Bay seniors full of optimism

it’s to qualify for the semi-finals at least. “We’re going for top four.” He believes this is achievable if the Black and Gold can win their home games. “We need to make Collingwood a fortress.”

With three of the first four fixtures played at home, the job of building the barricades starts tomorrow. “We’re buzzing waiting for the season to start,” says Graeme.

For more information on Collingwood Rugby Football Club visit Facebook or email: crfc1889@gmail.com

Things are looking good for Tākaka’s Senior B side as they prepare for tomorrow’s opening match against Stoke. “We’re very excited,” says Hamish Hills who coaches the team along with Steve Hambrook. “The preseason has gone very well and we have a team of young very dedicated players committed to training.”

Adding to last season’s youthful squad are two “new guys… a front rower and a loose forward.”

The exuberance of youth is balanced with some valuable experience. “Anthony Tait will still play,” says Hamish.

Like their local rivals, Tākaka begin their campaign with a run of home games, which the coach hopes will put them on course to realise their goal for the season. “We want to play finals rugby,” says Hamish pointing out that the difference between winning and losing is often down to the rub of the green. “We had games [last season] which we lost by small margins, so we hope the luck goes our way.”

Tākaka Rugby Football Club is also fielding travelling teams at U11, U13, U14 and U15 level, while the U6s play ripper rugby, and the U9s tackle rugby, amongst themselves on Friday evenings.

The seniors are not the only team to kick-off their season at home. The U14s and U15s both play their opening games at the Rec Centre tomorrow morning.

For more information on Tākaka Rugby Football Club, visit Facebook or email: takakarfc@gmail.com