As our Under 21 Cannons prepare to play for the Arthur Bayliss Cup in the Auckland grade Final this weekend, its not the first time many of the players have lined up in a big match for Pakuranga.

The squad features nine players who spent their junior rugby years at the club, seven of whom were part of the 2015 Under 13 restricted team that won the Auckland Championship.

Sean Carter, GC Els, Finley Dixon, Regan McGregor, Bray Thaivichith-Hoera, Andrew Thomas and Lucas Troughear were all part of the 2015 team, which was coached by Dean Thomas, who now manages the Cannons and Mark Troughear who is in the Cannons coaching team.

Thomas said its great to see a number of the boys back at the club for their senior rugby.

“I have known at least nine of the boys since starting at the club with Mark Troughear in the U5s; four boys came to my sons 5th Birthday. 

“They have all been good friends and played intermediate and college rugby with and against each other since leaving at U13s; all of them played in the 1B for 1st XV teams in the local area.”

Thomas said the Cannons management team have done a great job in 2023 with a large squad of players.

“Communication, teamwork, family values and commitment are very important to this team. We have a great Head Coach in Sani (Sanileva) and a great management to back him up – I’m proud of their efforts win or lose on Saturday.”

The Cannons have already locked away the Sir Wilson Whineray Challenge Cup which they defended in every home match, and the Whetton Brothers Cup for winning the round robin. On Saturday they face Grammar TEC, playing for the Arthur Bayliss Cup.

Fun fact – the 2015 Pakuranga U13 restricted team went undefeated winning 11 matches from 11, including the Final 19-0 over Marist. 

Article added: Thursday 20 July 2023