RICHMOND ROVERS RUGBY LEAGUE & SPORTS CLUB TO BECOME ALCOHOL FREE IN 2014

The Richmond Rovers Board of Directors has taken the lead to make the Richmond Rovers Rugby League & Sports Club an alcohol free club. This means the Richmond Rovers Club will not be serving any alcoholic beverage at the club in 2014 with immediate effect.

This forward thinking move by the Board of Directors is supported by club members but will no doubt have many wondering what is behind this brave change. “The Richmond Club bar will lose some revenue”, says Chairman Gus Fepuleai, but the Board of Directors anticipates positive growth by “building relationships with local businesses, organisations and agencies who are in support of the sports club taking a stand against alcohol”.  Fepuleai’s’ confidence has already gained merit with the club’s alcohol free policy receiving 100% backing from its major sponsors L.J Hooker (Ponsonby), Giltrap Prestige (VW), ACR Roofing and Waterview Laundromat.

Revenue from the Richmond Club bar has been falling for a number of years which has been made worse by the number of volunteer hours and resources required from the Board to organise paid bar staff and security. Add to this the growing complaints and concerns from local Grey Lynn Park residents regarding undesirable drinking behavior in the park’s vicinity.

To combat these problems all senior club alcohol related after match functions, and club social fundraisers will be held at Richmond’s partner premises: The Grey Lynn Tavern, located at 523 Great North Road, Grey Lynn.  The Richmond club will remain open as normal for Junior and Senior team prize-giving, non-alcoholic functions, meetings of local groups, fitness groups, community activities and club run seminars.

Fepuleai believes the “club’s members will support the positive benefits” of a no alcohol tolerance policy following many highly publicised alcohol related incidents of professional rugby league stars from the Australasian NRL competition.  Voicing his proposal in front of a vocal public forum held at the Richmond Rovers Clubrooms on Wednesday 29 January 2014, the Chairman commented that “2014 will be a year of change and the rugby league code itself needs to become more forward thinking”.

Sideline spectators who choose to bring alcoholic beverages to the Grey Lynn Park grounds will be encouraged to drink in moderation, however Fepuleai is under no illusions and understands his and the Board of Directors limitations in addressing this behavior. The Auckland City Council already has imposed liquor ban notices surrounding Grey Lynn Park and other parks throughout the city. Fepuleai has indicated that “we will strongly encourage and promote to our Richmond club members, family, friends and supporters to consume alcohol in moderation”.

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As part of its work to build a stronger community-centered club, the Board of Directors, with the support of the Richmond Rovers club members, will focus on a 2-5 year business plan that includes plans to increase junior and senior club membership and its continued campaign to attain Waitemata Community Board and Auckland Council support for a brand new Richmond Rovers Club room facility.

With over 500 paid club members in 2013 it is hoped that Fepuleai’s vision will cater to the needs of the club members, the community and other sporting codes currently sharing the Grey Lynn Park grounds including American Grid Iron, Tag Football, Touch Football and Netball.

Richmond Club Treasurer and local Grey Lynn Park resident Graeme Atmore believes the focus of the Club needs to go towards creating better people and opportunities, “to eliminate the hassles of alcohol would enable the Richmond Board to focus on more meaningful projects”.

Benefits of an alcohol free club include:

• An innovative framework of alcohol management that enhances family friendly values
• Encouragement of Grey Lynn community spirit
• A safer community with less temptation for at risk drink drivers
• Reduction in the misuse of alcohol and related problems for club members
• Saving of money otherwise spent on alcohol by players, supporters and club members
• Health gains for players, club members and their families
• Display of club support for the Premier coaching team who self-imposed a liquor ban for the Premier team during the 2013 season
• Opportunity for combined Senior and Junior prize giving at every home game
• An improved club image encouraging a favorable outlook from junior member’s parents, the wider community and funding agencies (ASB community trust and the Health Promotion Agency (HPA) etc.
• No need for paid licensed bar staff
• No need for paid security staff
• Reduction in club operating expenses
• Reduced maintenance costs of premises wear and tear
• No need for club members to police fundraisers and lock up after social functions
• No more noise complaints from Grey Lynn Park residents
• No more complaints of broken bottles outside the club premises and in car parks
• No more late night drinkers at the club room
• An opportunity to build relationships with local businesses
• An opportunity to obtain sponsorship with corporate socially responsible businesses

 
For more information contact:

Gus Fepuleai, ph: 021 0836 9836
Graeme Atmore, ph: 021 360040

BULLDOGS GRAB THE CUP

A hard-fought rugby league grand final win for the Richmond Bulldogs sees them crowned 2013 SAS Sharman Cup champions and promoted to next year's Fox Memorial Shield.

