Sumner Rugby - Senior Club News

Club day finally rolled around at St Leonards as the Wave hosted New Brighton in the Battle of the Beaches. The inclusion of halfback Justin Marshall in the Wave team was an obvious lift to the boys, and the bumper crowd was in a buoyant mood all day.

The home side started with passion and enthusiasm, and it was flanker Tom Gilmour who scored the first points of the clash, crossing for his fourth try of the season. Mark Chester converted and the Wave was off to a good start.

Brighton warmed into their work and were the next to post points, before the Wave answered with another of their own, Shane Cowles scoring from a perfectly executed lineout move in a carbon copy of his five-pointer against Old Boys the week before.

Chesters accurate boot saw the hosts ahead 15-5 before James Short, in his last outing before heading home, crossed for Sumners third try of the half.

Leading 22-5 at the start of the second spell Chester soon increased the margin to 25-5. However these were to be the last points the Wave scored as Brighton fought bravely and edged back into the game, scoring two more tries themselves. The difference at the end of the day lay with the goal kickers as Brightons pivot David Cattermole failed to capitalise on several opportunities.

Sumner held on to prevail 25-17, their eighth win on the trot and their first in Division One against their sea-side rivals. The match was marred somewhat by the potentially career-ending injury to Brighton stalwart Jamyn Keats, who again broke his arm. The Sumner man of the match was barn-storming Number 8 Ginho Haurua, whose power from the back of the scrum and his uncompromising defence were crucial to putting the Wave on the front foot. Sumner are now guaranteed a finish in the top half of the competition, undoubtedly exceeding all expectations in their inaugural year in the top flight while Brighton end their season bottom of the middle 4, having failing to carry on from an unbeaten run through the first round of the season. This week the Wave face High School Old Boys for the third time this year, to decide 5^th and 6^th places. With only one point separating the teams in both matches previously the game is sure to be a keenly contested one.

The Wave were at home again on the weekend, and were aiming to keep their momentum going by securing their seventh consecutive victory. Their opponents were Varsity, whom they defeated earlier in the competition 26-23, but the bonus point the students earned that day was enough to push them into the top six for round two, and subsequently deny Sumner a spot.

The energy of Mark Chester, returned after 4 games away, was immediately evident, and the home side started with vigour and enthusiasm. While both teams looked to play an enterprising brand of football, it was Sumner who made the first break-through when Openside flanker Tom Gilmour displayed his soccer skills, toeing the ball through for the first points of the match.

Fellow Englishman James Short, the thorn in Varsitys side the last time the two sides met, then increased the lead, running around under the posts and making Chesters goal-kicking duties that much easier. Varsitys only points of the half came from the ever-reliable boot of first-five Adam Catchpole, whose two coolly taken penalty shots made the halftime score 14-6.

The match failed to turn into the free-flowing affair that the first half had suggested, with the visitors dominating possession, but the Waves resolute defence doing its job. Both teams were reduced to 14 men after a halfway scuffle, the binning of Sumner prop Alex Brown presenting the opportunity for Tyrone Smith to make his 1^st Division debut.

Chester increased Sumners lead to 17-6, but it was Varsity who posted the final score, their persistence finally paying off with a couple of minutes remaining as they crossed for their sole try of the afternoon.

Scotsman Craig Keddie earned a well deserved appearance off the bench as the Sumner side ground out the last few minutes and kept their unbeaten streak alive. Man of the match was Gilmour, while Captain Mark Bacon and lock Lawrence Babe were the runners-up.

Next week is club day at St Leonards, and the Wave face arch rivals New Brighton in the battle of the Beaches. After narrowly losing in round one, Sumner will relish the opportunity to host Brighton, while the visitors motivation will be driven by a desire to get their season back on track. The match kicks off at St Leonards Square at 2:45pm.

The Wave played High School Old Boys this week, in the final match of Round Two. With both teams having secured a spot in the middle four play-offs, there was nothing tangible at stake, but Sumner placed great importance on maintaining the momentum they had created by winning their last five games on the trot.

Unfortunately the field conditions dictated the style of game, as they look set to for the remainder of the year. Old Boys dominated the early stages of the match, competing strongly at, and perhaps getting the better of, the set piece battle. The referee set a staunch standard early, and accurate goal kicking saw Old Boys take a six nil lead.

