Chairpersons Update

It’s semi-final time and time to get it done, The Gardiner Plumbing Div 2 team is through to the finals already but has one last hit out against NPOB over at Vogeltown Park with a kick-off 1.00pm. Our Pacific Haul Div 1 team head to Hawera on the bus to take on Southern at Hicks Park Hub with a kick-off 1.00pm, the boys will need to take there A-game to pip a very good Southern team.
After a lot of emails going backward and forwards the TRFU has the final say and our Tukapa Premiers will play Stratford/Eltham at 1.00pm.

I feel a little disappointed that the TRFU has sided with Stratford/Eltham because their team is made up of a number of farmers and has disregarded our situation of having both the Premier and Division 1 teams playing the semi-finals at different locations at the same time. This means our development players are not available to sit on the bench for the Premier team as is the case during the regular season.

Having said that it is important that we as a club get the business done and get out there and support all 3 teams to help get them through to the finals.

Be sure to win, or lose we will all get back to the Chook house for a great night Saturday to party with our mates.

Blue and White For Life Scotty your Chairperson

Semi-Finals: For the Record

Being knock-out matches, semi-finals can be cruel. A team can dominate all season and go into a semi with a perfect winning record only to be upset and end up missing the chance to win the championship title. Although our A’s especially have made the semis frequently, it’s fair to say that over the past 20 years or so we have unfortunately come up short in semi-finals more often than we care to remember.

For the record, the statistics on how our A’s and B’s have done in semi-finals are as follows:

• 1996: The A’s won their semi but lost the final against NPOB
• 1997: The A’s won their semi but again lost the final against NPOB
• 1998: Both our A’s and B’s lost their semi-finals
• 1999: The A’s lost their semi v NPOB but the B’s won their semi and then beat NPOB in the final
• 2000: The A’s won their semi but lost the final against NPOB; our B’s lost their semi
• 2001: Our A’s won their semi and then won the final against Eltham/Kaponga
• 2002: The A’s won their semi but lost the final against NPOB
• 2003: The B’s lost their semi
• 2004: The A’s lost their semi v NPOB
• 2005: The A’s won their semi and then won the final against Inglewood; the B’s lost their semi v Inglewood
• 2006: Our A’s lost their semi-final against Inglewood
• 2008: The A’s lost their semi v Coastal
• 2009: The A’s again lost their semi against Coastal
• 2010: Our A’s won their semi and then won the final against NPOB
• 2011: Once more our A’s won their semi and again beat NPOB in the final
• 2012: The A’s lost their semi against NPOB
• 2013: The A’s lost their semi v Clifton
• 2014: The A’s lost their semi v Inglewood
• 2016: Our A’s won their semi and then beat NPOB in the final; the B’s lost their semi against Southern
• 2017: The A’s won their semi and then went on to beat Coastal in the final
• 2018: The A’s lost their semi against NPOB
• 2019: Our A’s lost their semi against Spotswood United.

Overall, the statistics tell us that for the Senior A’s and Senior B’s combined there have been 28 semi-final appearances over the past 24 years for 11 wins and 17 losses. Let’s hope its two wins from two this coming Saturday.

Saturday's Premier Semi-Final

If you are unable to come to the game on Saturday, be aware the game starts at 1.00pm and you can watch it live here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS_JmsQVpdTxduaMwjGycIQ

We will also have the Game Day program available on our website here: https://www.tukapa.co.nz/programme/

If you look there now you will see the program for our last home game against Clifton. So check for Saturdays Game Day Program on Friday night.

Chairpersons Update

Well here we go one week left, then into semi’s we go.

What a great Saturday last week, during the day we had three wins from three games, then one hell of a party with our netball girls Saturday night. It was great to see such a tight bond between Netball and Rugby and after a coffee catch up with Grace Kelly, (Chairperson of Netball) our plan going forward is to keep working together and help each other out as much as we can.

This week the earlier kick-off of 11.15am for our Div 1 team and 1pm for our Premiers at Stratford. Our Premiers need to keep the momentum going and are to name another strong line up getting ready for our home semi-final next week. Our Div 1 team needs to win with a bonus point then hope Southern can get up over NPOB for them to get a home semi next week. Our Div 2 boys travel to Bell block for a 1pm kick-off and need to keep moving forward and pick up the win.

