Puketoi a loss in finals game
On July 28 the Wairarapa Bush Rugby Finals day, Puketoi played at the Memorial Parks turf against Pioneer.
Puketoi started slowly, allowing their discipline to lapse and letting Pioneer score three tries in the first half, Pioneer leading 15-0 at the break.
In the second half Puketoi turned out to play, too late to catch up having difficulty crossing over the try line.
The defence was finally cracked in the 59th minute with Luke Smith scoring a try, but in the final 20 minutes Puketoi couldn’t get back in the opposition 22.
Their unforced errors cost them and Pioneer was kicking well for territory.
Player of day was Josh Rofe, 2pts Sam McCormick, 1pt Ben Galloway.
The final score was 15-5 to Pioneer.
Overall the season was a very good one for Puketoi.
It played 16, won 11, lost five scoring 496 points (79 tries) and conceding 230.
On August 4 Puketoi had its prizegiving. It was a great evening indoors for most, except for players who had to run round the paddock.
Cups were presented by president Brett Harvey and manager Carey Henricksen. • Weddel Tomoana Trophy, Most Consistent: Will Hands.
• Freddy Wright Memorial, Most Improved: Paul Tahau.
• D & D Irvine Cup, Player of the Day: Sam McCormick.
• Stewart Styles Cup, Most Tries: Eugene Pitt. Jamieson Cup, Players Player: Ben Galloway.
• Brian McCathie & Trish Morton Cup, Best Team Man Support on & off Field: Sam Galbraith.
• Bruce Bowie Cup awarded for Special Services to the club, presented by Rachel Hannah and Alicia Bowie: Eugene Pitt.
• Life Member badges awarded to Donald Irvine, Carey Henricksen, Martin Hull.
• Milestone 100 games: James Nielsen. 150 games Luke Abbot.
Thanks to Abbey Maher for strapping and being at games as part of the Pongaroa Community Ambulance.
Tim Sorensen, PahiatuaPongaroa mail driver, for free delivery of food on Fridays for home games;
Jerome Pitt and Gerard Diamond, the coaches;
Crusher Henricksen, Manager;
Committee, Cina Moynihan, Stevie Gore, Laura Bassett and helpers in the kitchen;
John Bambry and helpers behind the bar;
All the sponsors, too many to name individually, players and supporters.
Congratulations to Paul Tahau and Oliver Wright for making the Wairarapa-Bush Under 19s.