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Welcome to the latest newsletter keeping you in touch with the news from within the Christchurch Football Club.

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From the Sideline

13 April 2024

Sumner 37. Christchurch 35.  

First game of the new season and a good day for footie. Cool conditions, dry underfoot.

Good crowd with a good number of supporters from Christchurch scattered about.

Christchurch with 8 debutants and Zach Landon-Lane, one of the most experienced, playing his 20th match his blazer game.

Sumner had a number of their very good Colt’s side from the last few years starting in their ranks also. Two sides rebuilding. The stage was set.

Little did we know there were going to be more swings and roundabouts than at a children’s playground.

The lead changed no fewer than on eight occasions.

Sumner drew first blood inside 5 minutes, when with a slick backline move from inside 40 metres they went over in the right-hand corner.

Christchurch took a little time to settle but after 10 minutes, outstanding second five Oscar Bennett, charged down a kick outside the Sumner 22, regathered and went under the posts.

At the 23-minute mark Sumner had a player yellow carded and shortly after Christchurch lost their half back and co-captain Mitch Barry with a shoulder injury.

This sparked Christchurch into life and after a period of dominance, and managing to hang on to the ball they scored two very good tries. The first after a good scrum and a series of rucks, the second soon after from a good lineout drive and the ball spun out to Bennett who brushed off his opposite, and crashed through another tackle to go over under the post.

Christchurch at this stage were out to a handy 21-7 lead.

However, Sumner were not done. In the space of 10 minutes leading up to half time, they dined out on a number of Christchurch errors, a lost ball at a ruck, a couple of missed tackles and a dropped ball near their 22 from a Sumner clearing kick all contributing to three well taken tries off these errors, none of which were converted to put them back in front 22-21 It seemed half time could not come quick enough. The Axemen on the sideline were reaching into their pockets for their pills.

Christchurch came back with some urgency after the break, and after some good mauling and driving near the line Landon-Lane (2) went over for a well-deserved try…

Christchurch then converted a penalty.

Not long after however another error from Christchurch, losing the ball from a lineout, Sumner pounced and drove to the line for a good try.

It was all happening, and the scores were tied 29-29 at this stage with about 10 minutes to go, Christchurch substituted their 6, 7 and 2. Another Christchurch penalty 32-29

5 minutes remaining and it became a bit helter skelter. Sumner put a kick up, gathered the bounce and after a ruck went the blind down the right. An important tackle was missed, and they were over wide out. Conversion missed, Sumner in front 34-32 Christchurch came back and were nearly over themselves, being held up with some desperate defence near the line. However, they were awarded a penalty from wideout and with 2 minutes remaining decided to take the shot. Jackson Taylor the fullback who had kicked well all day slotted a very good goal. ‘Whew”. Or so we thought. 35-34 Christchurch in front. One minute remaining. Sumner to kick off. Christchurch only needing to hang on to the ball. However we lost it somehow, Sumner grabbed it and Jack Kneebone (4) who had a very good game otherwise was yellow carded for an infringement.

Penalty to Sumner almost on halfway, in front. Last act of the game. The decision hanging on the result. They decided to take the shot to win the game.

Up stepped a kicker who had not previously taken a shot at goal during the whole game.

He didn’t miss. Sumner 37-35.

Heartbreaking, but in fairness to Sumner they pulled off something special with that kick to win the match.

Christchurch Boys can hold their heads high. There were many good aspects to their game. A lot to work on, but certainly promising from what we witnessed on the sideline.

The eighty minutes was certainly better than anything produced last season.

IN SUMMARY:

The lineouts whilst still needing work, were better. The scrum had its moments of dominance. Loose forward trio of Tither (first game). Lawry and Jamie Carr worked well together. Carr making some strong carries.

Jack Kneebone need not blame himself for what led to the penalty. He had a very strong game both in attack and defence playing lock.

Dominic Brankin showed he has made the shift to a higher level with his work around the park. Zach Landon-Lane at 2 had an outstanding game. In the thick of everything. Rolling his sleeves up with a ‘Follow me boys’ attitude.

The loss of half back Mitch Barry was felt, more for his experience.

However, Logan Roberts when he came on made the most of his time. A good break around the fringe nearly resulting in what would have been possibly a match winning try.

