Waikiwi a close-knit club
Waikiwi Rugby Club stalwart Nick McCleery says the special memories at the club stretch well beyond just what happens on the field.
The Waikiwi Rugby Club often goes about its business with little fanfare. It’s Invercargill counterparts – Marist, Blues, Star, and Pirates-Old Boys – generate most of the headlines as they chase Southland’s prized trophy, the Galbraith Shield.
It was in 1910, 110 years ago, that Waikiwi won its one and only Galbraith Shield title.
But titles shouldn’t be the sole measure of the success of a Southland rugby club.
Waikiwi’s place in the makeup of rugby in Invercargill has been an important one.
It has traditionally had a strong juniors section and that remains the case today with 10 school-age teams lining up at Waikiwi this season.
The Donovan Park-based club also provides an important home for a tight-knit group of competitive senior players who are not all that interested in playing in the premier ranks.
It’s a family club with some current players following in the footsteps of their fathers who also wore the red-and-black hooped jersey.
The club, which was founded in 1899, has a president’s grade team, while its top senior team contests Southland’s third-tier competition, the Gerald Dermody Shield.
A key figure in that setup is captain and lock Nick McCleery.
McCleery was asked by a couple of mates in 2007 to head along and play for the ‘Kiwi.
Thirteen years later, McCleery remains at the club playing an important role both on and off the field.
On top of lining up each Saturday at lock for the senior team, McCleery has spent time on the club’s committee while also coaching in the junior ranks.
‘‘Anything we can do, we muck in around the club. It’s very volunteer-based around here,’’ McCleery said.
‘‘The enjoyment playing for Waikiwi is all the people. From the top – the committee – down to the players. They are all a welcoming bunch and a good bunch of volunteers.’’
McCleery circles 2008, when Waikiwi won Southland rugby’s division two title, as a highlight during his time playing for the club.
Although he points out that the special memories attached to the club extend beyond just what has happened on the field.
‘‘It’s a very close-knit group, we all kind of hang out in the offseason, as well as playing footy during the season. It’s just a great place to be.’’
‘‘The special thing about club rugby is everything that comes with it. You’ve got the kids playing in the morning and then you’re playing a hard game in the afternoon.
‘‘Then you get to have a few beers with the opposition and friends.’’
Like many sporting clubs, Waikiwi has had its challenges over the years to ensure they maintain the numbers at a senior level to keep going.
But McCleery said the numbers were healthy this season with 28 on senior team’s books meaning some weeks players they have more than needed. ‘‘We’re very confident in the future of Waikiwi,’’ he said.
Waikiwi has started the 2020 season with two wins and a loss, its latest win a 26-0 victory over Albion on Saturday.
This Saturday the club’s senior and president’s grade teams will both host Tokanui in Invercargill.