Paul Churchman getting stuck in
After leading the Premier Reserve team to a Harper Lock Shield win in 2012 Paul Churchman suffered a serious injury and was resigned to retirement at the ripe old age of 22. Fast forward three years and Paul is back as captain of the Premier Reserves and also getting stuck in off the field as Club Treasurer.
By chatting to Paul you know he's loving his footy as he beams his trademark grin after another victory for his unbeaten side; he'll tell you how much he loves getting out on the field and playing with his mates.
The current crop of Premier Reserves are an impressive one and the side sits atop the Harper Lock Shield table after five rounds. Paul and the team take great pride in the part they play in the club's overall success, 'we've had a good start to the season and the boys are starting to gel really well which is awesome to see. When a club's Premier Reserves are going well you know there is some great depth in the club.'
Paul is not wrong on the depth side of things noting 'I packed down in a scrum earlier this year a thought to myself every single person in this eight has played for the Marist St Pats Premier team. Every single person can make the jump which is fantastic.' The mix of this experience and some talented youngsters really make the team exciting to watch as you can see the future of the club's Premier players taking shape. Paul notes a few names to watch out for 'keep an eye out for are Joe Walding-Karaitiana and Michael Findlay in the forwards with Lawrence Lotovale and Royce Aiolupotea Tonumaipae showing good things in the backs.' He also makes special mention of Tovio Apolo and James Zino as leaders in the team who get the business done week in and week out.
While acknowledging that Premier Reserve rugby is already a challenge with regular changes to the team you put out week to week, Paul sees that 'the beauty of it is if you make the Hardham Cup you will be playing almost exclusively other club's Premier sides so it is a great level of rugby to be playing at.'
Off the field Paul has the unenviable task of filling the role of long time Treasurer MaryAnn Spillane, but he is really enjoying this role too. 'I have grown a larger appreciation for being able to be part of and play for the club. And yes I will take my opportunity to plug for subs! Be you a non-player or playing sub or just a member of the community reading this please put your hand up get involved and pay your subs to become a financial member of the club - it would make me a happy man!'
The Premier Reserves enjoy it when they get some vocal support from the sidelines and with such an talented team they are well worth watching!
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