I hope we can all get out and support our teams this Saturday then meet back at the Chook house for a debrief with the bar open at 3pm onwards.

Saturday Morning our Streamline Junior Rugby is underway again with games starting at 9.30am onwards. Be sure to grab a Proof and Stock Coffee from the girls in the Chook house café. All profits go back to Tukapa.

See you all on the sidelines

Your Chairperson Scott Siffleet

ASH GARDINER (All Black #728)

Recently a function was held after team training on a Thursday evening to mark the re-commissioning of the upstairs back bar, better known as Ash’s Bar, at Tukapa RFC. Recently this area has fallen into disuse so, at the initiative of some of our leading afternoon grade players and management, it has been tidied up, re-decorated and brought back into service as a private bar area, at no cost to the Club.

Those with long memories will recall that Ash’s Bar first came into existence in November 1998, after being jointly built by Ash Gardiner, using his plumbing connections and life member Rex Manley, who comes from a building background. Rex was also instrumental in building the big wooden bar leaners which were a feature of the bar.

For over 15 years Ash’s Bar served as an “Inner Sanctum” where club members could enjoy a cold beverage at times when the main hall area was booked out for private functions or on Friday evenings during the winter when a smaller, cosier space was a more suitable option than either of the other two bar areas. Appropriately, Ash himself was guest of honour at the reopening where he enjoyed rubbing shoulders with many of today’s afternoon grade players.

For those who don’t already know, Ashley John Gardiner became Tukapa’s 12th All Black when chosen to represent New Zealand in 1974.

Starting with the Senior A’s in 1966, Ash was part of the legendary championship-winning team of the 1960’s, a side which under the coaching of Pat Doherty, won three  club championship titles (1966, 1968, 1969) and were runners-up twice (1965, 1967) within a glorious five year span 1965 to 1969.

Ash’s performances for Taranaki in the late 1960s as a specialist tighthead prop were soon recognized at higher levels.  He was selected for a Junior All Black (Under 23) trial in 1967 and went on to captain the Junior All Blacks in 1968 for their match versus Japan at Athletic Park.

During the next six seasons Ash played prominently at both club and rep level, racking up vast experience with Taranaki including a host of matches against international teams such as Wales (1969), the Lions (1971), the Wallabies (1972) and England (1973).

Ash’s selection for the All Blacks came in 1974 when he was one of a number of long-serving provincial stalwarts who JJ Stewart promoted into the All Blacks for their tour of Australia in 1974. In all, he played in nine of the 12 matches on the tour, scored tries in wins against ACT and Queensland and capped off his tour by gaining test selection for the third test against Australia played on 8 June in Sydney. The All Blacks won that test 16- 6 to wrap up the series two to nil, with one test drawn.

Later in 1974 Ash played for the North Island and had another All Black trial prior to being selected for the All Blacks tour of Ireland at the end of the year. On tour he played in two of the six matches, his appearances being against Munster (won 14-4) and Ulster (won 30-15).

Ash carried on playing for Tukapa and Taranaki in 1975 and was once again chosen for an All Black trial match but after reaching 102 games for Taranaki was forced into retirement on medical grounds. However, he continued to serve Tukapa as a coach and an administrator, with his last year on the club Executive Committee being in 2000.

For the All Blacks, Ash played 11 matches including one test for a total of 8 points (2 tries, under the 4 points for a try scoring system in use those days).

Chairpersons Update

As we head into the business end of the season we have our thirds sitting on top of the northern table but still need to stay there with their grade going to a straight final with the southern division. Our Senior B team had a close loss last week and need to get back on the horse and win their final two games and rely on NPOB or Southern to lose a game so we can have a home semi. Our Premiers are tracking well, with a win this week and a bonus point will lock us in a home semi and a top of the table finish. All senior teams are at home against Clifton so make a day of it.

