Rugby players rewarded for season Michael-Tapu, Belfield big winners at Te Awamutu College prizegiving
Outstanding rugby players Queyst Michael-Tapu and Leah Belfield were rewarded for stellar seasons at Te Awamutu College Rugby prizegiving.
Michael-Tapu took out the Most Valuable Overall Boys’ Player award. The Under 18 Waikato Country team representative received the Mr JG Williamson Trophy — 1951.
Belfield was recipient of the Most Valuable Overall Girls’ Player award.
All teams were well represented with a record number of players, family members and supporters in attendance.
Pete Tyler took out the BNZ Service Award for outstanding contribution to College Rugby.
The Executive Trophy for dedication and commitment went to Awhina Mason.
The Under 55kg team collected the Team Award for team culture and unity.
The club enjoyed tremendous success this season with several players gaining selection and trials for inclusion in the red, yellow and black provincial jersey. Lauren Otto, Hera Retemeyer, Ruby Mellsop, Sina Tainefu, Sereana Naqara and Maria Muraahi got to play for the U18 Waikato women’s team, while Jack Jordan, Jack Gibson and Baylee Davies made the Waikato Secondary Schools’ team.
College Rugby Club chairman, Cameron Stapleton thanked all of the coaches, managers, parents, relatives, and all TAC Rugby supporters for their dedication and loyalty this season.
“We are a volunteer organisation and like me, a lot of you do it for the love of the game and for nothing else,” he said.
“You sacrifice so much to ensure that our players are given the best opportunity to further their game. Without you we do not have a club.
“We hope that all of you continue to support our players and coaches with positive comments and feedback, no matter the results, as they are all trying their best on our behalf. And we cannot ask for anything more than that.”
Brown Pennell Chartered Accountants is the major sponsor of the TAC Rugby Club for the next three seasons.
“Their support of rugby at the College will ensure the club is in a strong position going forward,” Stapleton said.
Stapleton said the support from the local community has been impressive.
“New relationships established with Te Awamutu Sports, Pirongia Rugby Sports Club and TA Marist has allowed us to begin to foster pathways for our future and past players.
“Local businesses have shown their support with Collins Flooring Xtra (coaches shirts), Vetora (1st/2nd XV training shirts), Rotorwork Ltd (girls training shirts) and the Waipa Workingmen’s Club staying as the main 1st XV sponsor for the next three seasons. Kara, Joel and Elton from Focused Physio continued to provide exceptional medical support for training nights, side-line assistance and valuable follow up care.”
Te Awamutu College Rugby Club award recipients:
Under 55kg, most improved: Nathan Bennett; MVP: Wairua Brooks.
Under 65kg, most improved: Charlie Mason; MVP: Callum Hall.
Under 15’s, most improved: Ethan Kiernan; best team player (contribution to team): Max Frandi/Luke Taylor-Waru; MVP: Hayden Beare.
2nd XV, most improved: Rilery James; MVP: Lachie Van Der Pasch; Thompson Cup: Cody Frederick.
Girls XV, most improved: Alexis Edwards; MVP: Lauren Otto/Sina Tainefu; best rookie: Atareipounamu Crown.
1st XV, most improved: Mikaera Hemara; MVP: Troy James; fair play & team commitment: Jack Jordan; Focused Physio Award: Te Kapamanawanakii Crown.