Then, somewhat against the run of play, electric Englishman James Short produced one of his characteristic kick returns, slicing the Old Boys defence into pieces and beating four or five defenders in the process before off-loading to top try-scorer Reece McCaffrey. With plenty of work still to do, McCaffrey first used his pace, then his strength to power over the line for the games first, and his eighth, try of the season.

The rest of the half was much the same, Old Boys continuing to have the majority of possession and territory, and the officials continuing to be highly visible. Hamish Connell served a ten minute spell in the bin, but the Wave held out the visitors during that stretch, only to concede another three points just prior to the break.

Trailing 9-5 at half-time the coaches emphasised the fact that the match would invariably be a battle of attrition. Some tight tussles in similar conditions over the last few weeks meant the home side had experience in such clashes, and the feeling amongst the boys was good as the second stanza begun.

Old Boys extended their lead to 7 points with another penalty, which was quickly negated by Marc Pringles first points of the match, a well taken penalty shot which made the score 12-8. Perhaps a turning point in the match was the sin-binning of the Old Boys first five, denying them the services of an accurate kicker for ten minutes. Momentum shifted, with Sumner beginning to experience more time in possession and enjoying periods of attack in the opposition half. The break finally came when Sumner executed a sharp lineout move. Having used it twice already, hooker Shane Cowles threw a snappy ball to the very front of the lineout, which was promptly thrown back to him. The bustling hooker took off down the sideline, his fleet footed, mountain-goat run down the flank culminating in a head on collision with the Old Boys cover defence. Cowles determination won out though, and the try was awarded in the corner, the Wave taking the lead for the first time in the match with just three minutes to go.

Up 13-12, the Wave clinically shut out the game, twice winning pressure lineouts, retaining possession to wind down the clock, and kicking intelligently. The final act of the match was an unseemly scuffle which erupted when James Short was targeted, an Old Boys player being binned as a result.

Shane Cowles was a deserved man of the match, while an honorable mention must go to Michael Cavannagh, whose stand-out performance as a stand-in halfback was a prominent feature of the Wave success. The win was Sumners 6^th in a row, and their 8^th from 9 matches. They now play-off for 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th in another round-robin, where they will be joined again by High School Old Boys, as well as Varsity and New Brighton.

Side note As a result of the cancellation of a lot of games on the weekend, Club Day was postponed, and will now by held in a fortnight, on August 7^th.

After five consecutive games on the road, the Wave finally returned to St Leonards Square for their clash against a resurgent Belfast team. Having steadily improved over the course of the season, and coming off two wins, Belfast promised to be tough opposition, while a win for the home side would guarantee a spot in the middle four.

The first 30 minutes was a classic arm-wrestle, with Belfast having the bulk of possession, but Sumners well organised defence remaining staunch. The home side weathered a ten minute period with fourteen men after the sin-binning of Matt Fitzgerald, who was also celebrating his 50^th appearance in Sumner colours.

It was the Wave who were first to capitalise on an opportunity, with top try scorer Reece McCaffrey showing both his blistering pace and his keen instinct for the try-line with his 7^th five-pointer of the year, sending Sumner to the break with a 5-nil lead.

The second half saw the Wave kick away. An early try to fullback Simon Mulholland gave the home team some breathing space with a ten point lead, followed shortly after by Ginho Hauruas first try of the season, successfully converted by Marc Pringle. Mulholland crossed again not long after, and Sumner had blown out to a 24-nil lead.

Belfast showed good heart to continue to battle, and while Sumner looked determined to keep their tryline unbreached the visitors managed to cross with five minutes remaining, just reward for a days hard toil. Man of the match was unsurprisingly Mulholland, with honorable mentions to halfback Phil Whyman and the ever dynamic Openside flanker Tom Gilmour.

The win, Sumners fifth in a row, ensures them a spot in the middle four, where they will be joined by HSOB (who they face this week on club-day), University, and most probably New Brighton, whose undefeated streak through Round One has been cancelled out by three loses on the trot at the business end of the season. Sumner can finish no lower than eighth, an effort many would have scoffed at pre-season. Sumner rugby farewells American prop Tim Kenefic this weekend, who unfortunately has been forced to cut his visit short (again!). Tims contribution to the Wave has been significant, and he will be missed.