Saturday will see the start of our Streamline Junior Rugby season with over 170 juniors hitting the fields. Be sure to call by, grab a Proof and Stock coffee from our café and line the sidelines in Blue and White.

This week our Netball - Rugby combined 80’s Party will also be a celebration of 40 years of Tukapa Netball. Read below for more info around the years of Netball.

"Blue and White for Life"

Scott Siffleet, Club Chairman

Celebrating 40 years of Tukapa Netball

40 years ago a group of girls was sitting in the old Tukapa gym having a beer after watching their husbands, partners, family members, friends play rugby.  Someone had an idea to get a netball team together and there began the new era of netball at Tukapa.  One team started the journey made up of True Blue’s and a tidal wave followed.  We are lucky to have the majority of those ladies still active in the club today.  Tukapa was the first rugby club in the province to include netball in its structure.

By year three there was a junior team (those annoying little sisters) making up team two for the club.  Within five years there were nine teams and the club was the biggest in the Northern Taranaki region. Tukapa Netball has remained a dominant club since that time.

The best thing about this club was the loyalty, with many team members being recruited from rugby player’s wives and girlfriends. There have been many marriages through the years that attest to the closeness of the rugby and netball family. The early bus trips were legendary, organised to play netball, watch rugby but more importantly bond together.  The tales are worth sharing but you know the rules … what goes on tour, stays on tour.

The club has enjoyed great success throughout the many NPL grades and has played in various Taranaki Premium team grades giving a pathway for up and coming players.  The club provides opportunities for all grades of netball and supports those who are super competitive as well as those who just want to have fun.  Of course, there is always an “Old Girls” team to be found that want to do both!

The Tukapa Netball club has played an active role in the Tukapa Rugby & Sports Club for 40 years, long may it long continue.

Congratulations Tukapa Netball Club on your 40 years!

“Come along to Tukapa to celebrate 40yrs of Tukapa Netball in true 80s style, get ya 80s dress-up out and come dance to all the 80s bangers with DJ Vybe from 8pm” – Prizes for Best Dressed Gal & Guy

Chairpersons Update

Now that the rain has arrived, our boys are looking forward to testing their positive style of play and their skills in classic mid-winter rugby conditions.

This week is a massive game for the Division one team against Southern and the result could be the difference of having a home semi or not. Southern sit on top of the table and have not lost a game, So I am sure that Bailey, Plims and Juffers will have our boys firing to get the win. Make sure you get there for the 1.00pm start.

Saturday is Whanau Day at Tukapa with a bouncy castle, face painting, and a free pack of chippies to the first 60 kids. So, block out the afternoon and bring the whole family along and enjoy a day at the Chook house.          

Our café will be open from 12.30 selling Pies, Hotdogs, Hot chips, Nanas Vege Soup and of course Proof and Stock Coffee. You can also order a hamburger and chips upstairs at the kitchen and have a family meal together with the players. You must order at the kitchen during the day with a cost of $10 each.

Do not let the weather keep you away. The committee has made sure everything is in place to make your day enjoyable, the game will live streamed on all TV sets and big screen in the club rooms and all food and refreshment facilities will be operating from 12.30pm.

I look forward to seeing you all at the chook house and we will keep our fingers crossed that the rain disappears before kick-off.

Scott Mellow 50 Games for Tukapa Premiers

Scott is another old boy from Francis Douglas Memorial College. He left School and headed back down the coast to where he called home and played for Coastal. As time went on, he met a lovely lady in New Plymouth and then found himself working in New Plymouth so made the move to a town team.

Scott joined Tukapa RFC in 2017 after commencing his senior rugby with Coastal and has played for our Premier team at either prop or hooker ever since.

Scott’s arrival at Tukapa was met with immediate success when our Senior A’s won the 2017 Taranaki championship title after a nail-biting final which we won in the last few minutes of the game. Significantly that victory was against Scott’s old club Coastal.

On the back of his impressive form in 2017, Scott was one of seven Tukapa players chosen for the Taranaki B rep team.

In 2018 Scott was part of our Prem side beaten at Sanders Park by NPOB in the semi-finals but he had the consolation that season of being picked for the Taranaki Bulls rep team. At the end of season prizegiving in 2018, Scott picked up the Len Earby Trophy for top overall afternoon grades player.

