2008 SEASON WEEK TWO: OBU played Johnsonville in what was always going to be a difficult game. Johnsonville are a strong team while OBU were missing a lot of players due to injuries and university holidays.

The team played well for large patches and certainly improved on last weeks performance. The team is starting to gel and combinations are starting to develop.

Shar Fagalilo had another strong game and was rewarded with a try. Alex Fraser played well in her first game for OBU until she came off injured, while Casey Fallaver was prominent all around the field.

Captain Claire Rowat’s leadership was a big help to the team, while winger Nicole Wilson made some strong tackles in just her second ever game of rugby.

The player of the days was fullback Renee Baarspul who made some try saving tackles, while also looking dangerous on counter attack.

WEEK ONE: The OBU Woman’s team opened their season with a 32-5 loss to Petone at Prince Of Wales park on Saturday. This was a tough game for OBU as Petone featured many players that played for the champions Avalon last year. It was a physical game with both sides giving it their all in very wet conditions.

Following an early try to the visitors, second five Jasmin Stevenson finished a classy backline move to level the scores 5-5. From there Petone kept OBU scoreless but the team did show glimpses of talent that indicate a good year for OBU.

Many of the new players to the club had strong games. Shar Fagalilo, Lipea Tuiota and Kas Va’afusuaga have all come from Tawa and it was clear that they have all got a big part to play this season. In the backs Trish Ross ran the backline well from first five, while new to OBU (and rugby) halfback Kiti Heira gave great service to the backline.

7/07/07 MIXED FORTUNES FOR OBU: The final game of the round saw OBU travel out to Porirua Park to play Norths. It was a day of mixed fortunes for OBU as Norths won comfortably 57-5. Injuries have impacted OBU during the season and numbers have become increasingly thin. Having started the match with a single reserve OBU finished the game with 13 players, so to keep Norths to the final scoreline was a fair effort. However with that said, nothing can be taken away from a strong Norths showing.

Ana Toumuli played well on the wing, Clare Rowat was at the heart of OBU's effort, Jas Stephenson competed strongly at the breakdown and topped of a period of fine play with a try in the corner, while Tuila Waterhouse was sharp in the backline until being seriously injured late in the game.

The story of the day has to be OBU making the semi final play-offs for the first time in its short history. This is an excellent achievement by a team that many wouldn't have considered to be semi finalists at start of the season. They have achieved this goal by hard work and dedication and through a strong self-belief within the group. For their efforts OBU again faces Norths this weekend in what shapes as a monumental challenge.

30/06/07 HARD FOUGHT WIN: OBU defeated Ories in a hard fought game at Nairnville Park on Saturday. Winter has truly arrived and the game played in rain soaked and muddy conditions, but both teams brought a positive attitude to the match and looked to attack at every opportunity.

Ories started the best of the two sides and had the OBU scrum under early pressure and took the game to OBU around the fringes. Ories scored first on the back of a set phase, through a well worked try. OBU picked up its work rate and began to probe Ories blindside, which finally saw Renee Baarspul slip down her wing to score in the corner. With the OBU pack settling into its work and the scrum matching the intensity of Ories, the contest became more even and OBU were unlucky not to score again down the blindside when Vanessa Broughton was bundled into touch while diving for the line.

With the scores locked at a try a piece at halftime, a good start to the second half was imperative for OBU's chances. With the conditions being what they were, it seemed plausible that the team to score first after the break would take the game. After the break, play saw both teams looking to exploit opportunities to seal the game. However when either side began to look likely, the other's defence would shut it down. Midway through the second half OBU sent a deep clearing kick into the Ories 22, which was fielded by the Ories fullback, who in a sweeping run, scored under the posts. At this point it looked for all money that OBU was gone from the contest. Somehow Ories missed the conversion.

OBU lifted its effort and bounced back into game. On the back of some excellent forward play the pressure finally told, as quick hands saw Trisha Kalolo-Apalinario burst through a gapping hole in the Ories defence to score under the bar. Somehow OBU missed the conversion and the scores were again tied. OBU continued to attack from the kick-off hoping of deliver the knock out blow. With ten minutes to go Casey Fallaver burst out of a maul just outside the Ories 22, found herself in space, showed a clean pair of heels to race over and score the winning try (for our more mature readers it was shades of Ian Kirkpatrick circa 1971). Ories threw everything into the final few minutes and attacked relentlessly but the OBU defence was up to the task and held out until the final whistle.

Player of the day Trisha Kalolo-Apalinario was in the middle of everything and her game was typical of the OBU effort. Abbie O'Rourke had her best game of the year, Trish Ross was solid at the back, Lynaire Marino and Jas Stephenson enjoyed excellent games in dreadful conditions. Amy Farr was again dominant at lineout time, and the loose forward trio of Casey Fallaver, Tuila Waterhouse and Erin Rush contested everything.

