Hi Everyone,

Apologies for the two week break, however I did manage to attend two important rugby functions on Saturday as well as see some junior rugby at Bathgate Park.

Junior Rugby:

It is always a pleasure to watch junior rugby on a Saturday morning where the kids of all ages just go out to play and enjoy themselves. Southern had a large number of their teams at Bathgate Park covering all the age groups to coincide with the 1970’s re-union. The weather was fine and the grounds were in superb condition considering the rain we had during the week. I had the Ranfurly Shield on display and once again it was like a magnet as many people at the ground took the opportunity to look at it, touch it and have their photo taken with it. At the end of the games, we got as many teams together as possible to take group photos with the Shield, which they all appreciated. 

1970’s Southern Reunion:

I was privileged to be invited to the reunion of the Southern RFC 1970’s team that traveled to Australia. This team was made up of members of the Seniors and Second Grade teams who spent many hours fund-raising throughout the 1970 season to raise money for the tour to Sydney and beyond. During last weekend, they had a get together on the Friday night and a full day of activities on the Saturday culminating in attending the Southern vs Taieri Premier Match played for the Roy Nieper Memorial Trophy. Roy’s nephew Russell was in the 1970 team while Roy played for the Southern Club in 1935 and was also a member of the first Otago team to win the Ranfurly Shield in that same year. I attended the luncheon at the Southern Club with this fine group of men which was an absolute pleasure, and in particular to listen to the stories that were told about their tour of Australia. I am sure their reunion carried on well into the night.

Chris Bell 250 games: 

While I did not watch any rugby during Saturday afternoon, I drove back into town from home to be present at the function at Zingari-Richmond to celebrate not only the 250 games for Chris Bell but also to congratulate Matt McCormack on his 50th game for the club. Even though the Premier team did not win the Grace Mills Memorial Trophy, there was a good turnout in the clubrooms to celebrate the two milestones. I was researching the ODT files for some background on Chris Bell and came across a Rugby Chat hosted by Paul Dwyer, which was recorded some time ago. The two people that Paul was interviewing were Chris Bell having played his 200th game and Chris Hart, President of the Otago Referees Association. I have to say it was quite an entertaining presentation.

The four things that impressed me about the interview with Chris Bell were as follows:

• Out of the three people in front of the camera, he was the only one drinking his stubbie of Speights out of his left hand!!
• All 200 games were played for the one club, Zingari-Richmond.
• He played 144 consecutive games without a break, an amazing achievement.
• The club has many special trophies played for in the Premier Competition including: the Bert Hellyer, the Steve Scoles and the Eric Watson Memorial Trophies, but the one trophy that Chris enjoyed playing for most was the Grace Mills Trophy.

Grace was an amazing lady. She was a loyal supporter of the Zingari-Richmond Club being on the sideline every Saturday supporting all the teams. Through her involvement with the Otago Rugby Supporters Club, she was also of wonderful assistance to the ORFU with her work with junior rugby particularly at the under 16 and under 18 age group level.

Chris Bell was applauded by the club on reaching this special milestone of 250 games and from the way he spoke he does not intend stopping playing any time soon – well done Chris.

Ranfurly Shield:

In 1902 Auckland became the first holders of the Shield because in that year it had the best record of any Provincial Union (the blue and whites were unbeaten that year). In 1904 the first challenge was held and  Wellington became the first side to win a Shield challenge. 

Since that first match, there have been more than 600 contests at grounds all around the country, every Provincial Union has challenged for the Shield but only 17 have held it and Shield Fever continues unchecked as the Shield inspires and unifies communities like no other trophy in New Zealand Sport. 

The Earl of Ranfurly, who donated the Shield, was the Patron of the then - New Zealand Rugby Football Union and Governor of New Zealand. The original prize was to be a cup but on its unveiling, was discovered to be a shield, with a centre piece showing an association football match. Rugby goal posts were added to make it look like a rugby game.

Just prior to Christmas the Shield was sent to Palmerston North for a complete refurbishment. The small shields around the perimeter were all removed as was the centre section and the piece of OAK was sanded down and re-stained – it certainly looks pristine. It has been said that the Shield has been in some unusual places. When a team wins the Shield the youngest player in the team has the responsibility for looking after the “Log of Wood” on the first night including sleeping with it!!

Otago has won the Shield in the following years:

• 1935: Defeated Canterbury 15-6, surviving 4 defences.  Some names that you may recognise in that team were: D.(Dave) Trevathan, C.K.(Charlie) Saxton & R.W.(Roy) Nieper
• 1938: Defeated Southland 7-6. Lost the Shield on our first defence.
• 1947: Defeated Southland 17-11;   11 defences
• 1957: Defeated Wellington 19-11;   4 defences
• 2013: Defeated Waikato 26-19;   0 defences
• 2019: Beat Waikato 23-19 

The first challenge this year will be against Thames Valley on July 13 in Wanaka.

If we get through that game then we will travel to Oamaru to play North Otago on Friday July 26 – make sure you are on the train.

The first game of the Mitre 10 Cup is away against BOP and then hopefully if all goes well we will have a challenge from Southland on the 17 August at the Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Nice to be back.

Des Smith MNZM

Article added: Wednesday 22 May 2019