Celtic set to be best of modern era
The Celtic senior rugby side could become the most successful in the modern era of New Zealand rugby on when it comes to consecutive titles.
The ‘Celts’ are shooting for an unprecedented ninth Hamersley Cup title in a row on Saturday, undefeated in a grand final since 2009.
The only thing standing in their way is a tenacious Harlequins side, who have beaten them twice in the round robin games but then fell to them in the first semi-final.
Last year’s win lifted Celtic to second equal on the all-time list of consecutive titles with four other clubs, including Auckland club rugby giants Ponsonby, who had their run from 2004 to 2011.
It is unlikely however that Celtic can catch Southland’s Star Rugby Club, which started their run way back in 1888 and won an amazing 16 titles in a row.
Rugby however has changed a lot since then so Celtic could become best club rugby side in the past 100 years in New Zealand, when it comes to consecutive final victories.
Southland’s Star are also second equal on the list with a second great run from 1919-26 while the two other clubs which have also managed eight in a row are Buller’s Westport Rugby Club (1963-70) and a second Southland club, Invercargill (1987-94). Celtic’s winning run came on the back of some hard times. They went with- out the title for 49 years until the Geoff Cullen-coached side broke through in 2006 with a 21-13 win over Geraldine.
The year before Celtic were on wrong side of a record breaking 119-7 thrashing by North Otago side Valley combined competition. At a glance: Celtic grand final wins 2009 Celtic 22 Harlequins 17 2010 Celtic 21 Harlequins 8 2011 Celtic 23 Harlequins 21 2012 Celtic 42 Harlequins 10 2013 Celtic 22 Pleasant Point 15 2014 Celtic 25 Harlequins 15 2015 Celtic 24 Harlequins 12 2016 Celtic 16 Pleasant Point 10
That change, pending.
Hard working committees, very good coaches and managing to refresh their side each year have been key parts of their success.
Celtic’s strong link with Roncalli College had also paid dividends as has the introduction of talented Pacific Island players over the past decade.
President Peter Cockburn said they had also been successful because of the team culture and ability to mixed experience with youth to enjoy the game.
Cockburn was also proud of the team’s commitment, respect for their management and opposing players over the years.
‘‘If we can play a full 80 minutes with no gas left in the tank and hopefully win. Any record is gold in the amateur game.’’
Three forwards, No.8 Kali Latu, prop Matt Fetu and captain Nick was with the catalyst for their centennial Strachan have been there throughout the successful run and will be back on Saturday.
Fetu was originally brought to Timaru from Samoa to play for the Roncalli First XV on a joint scholarship between the school and the club.
Assistant coach Penieli Latu has also been involved throughout and also played in their earlier 2006 victory.
Over the winning run Celtic have only also only had two captains, Strachan and prop Jeremy Bailey, also two head coaches, Shaun Breen and Nigel Walsh.
Breen was in charge for the first three victories and returned this year when Walsh was appointed to the North Otago Heartland role. Strapper Mick Prendeville has kept the players going over its winning run.
Harlequins will be no pushover and would also dearly like to get their hands on the silverware as they celebrate their 20th anniversary, since Zingari and Star amalgamated.
They have carved out a decent record themselves having appeared in 15 grand finals but their conversion rate is only 32 per cent, having won six times.
Harlequins last win was in 2008, when they beat Celtic 21-15. Since then it has been all green, with Celtic defeating Harlequins six times and Pleasant Point twice.