The Bulldogs capped off their centennial year with an 18-14 win over the Otara Scorpions after a cliffhanger finish in front of a 1500-strong crowd at Henderson's Trusts Stadium on Saturday.

Both teams fully deserved their place in the final after a long and hard season.

The Bulldogs came into the final after a strong performance in the semifinals against the Scorpions, trouncing them 34-22.

The first try of the day came in the fifth minute courtesy of Bruce Tusa who put through Tagisia Fulutusi for the Scorpions.

Toleafoa Leaupepe went agonisingly close but the desperate Scorpions defence held out - until a rampaging Hector Purcell bulldozed over to give Richmond their first points.

Steve Watkinson converted and Richmond were up 6-4. Richmond seemed to get a second wind and with only 10 to go in the first half went over again down the left flank after quick hands had Marcus Auva'a ground the ball under pressure.

Another Watkinson conversion had Bulldogs up 12-4 at halftime.

In the second half the Bulldog's Bronson Harden was held up in goal to be denied a try.

This gave Otara their first opportunity of the half and James Tulikaki crossed to give the Scorpions their second try, making the score 12-8 after a missed conversion.

Richmond did not have to wait long for their next chance and when the Bulldogs kicked early and caught Scorpions' winger Tagisia Fulutusi out of position, the Bulldogs found themselves hard on attack. From there an early tap by Watkinson had him find his opposites napping and he managed to plant the ball to extend the lead to 18-8 after converting the try.

With three minutes remaining Scorpions' five-eight Leiloa Lafaele crossed and with a successful conversion it was 18-14 to the Bulldogs with a minute to go.

From the kickoff Otara missed the ball and it went out for a line dropout.

The Scorpions gained possession and broke away downfield but an Otara grubber failed to find its man and the ball was cleared for the Bulldogs to win 18-14.

SAS Sharman Cup Grand Final Results:

Richmond Bulldogs 18 (12) V (4) 14 Otara Scorpions.

Richmond Rovers Rugby league is proud to announce that Auckland’s premier early child hood care has a 2013 jersey sponsor by the business name of; Mataliki Education Care Centre.

Mataliki believe a Tokelau language is to be spoken, the culture to be encouraged, nurtured, and also for our children to retain the value of Christian principles, has come on board as the Premier grade jersey naming rights sponsor for this 2013 season.

“We’re really excited about this new relationship” said Gus Fepuleai, Richmond Rover’s club chairman. “The Premier team is currently leading the Sharman Cup competition after nine games and the club as a whole is evolving with junior and senior player participation at the Richmond club on the rise. We look forward to continuing our form and with Mataliki in support of our Premier club team we believe our club will get to the next level –the Fox Memorials shield competition in 2014.”

Fepuleai continued. “The support from our other business raffle sponsors is very much appreciated and we all wish Richmond Premier Coach Ming Mafoe and his coaching staff and management team a very successful year”.

Mataliki has it education centre in Mangere, Auckland and provides a complete child care centre.

 “Mataliki and Richmond Rovers Rugby league club have a long standing relationship; not only in terms of support for our Premier grade team jersey sponsorship, but through contribution to some of our club players from the Premiers and 2012 Premier 2nds Champions Tokes (Tokelaun team). Such players include outside back DeBarres who was “impressive in his 2013 debut for the Premier team last weekend against New Lynn Stags”, Molly Foai, Richmond Premier’s Manager explained.

“The purpose of Mataliki is to develop the individuality of all children are respected and recognized therefore we endeavor as educators to implement the curriculum of Te Whaariki to plan our programme according to the child's needs”. Administrator Lita (Foai) Foai said “We believe Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata is the extension of the child's family, helping them to feel a sense of belonging and their safety and well-being is well cared for and protected”.