All of a sudden we find ourselves nearing the end of another season, and what a season for Sumner Rugby! TheDepth Chargers have had an unusual season so far, never losing by more than 12 points but struggling at times to finish off teams we should hammer! Towards the end of the first round the boys finally started to hit their straps and recorded some solid wins to make the top 6. This was followed by some 'nearly' results giving us bonus points but not the wins we wanted.

We finally showed the rugby were capable of in the 2nd half of the old boys game and carried that same determination to Marist-Albion last weekend, recording a solid win against the 3rd placed team. With the right results in other games and a win ourselves we could still see ourselves playing in the top 4 playoffs for the final round. A real thanks to all the players from Div2, Sharks and Colts who have made the effort to travel to our games and help out (and keep me off the paddock!).

Saturday 17th July Sumner Sharks v Shirley W's Burwood 'mud bath' Park. Memories of the game:- Mud, fish and chips in the changing room prior to kick off (Shark carbo loading), The Dan mouthing off to ref resulting in 40 metre marchback up the field, The Dan subbed for mouthing off before fellow Sharks assaulted him, W's goal kicker missing in front of posts after subsequent mouthing off, Sharks warned that any further mouthing off's will result in a yellow card, Kelpy yellow carded for mouthing offm D'oh - (don't we ever learn....), more mud, sideline supporters mouthing off, donkey calls, more mouthing off......final score Shark 13 - W's 8, back to Shirley Clubrooms and The Dan stilL mouthing off......

End of round 15 and Sharks are sitting second in the competition behind Belfast with a spot in the Semi Finals almost secured.

................gggggggggggooooooo SSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRKKKKKKKKKKKSSSSSSSS!

Things continue to progress well, even though results on the pitch haven't been ideal. We have played a number quality sides this season, some with several NZ underage representatives, and our players have undoubtedly learnt valuable lessons from the experience. The culture within the side is strong, and we anticipate the bulk of oplayers returning to Sumner Rugby next year.

Last week we faced Lincoln University, and while we went down 24-7, there were still plenty of positives, with young Blair Anderson continuing to step up to the mark and make an impression. This week we face CBHS at McCormakcs Bay, 2:45pm kickoff. Boys High will no doubt field a very strong side, and as always our players are excited about the challenge ahead. As always a huge thank-you goes out to our sponsors and supporters.

Saturday 10^th July saw the Wave playing their fifth consecutive match away from home, traveling to Burwood Park for the much anticipated rematch with Shirley. In a clash highlighted by the ties the two clubs share, the Wave started with no less than four ex-Shirley players on the field, including Shane Cowles, Phil Whyman, stand-in skipper Ryan Turner and Marc Pringle, who fittingly celebrated his 50^th match.

While Sumner had anticipated a fast and impassioned start from their hosts they were powerless to stop it, good vision from the Shirley backline exploiting an overlap and allowing Rikki Tukaki to cross in the corner for the first points of the match.

Ten minutes later it was dangerous centre Robbie Flynn who set up Tukakis second try, and gave Shirley a ten-nil lead.

Sumner then began to edge back into the contest, their clinical set-pieces a vital aspect of their ability to gain ground and retain possession. Displaying a good degree of patience they opted to take shots at goal when the chance arose, and two successful attempts from Pringles boot made the score 10-6 when the whistle sounded for the break.

Determined to score early and break the spirit of Shirley the Wave started in enterprising fashion, but the contest continue to be a battle of attrition, and continuity was hard to find. Eventually it was lock Lawrence Babe who barged over close to the posts for his first five-pointer of the season, duly converted by Pringle.

The introduction of Nick Kimber provided fresh impetus to the Sumner scrum, while debutant Matt Jones and the experienced Wal Frith added steel to the Waves resolve. Solid defence was the trademark of the rest of the Waves day out, some big hits around the fringes, clinical turn-overs by outstanding flanker Tom Gilmour and the tradesman like work ethic of lock Matt Fitzgerald proving the difference as the visitors ground out their fourth win in a row, in the process maintaining Turners unblemished record wearing the Sumner captains band.

Man of the Match was Fitzgerald, who now moves ot the top of the Wave MVP standings. The boys finally return home this week, facing Belfast at St Leonards, followed the week after by High School Old Boys, again at home, on Club Day. A win against Belfast will guarantee a spot in the middle four, and give the boys the opportunity to finish fifth in their debut year in the top flight.

