Rugby match draws star spectator
Last Saturday’s game drew a big crowd. Photo: Supplied.
Perfect weather and some staunch local support served to bring out a big crowd of around 250 to watch Takaka play Collingwood in 2nd Division rugby at the Collingwood Recreation Ground last Saturday afternoon.
Among the spectators was Todd Blackadder, fresh from leading the Crusaders at Twickenham, London, the previous Monday. Mixing with the local crowd, he was taking advantage of a weekend bye for his team to get in a few days at Collingwood where he caught up up with family and friends.
A very close battle prevailed right from kickoff at 1.30pm, with neither team dominating and the score remaining nil all for the first 30 minutes.
Takaka Rugby Club president Wayne Packard describes the ensuing action: “Just before the tick of half time, the Takaka backs puts together a slick move to score under the posts and take a 7-0 lead into half time. Takaka came out firing on all cylinders after half time and completely dominated for the next 25 minutes, scoring five unanswered tries to take a 43-point lead. Collingwood came back in the last 10 minutes and were rewarded with a consolation try to make the final score 43-5. Spectators were really rewarded with a great game.”
The Most Valued Players of the day were Ashley Parks (3pts), Jamie Willems (2pts) and Aaron Griffith (1pt).
Coming 2nd Division highlights of the season include a return fixture in Takaka next month, along with matches against “town teams” such as Marist and Waimea Old Boys.
Says Wayne: “It’s looking like an exciting season coming up with a full complement of coaches and lots of keen players.”
Gerard Hindmarsh
