Shore Sport

Takapuna Junior Rugby - 26 Years of Touring

If you are ever wondering why Takapuna rugby may have won so many premier competitions over the years, we may have just unlocked the answer.

During the July school holidays a group of 23 junior players from the Takapuna Rugby Club will leave on an 8-day/2-match tour to Australia. This is a trip that Takapuna Junior Rugby have been making every two years since 1984 – an astonishing 26 years ago. 2010 will be the 14th trip. Departure date is Friday July 9th.

The 31-strong tour party will also include eight adults. The team will play matches against the Manly Marlins in Sydney and then travel north for a match against the Currumbin Alleygators on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Tour leader and Takapuna Rugby Chairman Simon Cheesman explains that the funds for the 2010 trip have all been raised by the players, and their families, themselves. "We have taken up to 40 players over the years but with the current economic situation we are taking 23 this year," said Simon. "The pleasing aspect is that the boys have raised virtually all the funds themselves this year. There have been sausage sizzles, raffles, a cruise ship tour, movie and quizz nights and many hours spent working in the tuck shop. For previous trips we have had some local corporate funding but this has not been possible this time so the boys (and families) have had to do the majority themselves which has been very good for them."

Every year the Takapuna juniors play the Manly Marlins. It is something they have been doing since that very first trip way back in 1984. In the alternate years, when 'Taka' don't travel, Manly bring a squad over the Tasman to play at Onewa Domain.

"We are certainly proud that we have continued this tradition for such a long time," adds Simon Cheesman. "There are players in our senior squads who made the trip a long time ago and it would have played a part in their development. It is a great experience for the boys."

The players making the 2010 trip are; Ben Angus; Cullen Beattie; Morgan Bennett; Drew Bridge, Samuel Burgess; Dylan Carlyle; Joshua Cheesman; Oliver Cheyne; Mason Cooksley; Kelly Douglas; Tyson King; Jake Konia; Moses Leo; Callum Loughnan; Jack Mancer; Matthew Martin; Ezra Paton; Henry Pratt; Ashby Shaw; Brayden Smith; Tyler Smith; Connor Stephen; Trey Tupu-South.

Belmont Park wins top tennis award

Belmont Park Racquets Club has scored the top tennis award in the region, being named 2010 Club of the Year by Tennis Northern.

President of the club, Geoff Topham, who collected the award, said this was wonderful recognition for the club.

“It is a result of years of hard work to grow our membership, firstly to survive and secondly to provide a family club environment with pathways for social and competitive players.

“Belmont Park is a club for everyone – it’s competitive, family friendly and situated in the heart of the community. Whether it’s bringing adults back into tennis, improving our juniors, competing at the highest level in Chelsea Cup, or just knocking it around in Sunday doubles, we have an option to suit everyone.”

Two major wins for the club this year were the installation of floodlights on all seven courts, and the Chelsea Cup victory.

The floodlight installation was made possible thanks to community grants and funding and allows club members to enjoy evening games throughout the winter season, on all courts.

The Chelsea Cup was a huge success for Belmont, with the men’s team taking home the title for the first time in over 20 years. Along with the home support, the team had a big band of travelling support, especially at the final.

Belmont are now entered into the Tennis New Zealand club of the year competition.

The club offers classes and club sessions for any and all playing standards including the very popular Easi-Tennis, for beginners, Tennis-Fit (intermediate), Tennis Combo (advanced), Men’s night, ladies nights, two club doubles sessions and midweek ladies.

Above: Geoff Topham (President), Gavin Chester, Debbie Timmins, David Fank, Natalie Sheridan, Elaine Parr. David Fank is CEO of Tennis Northern, all others are from the Belmont Park Racquets Club.

Harbour Rugby Celebrates 25 Years

North Harbour Rugby Union celebrates 25 years of glory this month. Harbour Rugby is releasing a commemorative book written by Lindsay Knight, celebrating the first 25 years in the Union's history.

As it’s the Silver Anniversary, Harbour Rugby have lined up a few events to ensure their first quarter-century ends in style:

✔    Friday, July 30 – Golf Day at North Shore Golf Club
       (followed by smoko at Takapuna Rugby Club).
✔    Saturday, July 31 – Club Day visit your old club.
✔    Sunday, August 1 – 25th Jubilee Luncheon at North Harbour Stadium
       (naming of 25th anniversary team) followed by the
       Battle of the Bridge – North Harbour vs Auckland.

Harbour – The First 25 Years of the North Harbour Rugby Union, will be available at selected outlets in the North Harbour area from late July.
www.harbourrugby.co.nz