3RD JULY 2010

SUMNER 28 LINCOLN UNIVERSITY 18

The weather came to the party for the first time in weeks, the sun shining brightly on a firm Rugby Park pitch for the Waves clash with Lincoln University. With both sides fresh from wins in their first matches of Round Two, it was a chance for both sides to take another big step towards the crucial top two spots.

It was an evenly contested beginning to the match, the country students showing willingness to play, but it was Sumner who scored the first points of the contest, with former Lincoln player Reece McCaffrey scampering away down the left flank after turn over ball and some slick passing to score the first five pointer of the day. Marc Pringle duly converted, and the Wave led 7-nil.

The rest of the half was a bit of an arm wrestle, the only points coming from the boot, Pringle slotting two penalties and Lincoln nailing one of their own. Sumner led 13-3 at the break.

Momentum shifted firmly to the students at the start of the second stanza, an early converted try and a well taken penalty evening the scores and putting the players and their supporters in a buoyant mood. Pringles third penalty of the day saw the lead returned to Sumner, and some key substitutions, including the introduction of coach Scott Robertson, injected some fresh enthusiasm into the Waves game.

Shortly after that a well executed lineout eventually resulted in Hamish Connell haring down the sideline and scoring his first try of the season, pushing the Wave out to 21-13. The loose forwards really began to assert their dominance, while outstanding lock Matt Fitzgerald was devastating with ball in hand. Behind the scrum Phil Whyman was sharp in his first match back from injury, while wing Simon Mulholland looked dangerous at every opportunity.

The Wave rolled on, and McCaffrey soon had his second of the match, running round under the bar for the Waves last seven pointer. At 28-13 up the match looked secure, but the students pressed on, scoring themselves immediately. That was all they had in them though, the 28-18 score a relatively fair reflection of what was an open, enterprising and enjoyable game to watch. Man of the Match was unsurprisingly Fitzgerald.

Sumner face a big challenge next week, traveling to Shirley. While Shirley never lacks motivation against the Wave, this match has added importance after they suffered a second consecutive defeat on Saturday. A win for the Wave would see them almost secure in their bid for a top two finish, and would effectively end Shirleys season. The match kicks off at Burwood Park at 2:45pm.

26th June 2010

After the disappointment of last week and narrowly missing qualification for the top six, this weeks match at Middleton Park against Marist Albion was always going to be challenging, and the conditions certainly didnt help. Housed in converted shipping containers due to the lack of changing rooms at Marists ground, the preparation was less than comfortable, while the playing surface itself was virtually a bog, ensuring the match would be a battle of attrition.

Sumner started strongly, controlling territory well, and maintaining possession by keeping the ball in hand. The Wave scrum was dominant from the very early stages, while Mark Chesters accurate kicking got the visitors out to a 6-0 lead.

The early and perhaps questionable sin binning of Number 8 Ginho Haurua served only to galvanise the Wave, who survived the ten minute period without conceding a point, only to turn the ball over in the opposition half and watch Marist winger Chris Chrichton run in a 60 metre counter attack.

Battling back the Wave pounced on turn-over ball of their own, and some slick inter-passing, given the conditions, led to Simon Mulholland scoring what was to be Sumners only try of the contest. Unconverted, the five-pointer had the Wave leading 11-7 at the break.

The second half was essentially a battle to see who could retain position in the increasingly slippery conditions. While both sides had their fair share of territory and opportunities, it was the home side who spent the bulk of the time camped in the Sumner 22. While they turned down several other earlier opportunities to close the gap, they finally opted to kick for goal with about ten minutes remaining, Matt Golding reducing the gap to one.

Sumner out-muscled Marist for the remainder of the game, and while both sides continued to turn over possession, Sumners dominant scrum and their decisive defence round the fringes proved the difference, holding on to win the match 11-10.

Man of the match was Mark Chester, who goes on a four week sabbatical now to get married in England. Next week the Wave face Lincoln at Rugby Park, who started their campaign by gate-crashing Shirleys club day party, winning 27-20 at Burwood Park.

