Tukapa Newsletter – Semi-Final Week!
Well, here we are—knockout rugby this Saturday! Not bad at all to have four Tukapa teams still alive and all with a real shot at making the big dance.
It's a wet Thursday morning, and I'm parked up in Joe’s Garage writing this. The buzz around club rugby this year has been awesome—you can feel it everywhere. Every time you bump into someone, there’s a quick rugby chat. Just walking to my table, I had a yarn with Kevin Murphy and Kevin Blundell (yes, an Old Boys lad!) about this weekend. As much as I bleed blue and white, I love the banter with passionate people from other clubs. That’s what club rugby is all about.
Logistics
We’ve got games stretching from Inglewood to Hāwera, which has meant crafting a very creative bus timetable! The aim is to get all teams back to Stratford to finish the day supporting our Premiers. There are supporters' buses heading to both Colts and TOA games—we’ll make the final call on the Hāwera one by 7:00pm tonight.
Motion Plumbing Colts – 1:00pm @ Inglewood
This is a rematch of last year’s final, and with one win each in the regular season, this one will be tight. It’s on the back field, so maybe pack a snorkel—but mud builds character! Zinny, Werder, and Ants will no doubt have something special planned. With 7 players moving up next year, these young chooks are fired up to go back-to-back. Get there and cheer them on!
Speight’s Division 2 – 1:00pm @ Kaponga
The results might not have always gone our way this season, but to go from nearly folding the team to a tight, committed group is a win in itself. A huge shoutout to Rae for rallying the troops—at this point, we reckon half of Tree Machine staff now wear blue and white!
This week, we’re off to Kaponga, who are flying high after snatching the Crowley Cup off Okaiawa. But with a bus packed full of Birds of the Thirds, good chat, and a few cold ones on board, I like our chances. These are the games where legends are made, and I’m backing our lads to bring it home.
Glasscraft Tukapa TOA – 12:30pm @ TSB Hub, Hāwera
Where do I start? What began as a young, developing side is now a genuine finals contender. With additions from other clubs and a great mix of youth and experience, this team has built something special. Last week’s 15-all draw at Southern sets the scene for a belter of a rematch. Women’s rugby brings so much encouragement and energy—it’s inspiring to see. Expect Plims and Jase to have a few tricks up their sleeves!
Hire It Hire Tukapa Premiers – 2:45pm @ Stratford
Our boys put in the hard work every Tuesday and Thursday—and it shows. There's a real edge at training this year: accountability, intensity, and pride. That’s what will make the difference come Saturday. This semi is 1–1 on the season, and yes, Stratford-Eltham knocked us out last year—but we’ve got the tools, toughness, and ticker to turn the tables.
If we can contain their pace and spark at 9 and 10, I back our forward pack to take charge. Our blazer lads will lead from the front—we know how special this group is. Let’s fill Victoria Park with blue and white and get them over the line.
Post-Match at Tukapa!
To all our Tukapa players—we’re proud of you. Every supporter, coach, and clubbie will be doing everything we can to help you get to finals day at Stadium Taranaki.
The bar at Tukapa will be open Saturday night—come back to the Chook House after the games, grab a fizzy, and share some stories.
See you on the sidelines—rain, hail, or (hopefully) shine—we’ll bring the blue and white noise!
Up the Chooks,
Your Chairperson
Scott Siffleet
Tukapa - One club
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