Celebrating fantastic spirit
some tired and sore policemen whose ‘‘minds may have been willing, but their best days were behind them’’. He was especially grateful to the local sponsors and Wellington Rugby Union referees who gave their time.
The Derek Wootton Memorial Trust has donated $8500 in grants to young people since 2010 and aims to raise $20,000 annually within this police district.
There is a gala dinner and auction at Pataka on May 29 to fundraise further, with All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, cartoonist Tom Scott and Black Sox legend Mark Sorenson confirmed. Tickets cost $100 and include a threecourse dinner, complimentary drinks, live music and live and silent auctions.
Go to dashtickets.co.nz or call 0800 327 484 to get tickets. Organisers of the inaugural Derek Wootton Memorial Trophy have declared the event a success, played with the ‘‘fantastic spirit’’ it was intended.
Named after the police sergeant who was killed in the line of duty in 2008, the one- day tournament last Wednesday attracted teams from the five Porirua basin colleges, the alternative school and Porirua Police. Aotea defeated Mana in a closely-contest final.
Co- organiser Dean Silvester said while the weather was not the best, the superb condition of Porirua Park meant there was still plenty of open rugby.
‘‘They’re outstanding facilities and while we had rain, the fantastic spirit of everyone who took part was awesome. It exceeded our expectations and the feedback we’ve had says people are keen for it to happen again next year.’’
While some colleges were not able to provide their top players due to other fixtures, there was plenty of skilful sevens play on show. Mr Silvester said they may rethink the timing of the event in 2013.
Mr Silvester said there were