It was a virtual final for the Wave on Saturday, facing Varsity, the team that stood in their way in their bid to make the top six. To qualify Sumner needed to beat Varsity, score a four try bonus point, and deny them any points at all (from either scoring 4 tries themselves, or by coming within 7 points of Sumner). As usual the Wave had the bulk of the support, the supporters bus having made the trip to Ilam fields, providing vocal backing for the visitors.

After an early penalty to Varsity, an impassioned Wave side poured on the pressure, and after a ten minute period of concerted pressure it was Tasman NPC-bound hooker Francis Smith who opened the account for the visitors, dotting down under the bar. The ensuing conversion from the boot of Mark Chester gave Sumner a 7-3 lead.

There was a certain sense of de ja vu about the match, with Sumner playing against a pin-point accurate kicker for the second week in a row, and it was Varsity first-five Adam Catchpole who closed the gap to a point with his second penalty.

Sumner continued to play with confidence and endeavour, and Captain Mark Bacons decision to turn down shots at goal in favour of kicking for touch and having a crack soon paid off when Matt Fitzgerald barged over for his fourth try of the season. Chesters conversion extended the lead to 14-6, which was quickly whittled down again when Varsity scored from open play.

It appeared as though 14-11 would be the score at halftime, but lightning fast fullback James Short had different ideas. A scintillating kick return, in which he beat four or five players, combined with some slick inter-passing and some great support play led to Reece McCaffrey crossing in the corner, and the Wave taking a 19-11 lead into the break.

Two early penalties at the start of the second stanza had Varsity back in touch, but midway through the half it was McCaffreys second five pointer that earned the Wave that vital four-try bonus. The equation now was simple win by more than 7.

In a fluid and captivating match both teams were willing to push the passes and attack from any area, and there were numerous line breaks. An unconverted try from Uni had them within 6, and required Sumner to score again, but it was Catchpoles final penalty of the day that really threw the spanner in the works. Leading by just three points with 5 minutes to go, Sumner needed a try to secure their prize, but, despite a courageous effort, were unable to hang on to the ball and make the necessary break.

Man of the match was unsurprisingly James Short, whose speed, strength and vision mark him as perhaps the most potent attacking weapon in the competition. At the end of the day it was a great performance and another superb win for the Division One debutants, but a frustrating day also, knowing they won more games than they lost, but missed out on the top six primarily because of bonus points. Last minute tries to Brighton, Burnside and Christchurch all denied the Wave vital points, but the challenge now is to finish fifth. Sumner are grouped with Shirley, Old Boys, Lincoln, Belfast and Marist-Albion, all teams they have beaten already this season, and must finish in the top two of this faze of the competition in order to make the middle group of four and contest the fifth place finish.

With one half of the coaching team away, injuries ruling out several key players, and a clash looming against the reigning champions Christchurch, the whole week had that feeling that, with their backs against the wall, now was the perfect opportunity to cause an upset.

After two great training sessions and the instigation of a specific plan to try and ambush Christchurch, the Wave were primed for their most important game of the season to date. They started strongly, James Shorts enterprising run from the kickoff providing the field position that led to Matt Fitzgerald driving over for the first try of the game, and an early lead for the underdogs. Shortly afterwards Sam Stanley continued his fantastic kicking form, nudging over a penalty to increase the visitors lead to 8.

The scrums were proving to be a tight tussle, and while Christchurch werent as physically impressive as several other opponents Sumner had faced this year, they were certainly clinical in all they did. That accuracy led to Christchurch scoring their first try of the game, which was duly converted from the sideline by their first five, who, it turned out, would play a monster role with his boot for the entire game.

8-7 up, the Wave refused to be intimidated by the credentials of their opposition, and Stanley soon increased the visitors tally to 11. However, persistent pressure led to Christchurch scoring a try just prior to the break, again converted from the sideline, to send them to oranges with a 14-11 lead.

Sumner pushed the pace at the start of the second spell, and were rewarded for their patient, concerted attack when Mark Chester scurried round the fringes and dotted down under the posts. Having taking the kicking duties form the now injured Stanley, Chesters conversion of his own try had the lead back out to 4.

Christchurch showed their experience in remaining calm in the face of the impassioned Wave side, and swooped on any opportunity. A couple of small errors at lineout time, several periods of sustained pressure, and a booming 55 m drop goal saw the home side take the lead, before a penalty from Chester got the Wave back in touch, trailing 27-21.

