President's Monday Musings

From the pen of Marist St Pats President, John Spillane...

It’s a tricky article to write this weekend really – without wanting to sound overly precious it’s hard to get too excited about the Hardham Cup but I know I should be grateful that our top side has another week (at least) and that the Premier Reserves are also still in the hunt for some silverware.

It absolutely was a good weekend for the Club with wins dominating the results sheet – but as I have said before there is more in this whole rugby club “thing” than wins.

Again, my highlight involved the clubrooms and seeing so many of our young men up there looking splendid in their number 1’s, relaxing in “their clubrooms” and enjoying each other’s company.

It was great to see a good crowd there to celebrate Nick Harrison’s 100th game and to enjoy the All Blacks test against a gallant English team – in particular it was great to see Nick’s parents there for the presentation of the 100-game tankard. This clearly shows how much these milestones mean to our players and indeed to their families.

Congratulations Nick – you have been a good and faithful servant of the Club.

What struck me again this week is just how many people we have doing amazing things at Marist St Pats.

Matt Calvert and his amazing massive BBQ were again in action and everyone present was able to enjoy some protein, complimented by a selection of sides from the Pines (thanks Tony).

The Red Café was pumping again as many of those in attendance chose to feast on the delicacies that Lina and her husband produced rather than take a chance on a dodgy snarler or meat pattie.

Richard was on duty, serving the drinks and making sure that everyone had a good night – but not too good if you know what I mean.

Peter Woods had done his thing during the week and the fridges were stocked – ready for a big night.

Maria and Poto did the set up before the clubrooms opened and were there bright and early to do the cleaning on Sunday morning so that our regular hirer could use the facility for her gym classes. This provides the club with some much-needed income, and we could not do this without Poto and Maria doing their thing.

Our busy Chairman (Lourdaiz) called the shots all week before once again lacing up his boots to play for the Premier Reserves – Lourdaiz playing is encouraged by all the committee as it gives them 35 minutes of respite from his texting and organizing – this guy really is the energy source that the entire Club is running on. (Photo, right: Caroline Lewis)

Mouse was first at the clubrooms after their game – and despite the Colts loss he was positive about the Colts game (as we all were) and is seeing great signs for the future in this crew of fine young men.

It was great to see Sean’s family in the clubrooms – thanks for your hard work on the BBQ Hugo – you really do have a future as a burger flipper if hockey, cross country, and cricket don’t work out for you.

Fred did what Fred does and he made sure that everything worked like clockwork down at the ground and that each team had players and everything else that they needed.

And of course, the coaches coached, and the managers managed, and the Club stood up for another week and the Red Machine rolled on – powered by a huge number of wonderful people, the vast majority of whom do this work in the shadows and as a volunteer – and where would we be without them?

Now the names above only highlight about 10% of what happens every single week and I apologize if I have not named you – but I wanted to use this platform to remind the players that there is a lot happening before, during and after their games and to thank everyone who gives up their time every week to get the players on the field and to get the clubroom doors open.

It really is a big old machine, and it requires a lot of effort to keep it moving – never mind the fact that we have been working hard to turn this massive ship around this season.

My honest assessment (on 15 July 2024) is that we are “starting to see some very encouraging signs” – but we are nowhere near the finished product yet.

But I am confident that we have the Red Machine pointing in the right direction and that if we can all emulate the selfless behavior of our army of volunteers, we will soon be back enjoying Jubilee Cup Rugby and demanding the respect of the other Wellington Clubs.

Thank you to the army of volunteers who support the Red Machine every week.

Note the earlier kick off times for this weekend's matches as the All Blacks play at 2.30pm. The clubrooms will be open to watch the test.


This weekend's action - 20 July 2024

Grade Opposition Location
Premier Men
Wainuiomata (SF)
Evans Bay Park at 1pm
Premier 2 Men
Upper Hutt Rams (SF)
Maidstone Park 2 at 12.30pm
Colts
Season complete

Reserve 'Internationals'
OBU 'Teddy Bears'
Kilbirnie Park 3 at 1pm
Under 85kg Red
Season complete

Presidents 'MH Law Classics'
Hutt Old Boys Marist
Hutt Rec 2 at 1pm
Netball 1
WEGC 2
12.20pm at Akau Tangi Sports Centre
Netball 2
Nga Mokopuna 2
1.25pm at Akau Tangi Sports Centre
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