Unsung hero wins big

Peter Semmens - the Masterton Red Star rugby club president and grassroots stalwart - has just won two tickets to the biggest game of the year.

The prize was part of a competition run by Coca-Cola to find and reward the country's top four unsung rugby heroes. The package includes return flights for two to Auckland, two tickets to the final on October 23, accommodation for two in Auckland, return transfers to Eden Park and $250 to spend.

"To win a Rugby World Cup 2011 ticket is amazing," he said. "I never dreamt that I'd be going to the final."

Semmens was given the prize by former All Black Josh Kronfeld and TV presenter Drew Neemia, who surprised him at his Masterton home.

Semmens has been involved with the Masterton Red Star Rugby Club for 26 years, first as a player, then referee, then as a senior and junior coach.

In 2006 he took over as chairman of the junior (JAB) team with the vision of creating a family-orientated club. During the past few years, he has increased the number of junior players from 72 to over 200.

He has also helped to raise an amazing $50,000 for the renovation of the clubrooms, and organised working bees to spruce up the grounds. He has just become the president of the senior club.

Coca-Cola spokesman Brid Drohan-Stewart said: "After much deliberation, the final four winners stood out as being truly exceptional due to their contribution to grass-roots rugby."