With one round remaining, OBU now heads the pack chasing the fourth semi final spot. While not confirmed, the win over Ories means that the team is well placed to make the semi finals for the first time.

16/06/07 OBU BOUNCE BACK: After a testing fortnight, OBU bounced back strongly with a 20-10 win over Stokes Valley-Wainuiomata. The game was played in bitterly cold and wet conditions at Nairnville Park between two evenly matched teams.

OBU started well and soon led through a Claire Rowat try. The after a series of close quarter exchanges between both packs, the visitors scored out wide to draw level. In trying conditions play then ranged through the middle of the field until just before halftime when OBU exploited space out wide to put Amy Farr away. It was 10-5 at the break.

The visitors were right on song after halftime and quickly made the most of sloppy OBU defence to level the scores. This prodded OBU into action. The OBU pack took control of possession and picked up its continuity play to quickly get across the advantage line. The backs complemented this by obtaining crucial field position. In these conditions the pressure became too much for the visitors and OBU finished the strongest with tries to Erin Rush and Jas Stevenson.

It was a solid performance by the team. To gain a bonus point win in awful conditions was the result of a lot of hard work at practice and remaining focussed as Stokes Valley-Wainui applied pressure during the match. Player of the day, winger Renee Baarspul, started her first game after a long injury break, looked sharp every time she got the ball and was solid in defence

With four teams fighting to be the fourth semi-finalist in the grade, this was a timely win for OBU that keeps their play-off hopes alive.

9/06/07 TOUGH DAY AT ALEX MOORE PARK: OBU Women were on the wrong side of the scoring ledger as Johnsonville produced a dominant display to win 47-0. Johnsonville controlled most of the possession and scored a number of well constructed tries.

OBU had their moments but we never able to create enough momentum to consistently test any gaps in the Johnsonville defence. Casey Fallaver played her best game of the season and was supported in general play by Tuila Waterhouse, Bekki Pope and Clare Rowat.

Its been a tough fortnight for OBU and a lot of work needs to be done if the team intends to take anything from the remainder of the season.

2/06/07 AVALON TOO GOOD: Avalon were too classy for OBU at Prince Of Wales Park on Saturday, winning 58-0. While remaining competitive in the first half, OBU had no answers to Avalon's strong second half display with their backs capitalising on quality ball to score a number of good tries.

Highlights of the game for OBU was the performance of blindside flanker Bekki Abernathy who, in her first season of rugby, continues to improve with every game. Claire Rowat, Amy Farr, Bekki Pope and Tuila Waterhouse all had solid games up front, while Trisha Kalolo-Apalinario has some exciting moments with the ball in hand and Jas Stephenson never gave up.

26/05/07 TRIUMPH AT LYNDHURST PARK : The OBU women’s team beat Tawa 15-13 in a very physical game at Lyndhurst Park on Saturday. The game was always going to be tough encounter given the fierce rivalry between both teams.

Halftime saw the score locked at 10 all with both teams scoring two tries a piece. Claire Rowat continued her excellent try scoring form by bagging both tries before the break for OBU.

The closeness of the teams meant a tense second half. OBU spent a long period inside the Tawa 22 but were unable to convert pressure into points. Tawa then broke away and would have scored but for some excellent Casey Fallaver goal-line defence. Tawa were finally able to take a 13-10 lead through a successful penalty.

However their lead was brief. OBU responded by camping back inside the Tawa 22. Eventually the pressure and possession led to OBU executing a great move that saw Tuila Waterhouse crash over and make the score 15-13.

The OBU forward pack produced another solid display with Amy Farr dominant at lineout time while player of the day, Claire Rowat was in the thick of the action. The backs, led by Jas Stevenson in the number 10 jersey, continue to improve with each game.

The backs are improving every week and they were well led by Jasmin Stevenson in the number 10 jersey. She had a strong kicking game and kept turning the big Tawa forward pack around.

The OBU forward pack had another good game. The team was well led by player of the day Claire Rowat. She led well from the front and was strong in all that she did.

19/5/07 OBU WOMENS TEAM AT OLD TIMERS DAY FUNCTION. Click on image to enlarge.

19/05/07 NORTHS TOO GOOD FOR OBU WOMEN: The OBU Women's team lost 53-5 to Norths at Prince Of Wales Park on Saturday in the final game of the first round.

OBU had several promising attacks throughout the game but couldn't penetrate Norths defence. OBU's sole points were scored by captain Claire Rowat, who is quickly becoming a try scoring machine. The forwards had parity and perhaps even dominated the opposition for parts of the game but Norths made far better use of the possession they won.

Player of the day was loose forward Tuila Waterhouse, Wheels had a massive game and was heavily involved in all parts of the game. Her determination showed, when late in the match she chased down an opposition winger and held her up in goal to prevent a certain try.

Special mention also needs to be made of Bel O'Reilly (image below) who broke her leg in five places during the game and has since announced her retirement. Everyone in the team wishes Bel a speedy recovery.

