​Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen
 
There is no footy this week and it is not a bad thing. We have the week off because we are the minor premiers of the Fox Memorial for the second year in a row.  Last Saturday our victory over Otahuhu confirmed our status as minor premiers and holders of the Rukutai Shield once again.  That was not the only treat we received that day.  Along with the Stormont Shield  and the Rukutai Shield, we also attained the Kiwi Shield which is awarded to the club who has the highest aggregate points for, for the premier and premier reserves.  We have attained  3 shields this year, now to focus all our attention on the shield that counts The Fox Memorial.  
 
Next week Saturday 10 August at Grey Lynn Park 2.30pm, we will play the winner of this weekend's game between the Otahuhu Leopards and the Pt Chevalier Pirates for a place in the Fox Memorial Final. Regardless of who wins, our team has been training hard to prepare for both.  We have a couple of players with niggly injuries who should come right by next week so we are expected to be at full strength for our semi-final next week.
 
The Roses are also minor premiers for the women's competition and they too will play at Grey Lynn Park next week 12.45 for a place in their respective final.  How awesome is that?  Both our Men's and Women's Premier teams have finished top of the table. What a weekend next will be down at Grey Lynn Park.  My suggestion to you all is to get down to the club nice and early next week to avoid having to park miles away from the park.  It is going to be a full house at Grey Lynn Park next week.
 
Next weekend we will be holding a light spread for all our sponsors which includes all members of the gentlemen's club. I will confirm a time during the week.  The bar will be open so don't forget to bring along your membership keyring and purchase your discounted drinks.
 
On another note I do have a little bit of membership fees outstanding. If you could sort that out in the next week or so that would be much appreciated.  Just to give you a little heads up on campaign costs.  This premiership campaign will run costs is by far the priciest campaign in Richmond history. It has been a challenge finding sponsors. I am very grateful for all our sponsors, particularly our major sponsor Graeme Atmore and Ah Kuoi & Atmore Residential who is also a gentlemen's club member.  It has taken an army of financial supporters to keep this campaign afloat. You gentlemen's club members are all sponsors of our premier men's team and you have all played a huge part in keeping this campaign in tact.   As a team, as a club we are grateful. 
 
Well that's it from me.  We will see you all next week at Grey Lynn Park firstly for the Roses game at 12,45 then our premiers at 2,30pm and if you are up to nothing tomorrow please do come and support our reserve grade team who are playing in a knockout playoff versus Manukau tomorrow at Grey Lynn Park 12.45pm kick off. 
 
Yours sincerely
 
Pat Tia