Waikohu stalwart 'Starr' Rutene, back in the day. File picture
WAIKOHU celebrate their 100-year anniversary with an official dinner at the club rooms after tomorrow’s premier match against country neighbours Ngatapa at Te Karaka.
Aon Waikohu skipper Geoff Pari said while it was a celebration, the occasion would be tinged with sadness after the death of much-loved and respected club and community stalwart “Starr” Rutene last Saturday.
“We’d love nothing better than to honour Starr with a win,” said the former Ngatapa hooker, who returned to the club this year to help Tahi Hiroki’s newly promoted side.
“There’s going to be a lot of emotion among the boys and we need to keep that in check, but this one is for Starr,” said Pari.
Coach Hiroki agreed.
“I’m sure Starr will be looking down on us, wanting everything to go well on and off the field. He’ll be there in spirit.
“Starr was so involved in making the weekend a success, with former players being invited to come along and reminisce — share memories of the times they played together.
“We’ve got an under-7 rugby team and they’ll be playing against Ngatapa, and we’ve also invited the Ngatapa u12s to be a curtain-raiser against YMP u12s.
“Everyone’s looking forward to the day and, of course, the premier game, against a Ngatapa side who are on a roll.”
Hiroki said training earlier in the week took a back seat to Starr’s tangi on Wednesday.
“There’s a lot of sadness, especially for close family and friends, including his moko Hayden and Tristen, who will be playing tomorrow.
“I think the emotion got the better of all the players last week (a 26-18 loss to HSOB) and we all know Starr would want us to focus on beating Ngatapa.”
Waihoku need to lift gameWaikohu trailed HSOB 20-2 after a flat start last week and Hiroki said they could not afford the same again tomorrow.
“Ngatapa have been the form side of the second and third rounds and they’ll be confident after putting 70 points on Pirates last week.”
Larsawn Ngatapa coach Will Faulks said it was an honour to play Waikohu on its centenary and in memory of Starr.
“We’re under no illusions of how hard it will be out there tomorrow,” Faulks said. “Waikohu have been a great addition to the premier competition this year and hopefully will remain so for many years.
“From a Ngatapa point of view, we have to put emotion aside and work on continuing to improve each week.
“Every game from here on will be critical as we head towards the play-offs. We need to be able to win games like this if we’re to have a chance come the business end of the season.
“We’ll be looking for a massive game from our forwards and need this to start from the opening whistle. Also our defensive line speed and communication needs to be better than it was against Pirates.”
Chris Richardson, who made his premier debut for Ngatapa in 2011, will play his 75th game for the green and whites.
“It’s great to see Chris has stuck with the club even though he works in Tolaga Bay now,” said Faulks.
Richardson is one of a number of unsung heroes in a side shaping up as serious contenders for the Lee Bros Shield title.
Lock Grant Law is among them. He never fails to give 100 percent.
“He makes a lot of tackles around the rucks and certainly hits more rucks then anyone else in our team,” said Faulks.
“Matt Deans, a hooker, has been turned into a loosie this season and is another who has been consistent. He’s fit, defends well and does a lot of work all over the paddock.
“Pete Livingston has moved out to centre (from first five-eight) this season and has done a great job distributing to the wings.
“He’s also a good defender, who reads a game well."