12/05/07 CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH ORIES: The OBU Women's team went down 20-22 against Ories at the Polo Ground on Saturday in an entertaining game in which both teams looked to throw the ball around at every opportunity.

Ories opened the scoring with an unconverted try. OBU lifted its game and responded strongly. Following a penalty kick to touch, the ensuing lineout win saw the OBU forward pack get a rolling maul going and hooker Claire Rowat crash over in the corner. Ories were the next to score with another unconverted try to make it 10-5. OBU again responded by producing a replica of their first try, with hooker Claire Rowat again crashing over in the same corner to level the scores. Just before halftime average OBU defence allowed Ories to score giving them a 15-10 lead at the break.

OBU started best in the second half and opened the scoring with lock Amy Farr finishing off an attacking phase to again bring the scores level. In a tense period of play Ories finally slipped down OBU’s right flank to score and crucially, converted to make it 22-15. With ten minutes to go second five Tuila Waterhouse scored under the posts. Unfortunately Trish Ross missed the conversion and the score remained 22-20.

The player of the day was loosehead prop Jay Schwartfeger. After spending all season in the backs (even training on Wednesday night), she got a last minute call-up to the front row and dominated at scrum time, displayed good lifting technique and got involved in general play.

Centre Trisha Kalolo-Apalinario ran strongly with the ball and second five Tuila Waterhouse had another strong game constantly asking questions of the Ories defence. Claire Rowat capped off her return to hooker with accurate lineout throwing and a strong display in general play that led to her two tries. While Bekki Pope made some strong runs off the back of the OBU scrum in the second half.

28/04/07 OBU WOMEN RECORD BIG WIN: The OBU Womens team recorded a big 37-5 win over Stokes Valley/ Wainui on Saturday. It was a seven tries to one victory.

The team started well in the first half scoring three tries to lead 17-5 at the break. There was some great running rugby on display. The only try by the home team was controversial as the ref missed the Stokes Valley/ Wainui player knocking the ball over the line.

At half time coach Tony Tumoana told the team they had to start the second half strongly and they did. The team scored four unanswered tries to record their first win of the season.

There were many players to stand out. Fullback Jen Johnson played really well running the ball back strongly at the opposition, while Captain Claire Rowat was everything a halfback should be.

In the forwards Tuila Waterhouse added a lot when coming on at halftime.

However the player of the day was 'Irish' who had a huge game. She was a star on the field, and she was a hit a The Cambridge!!..

14/04/07 MORE AGGRESSION NEEDED: A severely depleted OBU Women's team met Avalon at Fraser Park on Saturday. With University holidays in full swing there were more than 10 players absent from this week's starting line-up. Fortunately several "old girls" were welcomed out of retirement (yet again) to make the numbers up to 15. Thank you to Vanessa Broughton and visiting player Alex "Stranger".

Having worked with Premier Coach, Dave Loveridge in the build up to Saturday's match, the team started well with phases of positive and encouraging play. For many, it was the first time they had played a full 80 minutes, a demanding task in the 22 degree dry heat. Congratulations particularly to Ana Tomuli (prop) and Nina Lawson (lock) who were still running strong at the final whistle.

Special mention must also be made of openside flanker, Jasmin Stevenson who worked hard on attack and made several charging runs into the opposition No.22; and openside flanker/come 2nd Five Tuila Waterhouse, who while playing out of position, still managed to make damaging tackles and steal opposition ball.

With 4 more games left in the first round, coach Tony Tumoana is preparing the side for the all important second round, "we weren't as aggressive as we needed to be, so there'll be a lot of contact work at training over the next month" said Tumoana.

OBU take on Tawa this week, in what is shaping up to be a very tough encounter. Best of luck team.
Awards: Spoon of the day was awarded to Claire Rowat (for inciting a brawl), Player of the day awarded to Bekki Pope. It was Bekki's first game coming back from injury and she made a big difference (pictured in her POD "outfit" above).

6/4/07 PLENTY OF POSITIVES FOR OBU WOMEN: The OBU women went down to Johnsonville in their first competition game at Nairnville Park on Good Friday.

The team started well holding the ball for multiple phases but just could not convert the pressure into the points the team deserved. While the result was not what the team was looking for, their team spirit was there for all to see. The team (image below) gave it 100% for the full 80 minutes.

Flanker Tuila Waterhouse, Number eight Jasmin Stevenson and hooker/halfback Claire Rowat starred for the team, while all players playing their first competition game, (image below), of rugby played well. The performance showed some encouraging signs for the rest of the season.

SERIOUS TRAINERS! There is a serious side to the OBU Womens side. That's the warm ups! The OBU Web Team captured the team going through the motions. They are hidden here so that the teams they play aren't aware of the preparation that goes in by the girls, coaches and management.

Link to OBU Womens Team 2006.