History repeated itself for Scott in 2019 when our Senior As were beaten in the semis but he was once again selected for the Taranaki Bulls.

This season Scott has once more shown outstanding form and is now considered a leader and key part of the Chooks Premier side. Reflecting his seniority, Scott was captain for the day last Saturday when our Prems defeated Coastal at Rahotu to retain the Craig Eaton Cup.

Never miss a Home Game

Did you know that all our home games are now live streamed on our website, our facebook page and on YouTube?

To watch on the website goto https://www.tukapa.co.nz/ scroll down to News and a post will be there 10 mins before start time with a title like for example this week : Tukapa vs Southern Live

To watch on Facebook goto https://www.facebook.com/tukaparugbyclub gameday will go live well before the game kicks off.

To watch on YouTube a link will be posted on our Facebook page and on our weekly News Update on a Thursday. All away games will only stream live on the YouTube channel.

This weeks game on YouTube can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=TRFU+ch+3

Chairpersons Update

Well, what a day the Chook house went off for the Tukapa Old Timers and Sponsors day. It was great to see so many people out and supporting Tukapa. Special mention to those who travelled from outside the region.

A successful weekend with wins for all our senior teams, two centurions added to the history books, and a pumping clubroom on Saturday night!

Also a special thanks to NZ Forestry for your support with the live band ‘Playin Up’ who put on an awesome performance Saturday night!

I can say that the bar taking was one of the best we have had in recent years.

With all the support the Boys have off the field, all three teams are doing well on the field. All teams are in the top four and looking to stay there given we stay injury-free.

This Week Games

This week our Pacific Fuel Haul Division one and Egmont Seeds Premiers are away to Coastal at Rahotu with kick-off times of 1.00pm and 2.45pm.

Our Gardiner Plumbing Division two team is at home to Coastal with a 1.00pm kick-off.

It looks like the weather should be fine and a great day of rugby is on the cards.

Supporters Bus for Coastal

Due to the great support over the bar and from our Sponsors we have decided to run a couple of buses down to Rahotu. If supporters are keen to come on these it will be $10 at the door of the bus.

1^st Bus leaves with the Div 1 team at 11.00am from Tukapa

2^nd Bus leaves with the Premiers at 12.00 noon from Tukapa

There is only one bus returning leaving Rahotu at 6.30pm and back at Tukapa at 10.00pm with a couple of stops on the way home.

Craig Eaton Remembrance Cup

The Craig Eaton Remembrance Cup, which is to be competed for on Saturday at Rahotu,  is named in honour of Craig Eaton who died in 2018 aged 52. The Cup was donated by Craig’s widow Lianne and their three daughters Rebecca, Courtenay and Olivia.

Craig played 27 consecutive seasons of afternoon grade rugby for Tukapa before he retired from the game in 2010. He began straight out of school in the Under 17 grade, then moved up through Under 19’s, Colts and Senior B’s to become the Senior A pivot in the late 1980s/ early 1990s. From about 1996 onwards, Craig played first five eighth for the highly successful Tukapa Senior Thirds team which won eight Taranaki championship titles between 1998 and 2010.

During his time as Tukapa’s Senior A first five Craig was also a regular in that position for the Taranaki B team.

One of Craig’s last wishes was a trophy in his name be played for at Premier level between his beloved Tukapa club and Coastal, firstly because there was no existing trophy between the two clubs but mainly because Craig’s family, including his dad Kelvin, were originally Coastal people.

Junior players needed

WANTED: keen and enthusiastic junior players to join a second Tukapa under 11 team!!

The competition starts 25th July 2020. If you know anyone who may be interested, please get them to contact Junior Convener Leigh Werder 027 768 8725 or Club Chairman Scott Siffleet 021 317331 ASAP.

We are also still taking players in all other grades.

Chairpersons update

The third week is upon us and all Tukapa teams are sitting at or near the top of there pools. The clubhouse has all the hooks full of trophies except the main trophy above the bar.

