Community day raises funds for changing shed repairs

RUGBY

The Kaikohe RFC took advantage of hosting two age grade games in the regional Blues competition at Lindvart Park on Saturday by continuing its long-term fundraiser to complete the rebuild of its fire-damaged changing sheds .

While the North Zone 14s and 16s sides were beaten by their Auckland and North Harbour rivals respectively, the games were likely overshadowed by a massive day of activities organised around the two games.

Events included kicking and sprint competitions, along with food stalls and Thomas the Tank Engine train rides for the kids.

Behind the day's events was Cheryl Smith, acting as a Kaikohe RFC stalwart and her day job as Sport Northland's Mid North community sport adviser. Cheryl said the day was a massive success on all fronts.

"Everything we raised went towards the rebuild of our changing sheds. Auckland and North Harbour were blown away with the ground, how well it was presented, and the community atmosphere."

Saturday concluded with a dinner as a way of thanking the many local volunteers who had pitched in over the past year to help Kaikohe RFC; followed by a dance with a live band which went to late in the night.

"It was all geared towards trying to get rugby back to what it used to be here," said Cheryl, adding the day wouldn't have been possible without the support of local businesses and the Northland Rugby Union for sponsoring cash and product as prizes, and Kaikohe West School for providing the sound system.

"Overall it was a great community day."