Donation of new player dugouts at Evans Bay appreciated

Player facilities at Evans Bay have taken a giant leap forward thanks to the generosity of former MSP prop John Pothan.

Players settle into the new dugout during the Tawa game.

John's engineering firm, George Street Engineering, has donated the metal frameworks that now sit on the Evans Bay sidelines to protect MSP and visiting back-up players and reserves from the wind and rain rumoured to sweep the park.

The frameworks, which have wooden benches supplied by Chris Ryan Builders, are a big step up from the old wooden school chairs with thin metal legs that sank deep into the Evans Bay mud. Once zip covers for the new frameworks are in place, the reserves will be well protected from the elements.

During last week's howling northerly in the Petone game, one spectator wondered whether a good gust might send a covered framework flying into Cook Strait. However, a couple of big beefy props sitting on the wooden benches should ensure the structure remains grounded.

John acquired George Street Engineering, a steel fabrication business, last year. A builder by trade, he was a premier regular during the 1990s. These days he has two sons playing MSP junior rugby and he helps coach the under-8s.

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