Sponsors and Old Timers Day

This week brings our biggest day of the year with Sponsors and Old Timers Day. Please join us to thank our Sponsors for backing us on a year that is one out of the box.

The following is the program for Sponsors and Old Timers Day:

11.45am            Tukapa U13 vs FDMC U13

12.00PM            Meet and greet upstairs bar, Sponsors and Old timers day

12.30pm            John McCullough from Egmont Seeds to speak

12.45pm            Finger food Served

1.00pm              Tukapa 3rds vs NPOB 3rds Field 2

1.00pm              Tukapa B’s Vs Inglewood B’s Field 1

2.45pm              Tukapa Premiers vs Inglewood Field 1

5.30pm              After match speeches and presentations

7.30pm              Band Starts playing for a night of Entertainment

This week we are also celebrating a good mate of mine, playing 100 games for Tukapa. Leighton Price has been a huge part of Tukapa and I am sure you all agree this is well deserved. If you are a retired player of Tukapa and have a Tukapa blazer it would be great to See you in the clubhouse wearing that blazer as we present one to Leighton and also Jayson.

Leighton Price 100 Games

Chook House Cafe Open

This week also sees the Chook House Café open for the 1^st time selling Proof and Stock coffee, pies, chips, drinks and all your other sweets. All profit from the café goes straight back to the club, so be sure to buy your lunch when you get there and give the kids $5 as well.

Lindsay Thomson Honoured

I would like to make mention of Lindsay Thomson being honoured with Life Membership at the TRFU AGM last night along with John eagles and the late Sue Mitchell. This is well deserved for the amount of work these people have put into rugby. There is more to Come on Kai’s award in the next Newsletter but well-done mate and we look forward to having you around Tukapa a bit more.

Chairpersons update

As we head into week two after a close win for the Egmont Seeds Premiers, a close loss for the Pacific Fuel Haul Division one against New Plymouth Old Boys and a big Win for our Gardiner Plumbing Snr 3rds over Clifton the boys are all looking forward to trying to win back the Dan O’Brien Shield against Spotswood United this weekend. This year we have no colts and Spotswood United has no thirds so to win back the Carbine Shield we need to win 2 from 2 games. Our Snr 3rds also have a big game against BellBlock which is always a great game that could go either way.

The Premiers are looking fit and have got through week 1 with no major Injuries so we are hoping to put out our strongest line up to go to battle with last year’s Champions.

Locations for this weekend games

Spotswood United vs Tukapa Division 1                 Yarrows Number 4 ground           1pm kick off

Tukapa Snr 3rds Vs BellBlock                       Sanders park Number 1 ground                1pm kick off   

Spotswood United Vs Tukapa Premiers                 Yarrows Number 2 ground          2.45pm kick off

We hope to see you all on the sidelines and back at the Chook House for a beverage afterwards. The Tukapa Bar will open at 12.30pm Saturday and the Café will not open until next week.

Next week we are at home for Old timers’and Sponsors Day with all teams at home. We also have a band playing from 7pm to Dance the night away. Be sure to book a babysitter and do not miss a great night at the Chook House.

Blue and White for Life

                                                Scott Siffleet

History of the Dan O'Brien Shield

Virtual Raffle Winners

Thank you to everyone who supported the rugby club by buying a ticket for the virtual raffle! The raffle was drawn last Saturday night at the clubrooms, with the winners as follows...

$300 Mitchell Green ?
$200 Rusty Gilbert ?
$100 Lachlan Jones ?

Sponsors and Old Timers Day next weekend

All Sponsors and Old Timers are invited to attend the clubrooms at 12.00 midday 4 July 2020 to enjoy nibbles, refreshments and listen to a guest speaker before our first home game of the season against Inglewood United at 2.45pm. Tukapa B's vs Inglewood and Tukapa 3rds vs NPOB are the earlier home games.

Throwback Thursday!!

In April 2009 New Plymouth Boys High School played the Tukapa Colts in a first-round clash. Almost half of the starting XV were former Tukapa Junior players! Left to right: Lagen Kumeroa, Mark Atkins, Baxter King, Sam Thomson, Ben West, Joel Meuli, and Josh Sandford.