Welcome to this week’s newsletter!

Code of Conduct & Core Values Reminder

Especially around Respect, in particular when using and visiting our clubrooms. We all need to take pride in our amazing facilities, not many clubs have the incredible facilities we can proudly say we do. To ensure they stay at that level we ask that you be mindful of cleaning up after yourselves, no rugby boots or muddy shoes/gumboots inside the club. The upstairs area is restricted and only children accompanied by a staff member are allowed upstairs in exceptional circumstances. We have had children throwing things from the balcony area and climbing, which is a serious health and safety concern.

We have also had incidents in the bathroom too, with taps being left on, drains being plugged with toilet paper and other tolieting issues which nobody should have to clear up!

Parents MUST be responsible for their children and ACTIVELY supervise them. Unfortunately, over the past few weeks we have had numerous incidents of furniture, games, people and facilities not being respected and very young children throwing food, dropping rubbish, and generally making a mess. 

We are a predominently volunteer community and we ALL need to take care and look after our facilities. If we see incidents where children in particular are not actively managed, or facilities are not being respected, the club will need to take further action.

We know that the vast majority of our families do respect our facilities, but please can we all work together to make sure these incidents stop and if you see something that needs attending to or cleaned - please let club officials or staff know promptly!

ALL BLACKS CLUB NIGHT

Was great to catch up with two CFC players that play for the All Blacks - Dallas McLeod and Will Jordan.

We were lucky enough to host the All Blacks Club Night this week. Was an incredible opportunity to be a part of, experiencing some of the team bonding they do and being able to provide them with the space to do this.

Both Dallas and Will were so happy to hear they have Under 6 teams named after them!

Give 'em the axe this weekend boys!

BAR OPENING HOURS –      Fri 4^th 5pm-9pm

Sat 5^th 10am-late

We have a number of games being played this weekend including Friday and Saturday nights.

This Friday we have all CFC Under 7 teams playing at 5:15pm followed by the CFC U9 Panthers vs CFC U9 Eagles playing at 6:15pm.

The Bar will be open from 10am on Saturday morning for hot food and drink, and the All Blacks game will be playing on the big screen at 2:35pm, so bring the family along!

As per usual the Eat Food Truck will be available through the bar for all your food needs and the bar will be open!

CFC WEEKLY DRAWS

Official link to the Junior Draws click here

Official link to the Senior Draws click here
 

CHAIRMAN'S PROFILE

Recently appointed CFC Chairman, Craig Calder may need no introduction to many of the older members of the club as he has been a member for over 44 years.

Craig was a former player, having played well over 270 games mainly in the Second Grade and a handful of Senior games. He also coached Under 19’s, and Colts, was an active referee for over 20 years, only hanging up the whistle in 2020 after refereeing an Under 15 Girls game, finding himself off the pace with the girls.

Craig served as Club Captain for 4 years, Chairman of the Christchurch Park Opening Celebrations and has been previously CFC Chairman for four years, interrupted by a management work secondment to the Sunshine Coast for 10 months.

He was also the CFC Representative on the CRFU Metro Board for 3 years.

For the past 7 years Craig was CEO of the South Canterbury Rugby Football Union, a time he is extremely proud of, having won the Meads Cup for the past two years and being instrumental in the leading the $8.8 million redevelopment project of Fraser Park, due for competition in February 2024.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time with South Canterbury Rugby. I was fortunate to have a very professional, talented, and supportive board My involvement on several NZR working groups really exposed me to the challenges rugby faces today. Representing the Heartland unions as their chairman was an honor as was being part of the Silverlake negotiations."

“My fondest memories were being involved as a PU shareholder in the Crusaders, I know they got sick of me asking questions and challenging their thinking. It was a privilege to be part of their family”.

Craig looks forward to facing the challenges the Christchurch Football Club has, commenting that the great work and personal commitment the previous Chairman Viv de Beus has made.

“Viv has handed over a very sound board structure and strategic plan, I am committed to ensuring these plans are implemented and will focus on continually improving ourselves as a club and as a business”.

Craig noted how well run and supported the strong Junior and Netball sections are, he believes the board must urgently focus on setting strategic priorities for the club, on and off the field, and to ensure our business and club lives within their means.

Craig is currently contracted to the CRFU to manage the North Canterbury Rugby Sub Union and some commercial development work. He will be a hands-on Chairman as time allows.

FROM THE SIDELINE

PREMIER MENS REPORT – SEMI FINAL

29^th July 2023

CFC Nomads v Marist Albion

Christchurch Park

FT 18-0

A great day for footy and a big crowd turned out at Christchurch Park to support both teams.
Marist played into the breeze and had the better of the opening exchanges, being rewarded with 5 penalties in the first 15 minutes.
Christchurch hung in there absorbing the pressure with some solid defence.
At the 26 minute mark Christchurch win a lineout and drive to within metres of Marist line near the corner. Half back Nick Annear sensed the space on the blind and sent Blake Thompson over in the corner for a good try.
Shortly after from a scrum on the Marist 22 an attempted clearance from their fly half was charged down by the Christchurch No 8 and was picked up by lively half back Nick Annear who had some work to do to get it down for a good try. This was converted.
Christchurch had one last fling when they went wide just before half time but were out in the corner.
The Christchurch scrum was becoming very dominant, Chris King, Simon Forrest and Hamish Kirkpatrick all featuring. An ominous sign for Marist.