Josh Carr in his first game showed he has the talent to be a big asset going forward.

Jack Caunter (11) on the wing was busy around the field. Looking for work. On the other wing Malo Luteru found nothing came his way.

The star of the backline was Oscar Bennett at second five. Two well taken tries and strong in the carry. He would however have been disappointed with one missed tackle which led to points.

Jackson Taylor did all asked of him at fullback and kicked well.

Hamish Jones looks a player of promise at first five. We didn’t see much of whether he has a kicking game, but he linked well and tackled well.

These lads will only get better, without getting too carried away, it looks promising.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

It doesn’t matter at what pace you go, as long as you don’t stop.

‘ Give em the Axe”

“ Run until you are buggered and then increase the pace,”

David Stuthridge

Sponge

Premier Womens Match Report

It was a slippery, soggy day that welcomed the Christchurch Women to Bob Deans field to take on High School Old Boys for the first game of the 2024 season. 

With 11 debutants set to take the field, the start from Christchurch was a bit wobbly, as the girls found their feet in the mud and connections began to form. Some big hits up front from the forwards, namely Kalesi Taga and newly minted centre-turned-number 8 Kilisitina Vea gave the backs the platform to start running some moves and fullback/touch-nationals weapon Manea Waaka scooted around the outside to touch down for the first points of the game. 

The wet weather had an impact, and as one dropped ball turned into many dropped balls from both sides, scrums became a pivotal feature of the game. After what felt like the 50th pack down, one prop (naming no names…me) muttered “the bloody backs are doing the next one”. However, Christchurch held well in the first half, and with some front row changes from HSOB in the second half being to their detriment, we began to assert some dominance, pushing over for several scrum penalties.  

Two pick-and-goes across the line from HSOB put their points on the board but it wasn’t enough as Christchurch continued to rev engines. Halfback Caitlin Sears ducked and weaved through the HSOB defence to take her five points and winger Liadh Broughton skipped down the sideline from halfway without so much of a touch to take a try. A quick-thinking charge down near the line by Kalesi Taga set up Kilisitina Vea to crash over and Caitlin’s boot did the rest, converting three to finish the game at 26-10. 

Next up is Lincoln at home, and with some heavy hitters sure to be back out on the field (aka, Steph Te Ohaere-Fox fresh from celebrating a Blues Aupiki win), it’ll be a solid battle to witness. See you there! 

Nina Poletti

Axemen and Colts

Old Members meet the new.

This season The Axeman’s Club have adopted the Colts team, as part of their sponsorship agreement, twenty individual Axemen generously sponsored an individual jersey number.

Last Thursday night the club hosted both the Axeman Club and this season’s Colts side for a get to know each other function.

The night was introduced by our President Jerry Rowberry, Jerry gave an insight into the club’s history, he was followed by an interesting address by Craig “Hitman” Armstrong, Chairman of The Axeman Club, Craig had prepared himself well detailing the history and origins of “Axeman” and the “Axe”.

Everyone then witnessed a performance of the “Give 'em the Axe” chant, led by Jerry and Craig, this chant maybe adopted by the Colts for the season. 

The Colts were then presented their team playing jerseys by the individual Axemen sponsor’s.

It was very heartwarming to witness The Axeman and the Colts team mixing together over a meal and drink. You could hear many a good story being told by the oldies but equally I know they were genuinely engaged with the team members.

This was a night that was thoroughly enjoyed by all, which will lead to The Axeman Club members supporting the team and players from the sideline, and importantly in the clubrooms after match.

Bob's Word

It was with much excitement that we returned to a brand-new rugby season but alas as we have all come to know high expectations can bite you in the bum.

Sadly, last Saturday proved to be no exception with all three of my beloved Red and Black teams faltering agonisingly close at the final hurdle. In fact, I can’t remember when both Div One and The Crusaders lost in the final second of the match virtually on the same day. Gutting! 

