Brothers in arms for Chrisp’s 150th

Ngatapa diehard Campbell Chrisp on the charge against Waikohu in a Poverty Bay Premier club rugby game last year. Front-rower Chrisp will play his 150th Premier game for the green and whites tomorrow, adding that accolade to the 58 caps he has amassed for Poverty Bay including the recent King’s Birthday Weekend derby against Ngāti Porou East Coast. And fittingly, he will bring up the milestone at his home ground of Paddy’s Park in Patutahi and alongside his three brothers. Pictures by Paul Rickard

Reaching 50 caps is an honour, hitting 100 is a dream but prop Campbell Chrisp will be celebrating an even greater milestone tomorrow.

Chrisp will wear the green and white jersey of Larsawn Ngatapa for the 150th time at Premier level and what venue better than his home ground of Paddy’s Park at Patutahi.

He will be joined by his four brothers in the Senior 1 match against Nuhaka at 1pm then  will play his 150th Premier game in front of a home crowd of family and supporters when Larsawn Ngatapa take on Enterprise Cars OBM.

Ngatapa captain Dan Law said 150 games was a massive effort.

“Considering we only play 10 round-robin games these days, that’s a huge commitment to one club,” Law said.

“Campbell has been a huge presence around the club, including being an active committee member.”

Chrisp said this is special, in particular lacing up with brothers Angus, Hamish and Alex for the first time.

“We have all played at various times,” Chrisp said. “I played with all three of them at different occasions, played with two, played with anaother two, but it’s never been all four of us. Even the other three have played together.”

Chrisp has played with a huge number of players over the years, along with various coaches and management in amassing a record only Sione Ngatu and Jason Jones have  achieved at the club.

“I’m surprised I got there and it’s pretty special. Reflecting back on the last 149 games, it’s been good fun and I have enjoyed it . . .  great club.

“I think this week I have been reflecting back on all the various teams and different Ngatapa crews I have played with and all the different players.”

In 2013, after only two seasons with the Premier team, he was named captain and led the side the last time they won the Lee Bros Shield. They beat YMP 22-8 in the final, with Chrisp scoring a try.

A 10-year reunion of that team is to be held. Chrisp is the only member still playing.

“I would really like to thank Ngatapa Rugby and Associated Sports Club. They have done a lot to make sure it is easier for me to run out every week. I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”

He is also grateful for the support of his family and friends.

“Sometimes you’re like ‘oh I don’t know if I’m enjoying it anymore’ and friends or family push you through it to get you to the next game and back into the enjoyment of it.”

James Law was  the water boy for Ngatapa in the 2013 final.

“Now I’ve just about played 50 games with him.”

There is a special place in Chrisp’s heart for his supportive parents — mother Catherine and father Doug.

“Dad played for Ngatapa and for Poverty Bay as prop. I was actually a loose forward for most of my rugby life until I came back to Ngatapa and then moved into the front row. Dad helped me out there and it was really special to be able to play with him and our cousins, the Laws.”

Chrisp’s 150th tie-earning game is against second-placed OBM, who lost to Waikohu last weekend — only their second loss of the season — and will be on the hunt to regain momentum.

No.8 and captain Rikki Terekia has been in top form this season. He scored two tries in last weekend’s match and is a wrecking ball on attack. Ngatapa will need to contain him.

There are only two matches left in Round 2,.

The Oval features another double header as Earthwork Solutions High School Old Boys take on GT Shearing Waikohu and Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates host table-toppers East Coast Farm Vets YMP.

Pirates have improved dramatically over the season under the guidance of coach Anthony Kiwara .

It culminated last weekend with their first win of the season against a resilient HSOB side.

But they are in for probably their toughest match yet  tomorrow as YMP have been outstanding — unbeaten in all eight games and having earned maximum points from each.

The defending champions have gone from strength to strength and it will take something special to dethrone them.

Waikohu have gained momentum at the right end of the season after reversing their 36-22 Round 1 loss to OBM.

It is likely that the sides will meet again in the semifinals so last Saturday’s win has  enhanced belief in the men from Te Karaka.

Utility back Ethine Reeves has been in great touch.  He was the match-winner last weekend, scoring a 79th-minute try to secure the lead and knocking over the conversion for a 24-19 victory.

Waikohu are up against a HSOB side who showed some brilliance last weekend against  Pirates despite being on the wrong end of the scoreline.

Their performance will have boosted their confidence and development as they look to build and ultimately rekiindle their glory days.

They have walked a hard road this season but more players are stepping up and taking charge.

In the Senior 1 competition, OBM have pulled out of the competition.

They would have played  Horouta but they now have a bye.

The feature match is a top-of-the-table clash between Tapuae and Charteris Choppers Wairoa Athletic at 1.30pm in Tapuae.