Waitakere City a rugby club on the rise
Waitakere City Rugby’s premier side might only have one win this season, but it has been an eventful year for the club nonetheless.
In August last year, Waitakere were rocked by the tragic death of club stalwart, Ronati Lemalu.
The father-of-two was struck by a train as he attempted to cross the tracks at Maurice Rd in the Auckland suburb of Penrose. He died at the scene. Lemalu had been involved with the Waitakere City Rugby Club for many years both as a player and a coach since the club’s inception, helping with both player and coach development in his later years.
On May 27, the premier side will don special jerseys in honour of Lemalu. Club co-chairman Jason Ranson said the new strip was one way the club planned on honouring the man who meant so much to the club.
Earlier this year, Waitakere City hosted The Lemalu Cup, a quadrangular tournament for four west Auckland schools in the lead up to the rugby season.
Waitakere College emerged as winners and claimed the inaugural silverware. The trophy was presented by the Lemalu family.
As well as honouring the past, Waitakere have an eye on the future. The club hosted the La Plata club from Argentina during pre-season, for several matches against its premier side.
Ranson said when the unique opportunity to host the touring team presented itself, Waitakere jumped at it.
He hoped to continue with the relationships built moving forward.
‘‘We were able to showcase our club, our community and our culture. It was a huge success and we look forward to reciprocating by making a trip to Argentina in the future,’’ he said.
The top side’s results have been far closer this season than in past years. Despite just the one win, Ranson said it showed the club was moving in the right direction.
‘‘There is huge improvement in their performances which is reflective of the club as a whole – both on and off the field.’’
Waitakere are playing at Bell Park against Pakuranga this Saturday. Kickoff is at 2.45pm.
Over in New Lynn, the local derby between fellow west Auckland clubs Suburbs and Waitemata gets underway at Shadbolt Park from 2.45pm.
Waitemata need to win to secure a spot in the competition’s top eight.