With the coat, gloves and scarf packed, along with a thermos and packet of Scroggin I undertook the trek to St Leonard’s Square stopping for the very first time at the very picturesque McCormack’s Bay ground (not) and gritted my teeth to weather our old friend the ‘dreaded easterly’ who came out especially to welcome us to footy 2024. Who should be the very first CFC supporter I encountered ,none other than 90-year-old Life Member Mac Ferguson who had escaped the confines of Starlagg 13 (Arvida) and was out to enjoy an afternoon of CFC footy and some fine comradery to boot.Not to mention that he joined us for an ale or two at sponsor Max Bremner’s The Good Home at Ferrymead after match along with several other CFC supporters whom I'm pleased to say have been joined by Mitch Barry, Jackson Taylor and Dom Brankin’s parents.

Getting back to McCormack’s Bay. The next supporter I happened to bump into was catch of Div Two Kyle Brewer’s grandmother Gail who just never misses a Div Two game. What a superstar.

Anyway back to the rugby. Neither Div One who showed great improvement, or The Crusaders should not have lost. Simple. Both snatched defeat from the teeth of victory and both were very guilty of keeping the opposition in the game in what were two very similar fixtures. 

Onwards and upwards, home to Shirley who we owe big time.

It will also be good to see the Axeman Colts kick their season off v Linwood at home on field 3.

See you Saturday.

Give Em The Axe.

Bob

Congratulations Steph Te Ohaere-Fox

A big congratulations to our amazing Rugby Development Officer for firstly getting the call-up to join the Blues Aupiki Squad, and then to the Blues team for making the final and taking out the title of Champions.

As always you continue to make the club proud Steph!

Thank you

The club has a number of thank you's to make to sponsors and members of the club.

Firstly, to Andy Scally (Prem Reserve player) from Scally Electrical Ltd for putting up the lights in the changing shed, this has made such a huge difference!

Secondly to Mitch Barry (Prem Mens player) and his dad Bill Barry from Independent Flooring for fixing the carpet in the main clubrooms and restaurant. This has been a hazard that is fantastic to have sorted!

And lastly to Placemakers Christchurch for supporting grass roots rugby. They supplied timber which was used to make new goal posts at our Westminster Park fields, these will be used by both senior and junior teams for years to come!

The club appreciates the support we receive from members and sponsors, and if there is ever anything a member could support the club with, we would love for you to reach out to any staff members to let us know.

Junior Rugby

Things are really starting to move ahead in the junior section, registrations are now closed with good numbers coming through.

Weigh-in was held last week, and a team forming night last night ensuring children are placed into teams as requested to the best of our ability.

Things will start to roll on as the season starts on the 11th of May, with team information going out to coaches and gear collection to be organised.

Can't wait for the season to start!

Also, this week some of our CFC14-17yr old girls have been lucky enough to train at the club with Vicki Logopati-Campbell and Angie Sisifa, absolute legends in the growth of the girls and women's area of rugby with years of experience themselves.

Lucy Jenkins came down to add some extra support and knowledge - always great to have players come back to support younger generations within the club.

Congratulations Tony Penny

A big congratulations to Axeman and former Premier Men’s half back of the 70’s Tony Penny. 

Tony has been selected in the NZ Men’s Over 70 Veterans cricket team to compete at the Inaugural Over 70’s World Cup being held in England late July early August this year.

70 has a certain ring about it😂

The event will be held around the town of Windsor. Apparently accommodation is all booked at Windsor Castle, so the team will be staying in Slough.

Tony who is a wicketkeeper batsman recently played in the very first Over 70’s tournament held in NZ at the Petone Recreation ground with fellow CFC members (Life Member) Kit Chambers and myself. We were all in the Mainland team which was a mix of Canterbury and Otago players.

Three games were played against Wellington, Auckland and Districts.Tony ended up with a batting average the same as Sir Donald Bradman. 99.He scored 99 runs for twice not out giving him this remarkable average. Sir Don would be proud. He also had an excellent tournament with the gloves.

Photo shows Tony and the team sitting around at the recreation ground. A ground familiar to some from old rugby days.We wish him well and trust that the body holds up after 2 weeks of cricket.

David Stuthridge

Sponge

Book this Venue

If you are a business that is looking for a central conference venue or meeting space with full catering and motel units, Christchurch Football Club is the perfect place! Members discount available.

Please contact: Jen Muller 021 0222 7810

Article added: Monday 22 April 2024