With just over 6 minutes on the clock, a stunning 60m break for Sumner fullback James Short was cut down just metres from the line, and while the field position was promising the Wave were unable to convert it to points, and their last true opportunity went begging.

It was de ja vu at the death, Sumner losing the right to a bonus point when Christchurch scored on the buzzer, the missed conversion their kickers first blip of the day. Man of the match for Sumner was Mark Chester, while Openside flanker Tom Gilmour, fullback James Short and Captain Mark Bacon were tied as runners-up. It was a frustrating day for Sumner, who gave it their all and were on the wrong side of some tight refereeing calls, but nevertheless another day where the newly promoted sea-siders showed they could foot it with the very best the competition has to offer.

The loss leaves Sumner with a simple equation going in to this Saturdays final game of round one beat Varsity, secure a 4 try bonus point, and deny them any points at all, and the Wave make the top six in their first year. The match kicks off at Ilam Fields at 2:45pm.

It has been a critical fortnight for the Wave in their Div One campaign, with three matches against opponents near them on the twelve team table, while Wave Two continue to throw it in the faces of those who suggested their strangle hold on the title had ended.

22 May saw both teams head to Burnside Park. Burnside was unbeaten in Div Two going into the clash, and a tight tussle ensued, Sumner coming out on top 21-20. In the second game the Wave faced a side one place ahead of it on the table. Burnside has been one of the more successful sides of the last decade, and while currently going through a rebuilding faze are still an experienced team. In a somewhat dour game the home team scored on the buzzer to deny the Wave a bonus point, Burnside winning 28-19. The highlight of the match was English import James Short, who scored one of the greatest tries the sideline could remember seeing!

Dreadful weather in the garden city saw all but Div One cancelled the following week, and even then the game was shifted, the Wave facing High School Old Boys in Rolleston. In a typical wet weather battle Sumner grinded out an historical victory over one of Christchurchs traditionally dominant clubs, sustaining a second half onslaught to emerge 11-6 winners. Halfback James Ferguson was man of the match in his last appearance in the Blue and Black before heading back to the West Coast.

Last weekend just been saw both teams back in action. Wave Two played Marist Albion and thumped them, the 30 point winning margin indicative of a dominant display, with man of the match Michael Cavannaghs pace and insight to the fore.

Visiting St Leonards for the main game were Lincoln Unniversity, complete with Crusaders Centre and former U19 World Player of the Year Robbie Fruen. It was Fruens strength and penetration which catapulted Lincoln to an early 10-nil lead, and from then on in the match became an arm-wrestle, the lead see-sawing several times. The difference at the end of the day was the laser-like accuracy of Sam Smoulder Stanleys boot, who kicked five from five and led the Wave to an important 22-16 win. In doing so the Wave kept themselves in the running for a top six play-off spot, with two round-robin games remaining. This coming week they face reigning champions Christchurch at Christchurch Park, where they will celebrate midfield stalwart Ryan Turners 100^th appearance, before facing Unniversity away in the last round. In Division Two the Wave sit third, just 2 points adrift from the lead, and 4 in front of fourth placed Lyttleton.

The time has arrived, and the Sumner Wave has kicked off two major campaigns their entry into Division One for the first time in the clubs history, and their bid to defend their Division Two title.

A huge crowd massed at St Leonard s Square for the season opener on April 10, where all Senior teams played home matches. The Division Two Wave played Sydenham, and while it took some time to wear the opposition down, eventually ran out bonus point victors, with Scottish import Craig Keddie taking Player of the Day honours.

The feature match, Wave v Sydenham Div One followed. The Sydenham side has been much talked about over the off-season, and fielded no less that 12 players who had either represented Canterbury at Senior level of who had represented New Zealand in underage sides. Some of the more notable names were Tu Umaga Marshall and Rodney Ah You, both who have been in the Canterbury NPC squad in recent years.

The Wave boys quickly adapted to the pace and increased physicality of Division One, defending stoutly and keeping themselves in touch.. Trailing 8-3 it was Sumner stalwart, midfielder Ryan Turner who scored the clubs historic first-ever try, diving over in the corner in classic league winger style. A try just before the break saw Sydenham take a 15-8 lead, but the Wave again showed resolve and spirit in the second stanza, and Francis Smiths try under the bar made the score 21-15 to the visitors with 5 minutes to go. Sumners superior fitness was evident in the dying moments as they launched attack after attack, but unfortunately were unable to cross the line. They were brave in defeat though, and a bonus point, in their first ever Division One outing, against a team with big raps and lots of names, was a solid outcome.

