Transformation for
Recent rain has brought a huge smile to a rugby-mad Mangatainoka farmer who has begun transforming a bare paddock into a top-notch pitch ahead of next year’s Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Blues.
Kerry Fergus leases the farm on which the Mangatainoka Rugby Football Club grounds are just north of Pahiatua, and has spent the last few weeks prepping a paddock so it’s ready for the Battle at the Brewery game to be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
The Super Rugby pre-season game, organised by Tui Brewery, is returning for the first time since 2013 and Fergus has been rolling the pitch and had plans to start irrigating it until Mother Nature intervened.
“Two weeks ago, the paddock was pretty dry but thanks to this rain we’ve managed to push any irrigation out,” says the former Mangatainoka RFC No 8 and halfback.
“It’s been rolled several times and I’m now about to spray it and put the fertiliser on, before mowing begins. Come next year we’ll keep it watered and looking tidy before putting up the temporary grand stand. It should come up looking terrific.”
Like much of the community, Fergus remembers fondly the first time the Hurricanes stepped out on the Mangatainoka RFC.
“We’re damn lucky to have the Hurricanes return after this hiatus and it just puts the biggest smile on my face as back in 2010 when news broke that they would play here no one believed me … not even my own family!
“But once the news spread the local marae and schools just got completely behind it,” recalls Fergus.
“That first game was held in a howling southerly and boy did it rain.
“I’ll never forget that the local Plunket only sold two bottles of water for the whole day however in town, all the wet weather gear completely sold out of all the shops!”
Fergus, who has farmed in the district all his life, is as proud as punch that these games put Mangatainoka on the map and celebrate the small township (population 1560, Census 2013). He says they also help celebrate community spirit.
Fergus recalls the time that Nick Rogers, who runs the visitor experience at Tui Brewery and originally came up with the idea to bring the Hurricanes to town, organised $60,000 of fundraising to help save the historic wooden Mangatainoka RFC grandstand with the support of Alistair MacDougall and Fergus.
In addition to Tui Brewery, the Tuiwood sign which overlooks the township from the hill above the grandstand has become an iconic photo stop.
“Come February 9, the ground will be in good order.
“There should be solid grass coverage which will make for a carpet for all the
‘We’re damn lucky to have the Hurricanes return after this hiatus and it just puts the biggest smile on my face as back in 2010 when news broke that they would play here, no one believed me … ’ not even my own family! KERRY FERGUS
players,” says Fergus.
Tickets for Battle at the Brewery are on sale and numbers have been reduced to create a more intimate atmosphere at the game.
There will be enough temporary seating to accommodate all ticket-holders, pre and post-game entertainment, and passionate fans turning out in their regional colours.
There will also be prizes up for grabs for fans who go above and beyond with their fancy dress.
Rogers says tickets for the Battle at the Brewery are selling fast, and proving popular as gifts for Christmas.
Tui has teamed up with key match day supporters to make the day possible including:
Big Barrel, More FM, Norwood, PGG Wrightson, Printcraft and Steens Honey, as well as Panasonic as Half Time Supporter, who will give some lucky fans the chance to kick for goal and win a 43” Smart TV.
The Battle at the Brewery is a Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and Blues.
It’s on Saturday, February 9 at Mangatainoka — gates open 12.30pm and kick-off is at 3pm.