Successful trip for Bushboars

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 44, 15 April 1986, Page 16

Successful trip for Bushboars

Days of hard traimng and weeks of fund-raising culminated in a busy Easter weekend in Auckland for the Raetihi Bush Boars rugby league team and supporters annual match against the Papatoetoe Panthers at Mangere. The weekend commenced with an 8.30 departure from Raetihi on McLauchlans Passenger Service. After over five hours we arrived at Ngatupawae Marae for a formal Maori challenge. This was to be the home for the supporters for the next three nights whilst players were billeted with the opposition. We were welcomed on to the marae by a Maori elder and Thomas Hawira Junior replied on our behalf.

The afternoon was great with a visit to Rainbows End amusement park where the children enjoyed the roller coaster, bumper boats and log flume rides. Saturday morning was the big match. On a hard field and with overcast conditions both teams performed their hakas. Panthers won the toss and kicked off. The Bush Boars were quickly on attack however the Panthers' tackling was equal to the occasion. After a torrid and even first half the Bush Boars had only managed one try to Kelly Arahanga. In the second half the Boars swung the ball wider and the gaps opened up with Kelly Arahanga, Chris Winter and Walter Metekingi

scoring tries. Right on fulltime Panthers' captain Dwayne Harding scored in the corner to make the final score 16-4. At the aftermatch presentation Bush Boars captain Kelly Arahanga was named 'player of the day'. Selwyn Wiari was named 'most attacking player' and Quin Henare 'most defensive player'. The Bush Boars presented the Panthers with 'Bush Boar' sweatshirts sponsored by Carmichael Transport. Sunday was a trip out to Parakai Thermal Pools where a great day was spent in pools, hot spas and the water slides. A barbecue lunch was provided for those who had time. Monday morning it was down to Skate World

where an enjoyable but bruising two hours was had by all. Shortly after midday farewell speeches were made and a tired but contented tour party boarded their bus to arrive home at 7.30pm. Bush Boars president Don Windle and committee would like to thank all those who helped with their fundraising efforts: Winstone Afforestation, Raetihi Cosmopolitan Glub, Raetihi Swimming Club for their donations, Carmichael Transport for their sponsorship and bus driver Collin McLauchlan. Special thanks from the team go to coach Tom Waara and his assistant Thomas Junior. We look forward to hosting the Papatoetoe Panthers in 1987.