New Brighton Rugby Club Annual Report 2013 (Volume 1) | Page 14

The top 6 competition started the following week, and we were rocked by the loss Hugh
Burry during the week. The team certainly used him as inspiration for this game, and the
remainder of the season, with arguably our most compelling performance over Sydenham. A
close loss to Marist-Albion, and a win over HSOB followed before we suffered a loss to
Lincoln University where were totally outplayed for the only time during the season. A last
round comfortable win over Linwood completed the Top 6 and we had qualified in 4th place
and drawn to play Marist-Albion, the top qualifier, in a sudden death semi-final.
In what was one of the biggest crowds I had seen at a Club game, the team fronted up
physically to a team that had beaten it twice already during the season. The epitome of the
effort was the display by Adrian Barone who played on despite fracturing his cheek bone in
five places. The self belief taken from this result was significant and our coaches need to take
great credit for managing the squad through what was uncharted territory.
So… the final. The bus trip to the game was special with players almost brought to tears
when they saw junior players and their parents all face-painted and with signs on the way to
the ground. The crowd at the ground must have been two thirds full of our Club supporters,
and we could certainly hear them during the game.
As for the game itself, it seemed to go very quickly except for the last 5 minutes! In truth
we were all over HSOB and with a 16 point lead with 10 minutes to go, it was a fair
reflection of how dominant we had been. Although we only scored 1 try through Fia Meafou,
we did create a number of other opportunities and denied HSOB any real opportunities
through punishing defence and passion.
The display of emotions from players and supporters alike was memorable post-game, and
celebrations went well into the night and the day following for many.
Congratulations go to Shaun Creek, Fia Meafou and Misi Salave who all played their 50th
games this season. These three players have been outstanding players for our Club over many
seasons, and exemplify the passion and spirit we expect from New Brighton players.
Congratulations to Steve Ellis and Scott Pawson on a fantastic job this season. There is no
question the Steve’s experience and past success was significant over the final weeks of the
season and he managed the squad emotions extremely well. In Scott Pawson we have a true
Club man who is already a fine coach and will only get better with Steve’s experience around
him in future seasons.
To my fellow manager, Ron Vette, and physio Emma Hewat thanks for your efforts this
season. Your efforts go a long way to ensuring the team performs to the best of its abilities.
Thanks to my brother Nigel Turner for his assistance while I was out of action with my knee
during the season.
A big thank you to David Browne Contracting for continued sponsorship of the team for
2013. We were also able to secure a further sponsorship from Lonestar Café and Bar (Trevor
Casey), Resource Recycling (Terry McDonald), Lichfield International (Andrew Shipley and
Geoff Alcock) and Bayleys Real Estate (Steve and Belinda Ellis). This collective sponsorship
enables us to provide everything the team needs for the season, and we are extremely grateful
for the support.
Looking forward to 2014 – a repeat of this season would be nice!
Wayne Turner
MANAGER