Golden Bay Boars return
After the game last Saturday. Photo: Neil Wilson.
The Golden Bay Boars returned to the field last weekend. A team made up of survivors from the 90s, some newcomers and some young locals new to rugby league, showed real promise against a depleted Tahunanui Tigers side.
Tahunanui finished their season the previous week and could only muster a 10-man squad for their post-season trip over the Hill. That helped to keep the scores even. In the end, nearly 20 tries were scored by the two teams. The Tigers dotted down a couple more times than the Boars did but the actual result was not too important.
The Boars were particularly pleased with the form shown by the new players. Debutant Shem Chamberlain was named player of the day. Jamie Willems also showed himself to be a player whose skills are well suited to league.
Whether regular games of rugby league continue in the Bay will depend on how many players are interested in committing to training and playing seriously, says Boars spokesman, Dave Gowland.
According to Tahunanui Tigers captain Barry Walsh, the Tigers were happy to do what they could to help the Boars get started again.
“We’d like to see another team in our competition,” said Barry. “It’s all about growing the game. I’m really impressed with the amount of community support the Boars have got and it’s great that they can co-exist with the rugby club the way they do.” Neil Wilson