Week two saw Div Two travel to Burwood Park to face Shirley. Defending the Challenge Shield and an unbeaten run of 41 games, the boys knew this would be no walk over. And so it proved. Shirley played a tough, no frills game, and led going into the break. But the Sumner side showed the resilience and never-say-die attitude that has earned them so much silverware over the last two years to battle onwards, and tries to Jake Waugh and Craig Keddie saw them prevail in the end, 23-15.

At Rugby Park the Div One side faced Belfast . Div One wooden spooners for the last two years, Belfast were unquestionably targeting the new-comers as a beatable side, while the Sumner lads know this was their opportunity to get a win under their belts.

The first half was a rugged encounter. Belfast s grass-roots forwards toiled away, and an enterprising first-five kept the Sumner defence on their toes. Belfast scored first, before two Wave tries, each converted by former Leeds Premiership player Mark Chester sent the Wave into the break 14-7 up.

The second half was all blue and black. The Wave poured on the pressure, and Belfast buckled, their forwards running out of steam and the backs out of imagination. Three second half tries secured the bonus point, a final result of 41-7, and a glorious first ever victory in div one. Try scorers were Francis Smith with a brace, and Mark Bacon, James Ferguson and Sam Robinson, while Mark Chester nailed 7 from 8 attempts at goal. The match saw American Tim Kenefic and James Ferguson making their run on debuts, and Sam Toy and Stephen List their first appearances in Div One.

This week Div two face Christchurch , while Div One plays Marist-Albion. Both matches are at St Leonard s Square, the first beginning at 1pm , with the feature match to follow at 2:45pm . Crobar

14th February 2010

You can hear the excitement in Metro chairman Murray Withers voice when he talks about the season ahead.With 12 teams making up Division 1 (including the introduction of the high-flying Sumner side) it is not difficult to see where much of the focus will be on.Having 12 teams makes it much easier with respect to scheduling and obviously makes for even rounds.Essentially what it means is that we are able to have one full round of matches (11 in all) before dividing in to top six and bottom six, Murray says.Playing top six and bottom six will mean another five rounds, before the sides separate into top, middle and bottom four. That will be another three rounds before the finals in each section.In all there will be 20 rounds this season, making for a mouth-watering smorgasbord of Division 1 rugby.

While the progress of Sumner will be closely followed this season, there will be as much interest in the teams who come out of the blocks strongest.There is no doubt that the traditionally strong clubs will be there or thereabouts, although what will be really interesting is the progress of the likes of University and Lincoln University, Murray says.Both these clubs have retained their coaches and have a large number of their players back this season. They are sure to be strong contenders this season.A feature of this season is the strong retention of coaches within Division 1. It is a real plus for the clubs concerned and the competition, Murray says. Players are more enthusiastic to come back and play if the structure and the coaching remain consistent.Division 1 kicks off on 10 April, with finals day on Sunday 22 August. There will be no night rounds this season (weather-permitting) and Murray says this should be one of the best competitions in many seasons.There are so many sides that could come through and cause a surprise.

What with Canterbury being Air New Zealand Cup winners last season, the Crusaders doing well and the lure of the World Cup on the horizon, we are expecting one of our most exciting seasons.Murray (who is in his eighth season as Metro chairman) says all the reports he has received suggest that pre-season training for the Division is going well and that the players will be raring to go come April.The beauty of the Division 1 competition is that not only is the standard of rugby constantly high, but it is also so well-supported. Numbers on the sidelines continue to grow and that is very encouraging for our sport.

The 12 Division 1 teams taking part this season are Christchurch, High School Old Boys, Burnside, Sydenham, Linwood, New Brighton, University, Lincoln University, Sumner, Belfast, Shirley and Marist-Albion

Attached are some pics from the first Sumner Strongman competition, held at the Eastside Barbell Club, who we are stoked to be working alongside and having our guys trained with for the upcoming season. For the record Ben Richdale won the lightwieght catergory, Robbie Timo won the Seniors, and Ryan Turner won the overall title .