Ten minutes after the break Christchurch received the first of two yellow cards issued against them. This along with a high penalty count started to hurt. The Marist backs looked dangerous, but good scrambling defence was Christchurch’s saviour. After 15 minutes a good run again from Annear found the ever alert William Mills who carried the ball forward earning a penalty which was converted.

Shortly after; injuries to Marist props resulted in game going to Golden Oldie scrums.
This obviously helped Marist somewhat, as the ChCh scrummaging had been taking a toll.
Another yellow card and a serious knee injury to outstanding 7 Kieran Kite didn’t help Christchurch’s cause in the last 20 minutes.
It would be fair to say that Marist dominated this period, coming back strong, but the well organised Christchurch defence held strong. Marist’s No 6 and 8 made some strong runs during this period ably backed up by evergreen No 2 Ronan O’Gorman.
A minute to go after absorbing all the pressure Christchurch were awarded a penalty from a reasonable distance out and Blake Thompson duly converted.
A tough but rewarding win.
 

It would be fair to say territorially, and possession wise Marist Albion had the better of the game, but hat’s off to the Christchurch defence. Their fearsome tackling held strong. A big penalty count against them also did not help, and obviously that facet will be a work on this week for the final.  The count was 16 to Marist. 9 to Christchurch.
Blake Thompson made a good fist of fly half duties. William Mills got good ball in the lineout. Sam Lentjes was strong around the park. The loose forwards, Kite and Poff tackled to a standstill and the No 8  Te Rangi-Whatuira made some impressive charges with the ball. Nick Annear was superb at half back, reading the game well and giving his backs time with his accurate passes.
Christchurch will now go into their second consecutive final this weekend at Lincoln University. Last year was tough, a game they should have won after a great comeback.
What they have achieved in 3 years, Previously Div 3 has been outstanding.

Get down to support them this weekend in what should be a cracker of a game. They deserve it. A trophy is on the line for our Club.

On another note wouldn’t it be great to see one of our own Dallas McLeod darn his first All Black cap this weekend against the Wallabies. If he get’s on the field we all hope he does well.  Does he ever have a poor game? We are right behind you Dallas. Let’s hope he is in the midfield, the spot he seems most comfortable with.
Great to see the All Black’s really starting to fire.
 

I believe this is in no small part to Joe Schmidt’s influence on the team. Richie Mounga has already made reference to the influence he has had on his game.
Another great player who believe’s in Joe, none other than the great Brian O’Driscoll.
In his book “The Test” he writes of Schmidt.
“I’ve never seen a coach show such massive attention to detail, or one with a smart rugby brain. Joe works so hard and prepares so well, that he makes you feel that he is always right.  He can be Mr Nice guy, but he can be ruthlessly honest when he needs to be. He rarely shouts, but his words can be lethal. He can cut you down in an instant and the pitch of his voice doesn’t need to rise or fall.
He’s a player’s coach, because he notices what you do. He can remember a move from 10 years ago, and why it was successful. If you are a workhorse doing your best stuff unseen by almost everyone, he knows you have done the work. If you do something seven phases before a try is scored and no one is giving you credit for, he gives you credit. And he stores it. A green tick in the box by your name.  A reason that you belong in the team.
If I challenge him, I know I need excellent backup for my argument.
My trust in him is enormous. He has a freshness about him that is exciting. A way of talking that commands respect.
He expects high standards all the time- complete understanding of the game plan, what it means for every player, whether you are on the ball or twenty metres away.
He makes little tweaks in a backline play, and all of a sudden an opposition defence opens up in front of you, and you look over at him and he is smiling.
New ideas, new plays, subtleties that demand absolute attention to detail.”

How is that for a wrap.  Maybe, just maybe the All Blacks are a big chance at this year’s World Cup. He obviously complements Ian Foster and Jason Ryan quite well methinks!

Finally a big thank you to John Sherratt and his coaching/management team for their efforts this season. Whilst results didn’t go quite so well, it was basically a very young new team. Sure, they got a few hidings but they also competed pretty well with some very good teams at times. Those young players will be better for the experience and hopefully with some good recruiting, we will be better for it next season.