Richmond Rovers Rugby league is also proud to announce Internationally recognized up-and-coming dance academy Saints Junior Dance Academy as the 2013 jersey sponsor for the Richmond Premier 1st grade team.

Richmond Rovers Rugby league is proud to announce internationally recognized up-and-coming dance academy Lil Saintz Dance Academy as the 2013 jersey sponsor for the Richmond Premier 1st grade team.

Established in 2006. Lil Saintz Dance Academy love to support & serve community, family, Church & charity events. Founded & establishing SAINTZ UP PERFORMING ARTS programme to give opportunity to every young person wanting to learn HIP HOP, choir, drama,  vocal lessons. 

“We’re really excited about this new relationship with a long time supporter of our club” said Gus Fepuleai, Richmond Rover’s club chairman. “The Premier 1st team is well represented with a number of players playing Prems this year and the club as a whole is evolving with junior and senior player participation at the Richmond club on the rise. We look forward to continuing our great form and with Saintz Dance Academy in support of our Premier 1st club team we believe our club will get to the next level –the Fox Memorials shield competition in 2014.”

Like the Saintz Dance Academy today
For Bookings & Info Contact: SaintzAcademy@gmail.com

Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club is proud to announce a very exciting development within the club.

The Surrey Hotel in Grey Lynn has aligned themselves with one of the oldest and largest sports club in the inner Auckland city region as a sponsor.  It is exciting times for the club with the growth of rugby league continuing through the exposure of its players represented in the Vodafone Warriors, Richmond celebrating its 100th centenary year over the Queen’s birthday weekend and the fact that 2013 is Rugby league World Cup year with the NZ Kiwis as defending champions.

The Surrey Hotel’s high profile sits comfortably with Richmond’s own profile within the larger Grey Lynn community.  Club Chairman Gus Fepuleai commented “it is tough for the Richmond Rovers club to maintain our high standards both on the field and off.  The generous support of The Surrey Hotel allows us to continue our development.  As the Club celebrates its 100th centenary year we are setting a high benchmark for our club both on and off the field”.

Denise King, added “The Surrey Hotel is delighted to be partnering with one of Grey Lynn’s, if not the greater inner city regions, most successful sports clubs which has had over 50 Kiwi International players developed from this local club. We see it as a great opportunity to assist the club with the development of their junior and senior players from the Richmond juniors ages five up to the premiers aged thirty plus years of age. The Richmond club is dedicated to making rugby league accessible and fun for everyone from the social player to those more serious”.

Over recent years the Richmond Rovers club has developed a strong and growing Junior Academy programme which assists younger players who show talent early on and helps them progress into potentially representing rep teams and maybe even New Zealand one day. 

The Richmond Premiers are the talk of the competition after their excellent start to the season.

A human tunnel was formed to welcome the Richmond Premiers onto the field for the first home game of the 2013 season. A capacity crowd and the radiant sun proved to be positive indicators for the game ahead against 2012 Sharman Cup finalists, Papatoetoe Panthers.

No truer words were said than ‘Defence wins games’.

While the Rovers defensive line remained solid, the first signs of a weakening Panthers defence came nearly 20 minutes in the game with ex Vulcans player Aaron Nootai scoring on the left wing, opening what was to be a wave of tries.

The poor handling skills of the Panthers were far from their winning 2012 form, with a myriad of errors allowing the Rovers to race away to a 26-0 lead at half time through tries to Toafofoa Sipley, Junior Uale, Savi Hafoka and Aaron Nootai again.

The Rovers continued the second half with the same intensity and momentum with Siliga Kepaoa surging ahead a clear 30 metres to score between the posts converted successfully by Harry Vete. Five minutes had not lapsed before Captain Karl Simeti busted through the flailing Panthers defence to score, and Toafofoa adding a further 4 points to the board shortly after.

Guarding the line after three consecutive defensive plays, the impenetrable Richmond wall came down 65 minutes into the game after the Panthers hit back.

Harry Vete donned his golden boots to successfully slot a total of 8 conversions. Final score: 56-8 Richmond Premiers.

Richmond’s captain Karl Simeti was inspirational for the home team forcing several turnovers with his confrontational defence. Another stand-out for the match was Junior Warriors player Toafofoa Sipley who led the hitup count in attack with 13 hit ups earning him the player of the day award.

