2010 ANNUAL REPORT - AllTeams

Our quarter-fi nal against College Rifl es was executed effectively bythe team as we started to get some real purpose into our gameplan running out deserved winners 42 – 16. Our semi-fi nal wasagainst University and the team did not allow Uni to get into thegame, completely controlling the ball to deny them any real chanceof competing with us. This was an impressive performance from theteam and was probably our best of the season. The win set us up forthe grand fi nal at Eden Park against Grammar Carlton. Consideringwe had already played them twice and lost both times the boys werevery aware of the strengths that GC would bring to the game.The build up to the game went as planned and as we set up forthe game on the Saturday at Eden Park there was a real sense ofpurpose about the team and our preparation. Dave Gallaher hasa very special place in the history of Ponsonby rugby and thereis no doubt that the players that took the fi eld for this fi nal gameunderstand this better than any other player at any other club. Theresult was a commanding performance by a motivated Ponsonbyteam running out an early 19 – 3 lead after 20 minutes. Despite GCgathering themselves at the half time break the Ponies team werejust too good on the day and ran out championship winners for the7th consecutive year winning 30 – 19. Of particular note was theoutstanding performance of rookie Gareth Anscombe playing in hisfi rst senior championship fi nal. He completely outplayed his oppositeand took total control of the game scoring two tries, kicking twoconversions, a penalty and a drop goal to have a personal pointstally of 20 for the game.The celebrations continued for several days and the team could fi nallysit back and refl ect on what was a challenging season. Not havingclubrooms or adequate changing facilities for the second half of theseason contributed to the diffi culties, however as the team showed,we have the courage, determination and passion to overcome thesechallenges – the measures of a great team.The experience in the team this year meant a number of personalmilestones were achieved – Brett Williams 178 premier games, 100games for Captain Mark Hooper, Brad Tauwhare, Richard Tonga andMark Ama and Blazer games for Roimata Hansell-Pune, Leo Taliu, LioKaihau and Antonio Stanley. Congratulations and thank you to all ofthem on their dedication and commitment to the Ponsonby club.As with previous years many of the team were selected forrepresentative teams. Chris Lowrey, Paul Williams and BensonStanley were all selected for the Blues. Auckland A players selectedwere Ben Atiga, Chris Lowrey, Chay Raui, Winston Stanley, GarethAnscombe and Benson Stanley. The team were particularly proudwhen Benson was named in the All Blacks becoming the club’s 53rdplayer to wear the AB jersey.Players to receive club awards in 2010 were as follows: Best TeamMan – Sefo Pasina, Most Consistent Player – Lio Kaihau, Rookie ofthe Year – Gareth Anscombe, Top Try Scorer – Chay Raui and Playerof the Year – Chay Raui and Chris Lowrey.In closing, as always there are large number of people who supportthe Premier team that deserve acknowledgement:• The players’, coaches’ and managers’ wives, partners andchildren who allow the team to play the game and support us.• The management team of Terrence McQuoid and Ciaran Overtonwho worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure we hadeverything we needed.• Our support team – Physio Tanya Browne who kept the boysfit and ready to play, our video technician Daniel Namoa,our statistician Dennis Mansfield and our masseur DannyVakawati.• Club Manager Ian Derbidge for his support, Stadium ManagerJohn Allen and Gary Barr from Teamwear Apparel who ensuredwe had everything we needed.• Director of Rugby and Club President Bryan Williams for hisguidance and ARFU COD Ces Williams for his advice.To conclude I would again like to reinforce our thanks to all ofour sponsors. At amateur level the game needs the support oforganisations like Urgent Couriers, Debit Success, Multi-Trans,Raiseys and Ric Sinisa Law to ensure that we provide a platform foryoung players to develop.After 6 years with Ponsonby teams and the last 4 as Premier teammanager I have decided to retire. I am privileged to have workedwith a great group of players and been part of this successful eraand I am sure that the success of the Premier team will continue formany years to come. To end with our seventh straight championshipwas simply “Seventh Heaven”.Greg Edmonds – ManagerVeteran Brett Williams in actionBen Atiga with Sam Fifita in support2010 ANNUAL REPORT2