“Go the Nomads”
“Run until you are buggered and then increase the pace.”
“Give em the Axe,”

David Stuthridge
Sponge
 

RUGBY REPORTS

PREMIER REPORT

15^th July 2023

CFC Premier Mens v Sumner Tsunami

Christchurch Park

FT 19-25

Unfortunately our Premier Mens side went down to Belfast for their last game of the season. Belfast scoring first to put first points on the board.  Christchurch was then to reply with the boot of Mitch Barry with a couple of impressive 50M kicks to help get in front. A red card to one of the Belfast players after some foul play off the ball saw Belfast lose a prop 20 min in.  Another card, this time yellow to Belfast saw them go to un-contested scrums and down to 13, although Christchurch didn't capitalize on the numbers down and couldn't seem to get over the line with strong defence from Belfast.

Charlee Barrett dotting down for Christchurch in his Blazer game and the only try of the match, however not long after being sent off with a Blue card after an unfortunate head knock close to the line.

Massive effort from the boys and onwards and upwards to next year.

Thanks to all coaches and management for sticking with such a tough season.

We look forward to seeing you come back bigger and stronger next year.

Big Congratulations to Charlee on his Blazer game although not the result you wanted a cheeky meat pie is pretty awesome.

Stephanie Te Ohaeare-Fox

Rugby Development Officer

DIV 3 CHOPPERS’ REPORT

15^th July 2023

CFC Choppers v Suburbs Sinners

Hoon Hay

FT 38-21

This week saw us drawn against the Suburb Sinners out at Hoon Hay Park.  A game that they needed to win in order to guarantee a spot in the Championship play-offs.  For us we had already secured our place in the Plate play-offs but we, as always, were keen to give it a go to try and disrupt the competition.

With all the rain we had been blessed with of late the field out at Hoon Hay was pretty heavy underfoot.  It was more like running up a soft sand dune in the middle of summer or trying to swim through a pot of treacle.  The legs were burning pretty early doors in this game.

In the warm up it looked like we were only going to have 15 players for the day but thankfully we had a few late arrivals so subs definitely came into play.  Having limited numbers pre match does however influence the warm up and cohesion of the team leading into the game.

We started the game receiving the ball and made some good metres off the kick off, unfortunately the Sinners were very quick at the breakdown and forced a turnover kicking into touch just inside our 22.  We managed to win the ball back after the ref spotted their canny attempt at not making the 5.  A bit of confusion in the middle led to us taking the lineout option and shortly after the Sinners were over for their first try.  Not the best start to the game but after all the Choppers are a second half team.  If we had all the fun in the first half we’d be top of the table and nobody wants that, right?

Their centre pairing seemed to like running it up the middle and to our credit, given the size of these guys, we defended that pretty well.  You can see why they were in the position of fighting for a top 4 finish with their ball play.

Leading into half time the game was very evenly poised at 14-15 in their favour and we had a really good chance of spoiling their party.  They also had to play with one player down for 10 minutes after repeated high tackles finally got the ref offside.

We didn’t make the most of the numerical advantage at the start of the second half when we had a couple of chances but failed to run it through the hands when supporting players were on the outside, raring to go.  This happened on two occasions in pretty quick succession where we most probably would have got over the line, but we didn’t and they turned it over.  Some score board pressure would have been interesting to see as you often find in this grade that when things aren’t going the way of the opposition you really can get on top of them quite quickly.

Play of the day was a beautiful try by Stitches, running out on the wing but it was all down to Spitty, who was our first five for the day, who had a draw and pass to Stitches who dotted down in the corner.

The highlight of the day came late in the game, after I’d been subbed.  I was standing next to Panda’s son when he simply stated: “I thought my dad said he was fast!”  I’ve only just stopped laughing.

In the end the Sinners ran out winners and secured their play-off spot in the top 4.

This week sees us in the Plate semi-final against Marist and we are anticipating another tough match but are keen to do the club proud and get through to the finals.

P.S.  I think we might have won another crate at the weekend…..

WHO ARE WE

CHOPPERS

Jez Cowburn

JUNIOR CORNER

Hope everyone had a relaxing break over the school holidays and has enjoyed getting back into rugby for the second part of the seasont!

We had plenty still happening at the club over the break with a number of tournament teams coming, including over the Matariki weekend where we had two teams from Sydney coming to play our U12 mixed team and U13 mixed team.

All the kids involved had a fantastic day and we always love getting to meet people from other clubs!

Last weekend was the second weekend back and we had our Under 6 grades playing on Friday Nights under Lights, this is always an exciting opportunity for all teams involved. This Friday will be a chance for our Under 7 grades and two of our Under 9 grades.

Its always a bit of a juggle with older grades trying to get other clubs teams down for the Friday nights but we will always do our best to make it happen.

As always we are so fortunate to have the Eat Food Truck operating out of our kitchen providing all club members with fantastic food.

They have a great range of food available, and if you haven’t tried it yet, you definitely need to pop down and taste the amazing food provided!

See you there!!

GILBERT APPAREL – ONLINE STORE NOW OPEN!

Our online store can be accessed here

Article added: Thursday 03 August 2023