Coach Ming Mafoe was pleased with the result though is determined to see a reduction in the error rate.

Next game : Sat 13 April 2:30pm, Moyle Park. vs Manukau Magpies

The Richmond Premiers played the SAS Sharman Cup competition leaders the Papatoetoe Panthers at there home ground. With a mixed week of training due to injuries there were the three players who pulled out for various reasons. No trouble as there was adequate cover from our developing and always pressing Premier 1st grade team. The Premiers did get out 17 players with inclusion of our Auckland Vulcan players: Aaron Nootai and Warriors full time contracted player Ivan Penehe. The Richmond team were hoping there experiences from the Auckland Vulcans would rub off to the other 15 players.

Missed first up tackles, forced errors in our half and penalties allowed Papatoetoe Panthers to a handy 22-12 lead going into the 
break. The second half started well with the Premiers scoring two tries to Aukuso & Toleafoa Leaupepe with one conversion to make the score 22-22 with 25 minutes remaining. Dropped balls, lack of respect for the ball and referee allowed Papatoetoe to go on a scoring spree with three unanswered tries with only 1 kick over making the score 36-22 with ten minutes left in the game. Richmond were its our own worst enemy losing the ball in the first tackle  and in there own half. Defence was sound for the remainder of the game. Richmond built up some pressure in which outside back Edwin Pita scored crossing over to take the score to 36-26. With  seven minutes remaining  Richmond ran the ball on  the last  tackle down the blind side. Ivan managed to get some ground and before  being flung over the side line he flicked the ball back into the hands of  Captain Mia Tautiga who  went over to score untouched. Aukuso converted the try  to take the score to 36-32 still to  the Panthers. 

The Panthers took there time returning the ball back for kick off. As the home team kicked off the hooter  sounded for full time. Richmond earned a penalty as the Panthers defence were  well in front of the kicker. Aaaron Nootai kicked the ball out to gain another  20 metres. The Premier boys knew the last stoppage will be full time so decided  to tap the ball and passed it from one side of the field to the other. Utility  player Josh Sioasi found a gaping whole on the edge in which he drew in his  winger and passed to Ivan who sprinted down the line to score an awesome try in  the corner. So this made it 36 all with the kick to come. This unfortunately was missed however the boys showed a lot of character and belief.

Special mention to Ivan Penehe, Aaron Nootai who put the extra effort in. Also an honourable mention for Fia who was brought into this game from the Premier 1st and helped us.

By Tere Strickland Jnr.
THE Richmond Rovers 100 Club is looking to expand on its membership numbers in season 2012, with the call going out for all ex-players to sign up to the 100 CLUB and help support the club. Entering its first year, the club already has 36 ex-players and officials on the books, but Gus Fepuleai has urged more people to get involved.  “Our purpose is to foster and develop rugby league at the Richmond club, and more particularly, foster and develop the Junior Richmond Rovers Rugby League along with the Richmond Rovers senior grade teams,” Fepuleai said. “Now that we have got everything down pat from the legal and documentation side, we held a further meeting prior to Christmas to discuss our plans for this year. “We are holding a sign-up day at the Richmond Club on Friday, March 9 from 7pm as part of the Richmond club website launch. “The membership fee is a $100 one-off payment and for this members will receive a quality 100 Club t-shirt along with a 2012 Richmond Club membership card. “We want to encourage any old boys out there to come along and more importantly bring a friend, the evening will be very informal, just a few drinks and footy talk.” Fepuleai hoped the club might grow in number to 60 after the sign on day, adding they have several social events planned during the season, with the first Richmond Club social set down after the Richmond Rovers second home game of the season against Mangere East Hawkes on Saturday 21 April.

“We are looking at the club as a way to get old football friends together and have a good social time, but also to provide some game day and off the field support to the club by way of increasing numbers to local games and providing financial support where we can,” he said. Fepuleai said money raised from the club’s clothing range will be put back into the junior and senior clubs, with the scope of starting a football scholarship down the line for talented players.

For more information about the Richmond Rovers Old Boys Club ring Gus Fepuleai on 027 222 3403 or Adam Butler on 021 1328 321. Click here to BECOME A 100 CLUB MEMBER TODAY!