. The halftime score was 26-3.

The second half was hard work as the team was battling into the southerly. Avalon played well in the second half but the OBU defence was like a brick wall. There was no way they were going to let a try through! We like this expressive stuff Brad!

The backs showed some promise in the first half and they scored some good tries. Halfback Tomasi Palu played well and controlled things well from behind the scrum.

The forwards faced a fierce test from a committed Avalon pack, but they gave as good as they got. Ian Kennedy had a massive game. He was all over the park and deserved his two tries. Number eight TJ Ioane had a strong debut for the Premiers.

It was a good performance by the OBU team. The quality of the opposition will increase next week when OBU travel to The Hutt Rec to face Hutt Old Boys Marist in a top of the table clash.

OBU 38 Ian Kennedy 2, Moehau Flavell, Tomasi Palu, Tom Everton and Michael Hobbs tries. Seminar Manu 4 conversions. Avalon 3.

26/04/08 OBU CLINCH VITAL WIN OVER TAWA: The OBU Premiers had a vital win 37-25 over Tawa at Lyndhurst Park on Saturday. It was a very important win after the loss last week. The teams were greeted with hot dry conditions which indicated free flowing rugby. This proved correct as both teams played some exciting rugby.

OBU opened the scoring with a nice try to James Oliver following good work by Tomasi Palu. Two penalties from Seminar Manu made it 13-10 at half time.

Two tries to hard running number eight Chris McLean gave OBU a substantial lead, but then Tawa came back to level it up at 25 all. But late tries to Seminar Manu and Tomasi Palu, along with 3 conversions by Manu helped OBU clinch the win.

Seminar was the pick of the backs and controlled the game well from first five. He was rewarded with a try and 12 points from the boot. Halfback Tomasi Palu worked well in combination with Manu and gave great service to the backs.

The forwards continue to impress with young forwards Reece O'Leary and Adam Fleming leading from the front. The forwards won some quality ball which meant the backs were able to cut loose with ball in hand

19/04/08 OBU HAVE NARROW LOSS ON OLD TIMERS DAY: The OBU Premiers lost 10-8 to Upper Hutt at The Basin Reserve on Saturday. There was a big crowd as it was OBU's Old Timers Day. Both teams were greeted with a traditional 'southerly breeze' that was to have a big impact on the game.

OBU had the use of the wind in the first half, but Upper Hutt showed how to play the game into the wind. They made a great start to the game and were rewarded with a try in the 26th minute. Michael Hobbs got a penalty to make it 5-3 to Upper Hutt soon after. Upper Hutt scored another try to make it 10-3 to the visitors at the break.

The second half was better for the home team. They were rewarded for their efforts with a try midway through the second half to James Oliver. The try followed good lead up work by Michael Hobbs, Ian Kennedy and Mike Scott. The wind made goal kicking difficult for both teams which was why there was not many successful kicks at goal. There were chances for OBU to win it but it wasn't to be.

Loose forwards James Oliver and Ian Kennedy (above)helped lead the fight back for OBU with some damaging tackles and big runs. Oliver's try as well deserved and Kennedy almost scored what would have been a great try near the end.

In the backs Seminar Manu looked dangerous with ball in hand, while halfback David Palu cleared the ball well from halfback.

12/04/08 THREE FROM THREE FOR OBU PREMIERS: The OBU Premiers made it three from three with a 27-6 over Wests at Ian Galloway Pak on Saturday. The game was played it perfect weather in front of a expectant crowd.

The team scored five tries to none in a convincing victory. Winger Beau Brown scored three tries, while David Palu and Shaun O'Connor scored tries also. Michael Hobbs added one conversion.

The team played very well in the first half, dominating the home team and taking a 22-3 lead a halftime. The team struggled in the second half. While never looking like losing, they were not as dominant as they were before the break. There was too much ball being turned over to maintain the constant pressure that was evident in the first half.

The forwards all played well. James Oliver and led from the front. The young front row of Reece O'Leary, Jonathon Fuimaono and Mohe Flavell looked right at home at this level after coming from the age grade sides in the club last year.

The backs were able to cut loose with the dry ball and the four tries in the first half showed how potent the backline is. Lineout image right taken by Paul Brown.

5/4/08 OBU PREMIERS MAKE IT TWO FROM TWO IN SWINDALE SHIELD: The OBU Premiers made it two from two with a 22-13 win over Poneke at Nairnville Park on Saturday. The victory meant the second piece of silverware for the season, The Beet Algar Rosebowl. For the second week in a row the team played in very wet conditions which had a big impact on the game.

OBU completely dominated the first half as they were able to control possession and territory in such a way that ensured Poneke were not able to get into the game. As the weather got worse in the second half, Poneke came into the game more and clawed their way back into it.

OBU scored two tries through fullback Beau Brown and winger Sheldon Goodin. Goodin’s try was great wet weather rugby. First Five Seminar Manu kicked the ball into the corner and Goodin had too much pace and dived on the ball to score the try.

Seminar Manu also added 12 points with the boot.

Like last week the backs were not given the best conditions to show their dangerous running game, but they played well in the circumstances. Winger Shaun O’Connor had a couple of dangerous runs, while second five David Palu sliced through in midfield on a few occasions. First Five Seminar Manu had a strong game controlling the game well with a great kicking game.

The Poneke forwards thrive in wet conditions so it was always going to be toughfor OBU. However the forwards played well and certainly held their own at set piece time. Prop Reece O’Leary had a strong game around the field in the set pieces, while locks Sam Green and Mike Scott made sure there was a steady supply of lineout ball.

29/03/2008 : GREAT START TO SEASON IN SWINDALE SHIELD : OBU made a great start to the 2008 Swindale Shield campaign with a 20-10 win over Marist St Pats to regain the Jack Lamason Cup. The game was held at Porirua Park as part of the WRFU Gala Day.

The game was played in less than ideal conditions with strong winds and rain sweeping across the ground.

OBU opened the scoring with a try to winger Joe Hill (right). He swooped on a loose ball and had too much pace for the cover defence to score OBU's first try of the season. Michael Hobbs converted to make the score 7-0. Hobbs got a second penalty in the first half to give the team a good lead at the break.

Hobbs got a second penalty after the break, but Marist clawed their way back to make the score 13-10. Just when it appeared MSP had a chance, OBU came back and scored another try to halfback Tomasi Palu. This was converted by Hobbs to make the final score 20-10 to OBU.

The conditions meant it was not the weather for the backs to cut loose, but they defended very well. Matt Gordon, in his first game for the premiers was solid in midfield. He is a welcome addition to the squad and it great to see him come from the Under 19s last year. Michael Hobbs controlled the game well and his kicking game got OBU into the right positions.

It was a physically brutal encounter in the forwards with no love lost between the traditional rivals. All the forwards played really well. Prop Con Williams was having a huge game until he injured his knee. It is a serious injury that will mean a long break on the sideline.


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