From 1982 to 1984, the side had a win rate of over 90 per cent. They placed second in the 1982 Waikato Secondary Schools Competition, and were winners in 1983 and 1984, as well as one of the top four in New Zealand in 1984 and 1984 Tricolor Trophy holders.
“They had tremendous team spirit, and had enormous pride in playing for the college and the community,” says Dennis.
The smiles on Dennis’ and former team manager Ron Smith’s faces said it all: it meant a lot to them that everyone had turned up to the event.
On Saturday morning, the reunion attendees were welcomed onto Te Awamutu College’s O-Tāwhao Marae with a powhiri, before former college First XV rep and ex-All Black Steve Gordon presented the current players with their match jerseys and words of inspiration.
He also presented many of the boys with their five-game ties.
The current Te Awamutu First XV side (division 2) faced Matamata College First XV (division 1) in a friendly match as they both had a bye week.
The well-drilled Matamata took the win 33-18, although Te Awamutu put up a fight and scored the first match points with a penalty kick.
Te Awamutu’s points were scored through Corbin Fleming with a try, a conversion and two penalties, while Jack Kelly also grabbed a try.
“We then hosted the after-match [function] and had the gentlemen from the 1st XV reunion join us, it was lovely to share this with them. A full clubroom, all enjoying a meal together is always something special,” it states on the Te Awamutu College 1st XV Rugby Facebook page.
Gordon had the opportunity to select the MVP points on the 3-2-1 system, presenting the player of the day, captain Ryan Baillie, with a green blazer.
MVP POINTS: 3: Ryan Baillie, 2: Brody Emery, 1: Jack Kelly.
Saturday night at Te Awamutu Sports was a well-attended function with Waikato rugby centurion Duane Monkley as the guest speaker.
A special capping ceremony was also held, giving the qualifying past players their 20-game First XV caps.
Dennis says that the players expressed their great respect for him and the other management – Ron and the late Te Roi Tataurangi (1942-1990).
“I can assure you that the respect was mutual, and Saturday night had such a very special atmosphere and feeling.”
It was evident on the Saturday night that there was genuine comradeship, brotherhood, friendship, community, camaraderie, society, company, fellowship, companionship, the feeling of being one big family, genuine aroha for each other and whanaungatanga.
Sponsors that helped this event come to fruition were Appreciation Plus Ltd, BiForm, Howick Constructors, Ron Smith, Smithetal, Steve Gordon, Terranova and Wayne Wrathall Concrete.
