On Saturday 29 March, the Richmond Rovers Junior club participated at the Grey Lynn Street Party organised by the Grey Lynn Business Association. This community run event allowed for the Richmond Rovers Rugby league & sports club to mix and mingle with other local businesses. The Richmond Rovers Junior club got together and ran a successful sausage sizzle barbecue fund-raiser outside of the Grey Lynn Tavern. 

Much thanks to the Grey Lynn Residents, Grey Lynn Business Association, the Richmond Junior club volunteers, Grey Lynn Tavern and our loyal supporters of Richmond Rovers rugby league. We appreciated the opportunity to promote our proud club and for also sharing your thoughts, feedback and welcomed donations. 

By LAUREN PRIESTLEY
Source: Harbour News

 A century-old club is breaking new ground by going cold turkey this year.
Richmond Rovers Rugby League & Sports Club, based at Grey Lynn Park, has been alcohol-free since March 17.

"We're basically promoting this as a sports club, not a drinking club," chairman Gus Fepuleai says.

"It's about forward thinking and trying to get alcohol right away from our kids. We've got to change that culture of drinking and sports that's been around forever."

The decision was made because of issues with drinking in Grey Lynn Park where antisocial behaviour, noise and litter have been the subject of frequent complaints from neighbours in the past three years, he says.

The club wants to bring the focus back to sport.

"Rugby league has been copping the stick for a long time and it's about time we're doing something positive.

"Someone has to take the lead. It's our performance on the field that is important and looking after the welfare of our players, kids and community."

The club will lose revenue from the bar but will save money by not needing to hire additional staff and extra security at the premises, Mr Fepuleai says.

Grey Lynn Residents Association chairman Dan Salmon says the decision to remove alcohol is a brave one.

The sports club has been working hard to foster relationships with other organisations in the area as well as the park's neighbours, he says.

"I think it's a big and bold step they've made to try and address those issues.

"I really hope they get support from the community and the club for doing it. It's definitely something to watch and hopefully other sports clubs around the country might follow."

Waitemata Local Board deputy chairwoman Pippa Coom says the club has made the decision with its future in mind.

"It's really courageous that they've done it. I know it is a difficult decision for them but I personally think they've really done the right thing."

Mr Fepuleai says the board is also pushing for new facilities at the Grey Lynn Park site and is starting a two to five-year business plan to increase membership with the aim of keeping Richmond going for the next 100 years.

The club wants to take part in the Grey Lynn Park Festival this year and will focus on selling healthy drinks and food at the clubrooms, he says.

"It's about the values and letting the kids know what is right and what is wrong.

"You can access alcohol anywhere. What's the big deal with not having it right in front of our kids' faces?"

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”.

MORE

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

Source: Jess Lee from Auckland Harbour News

The future development of Grey Lynn Park is up for discussion once again. Reporter Jess Lee spoke to park users about what they hope to see happen to this jewel in the suburb's crown.

Most users of Grey Lynn Park - from dog-walkers to rugby league players - will agree that it could do with a bit of a spruce-up.

Some of its facilities were upgraded a few years ago after lobbying by the community who wanted to breathe a bit of life into the tired park.

But with standards slipping again, some users say an assessment to determine the needs of the park can't come soon enough.

Community groups and long-time resident rugby league club the Richmond Rovers have been consulted.

The Waitemata Local Board is awaiting the report which will be used to update its development plan.

It should go on the board agenda by March ahead of wider public consultation, chairman Shale Chambers says.

Richmond Rovers treasurer Graeme Atmore wants to see the plans put into action.

"The facilities are substandard and desperately need upgrading," he says.

"We want to be in a position where by the end of next summer we've knocked this over and are building a replacement."

At the moment the club's 600 players have to make do with sharing small changing rooms in the rundown 1970s clubhouse while visiting teams sometimes have to change under a tree.

The poor state of the sports fields are also a concern, he says.

"We have thousands of people down here every Saturday and things just aren't up to scratch.

"The club has been here a hundred years and I think the council doesn't realise the suffering we're going through."

Grey Lynn Park Advisory Group member Nicola Legat says the community want to see a commitment to enhancing and maintaining the park. "It's the heart and lungs of the neighbourhood. The park's resources are used by a lot of people for a lot of different reasons," Ms Legat says.

"It's all very well having a plan but there needs to be money put aside as well."

The advisory group is encouraged by the assessment and is eagerly awaiting the plans when they go out for consultation, she says.

Team named: Aaron Unasa, Arno, Nio Strickland, Cale Baker, Wiremu Takeriu, Rob Vaii, Lance Wright, Logan Wright, Josh Mana, Kennedy, Andrew Kake, Savi Hafoka, Bronson Harden. Francis Gallagher, Stan Bourke, Anthony Auvaa. Harry Vete. Coach: Henry Solomona, Jesse Bourke. Manager: Tu Lialia’i.

The Premier 1st team played New Lynn Stags at Grey Lynn Park. Prop forward Hans Leaunae and stand off Joshua Siaosi were players called up for the Premier grade team in which club journeyman Stan Bourke and team mate Anthony Auvaa stepped up from the interchange bench.

The first 40 minutes showed much experience and grit with strong carries from forwards Logan Wright, Andrew Kake and loose forward captain Bronson Harden. Rob Vaii and Lance Wright combined well organizing the outside backs and targeted the visiting Stags fringes. Full back Aaron Unasa showed great class and evasiveness to run 80 metres untouched for one of his tries. Centre Nio Strickland also showed great experience and pace to skip through some flimsy defence to score from the scrum. He later ran 60 metres to score untouched. Some sublime footwork and vision saw hooker Josh Mana carve his way through the midfield to score a doble thanks to the momentum of the Richmond forwards. Half time score was 40-10 to the mighty Richmond Bulldogs.

The second half started slow for the Richmond side. With injury (ankle) to Logan Wright some punch was taken away from the Prems Forward pack. Ill-discipline and uncharacteristic handling errors enabled the visiting opposition field position and ball possession. The stags took the opportunities when granted and scored multiple tries in the final 20 minutes of the game. Richmond composed themselves and eventually went on to win 50-28. Player of the day went to stand out performer Aaron Unasa.

After 18 games played this 2013 season the Premier 1st have won 15, loss 3 and now go to the Major semi-final against the 2013 undefeated Otara Scorpions at Ngati Otara Park. The winner of this match go straight to the 2013 Sharman Cup Premier 1st Grand Final. The team will need to train well and tweak a few things before going into this weekend game with a positive attitude. Please come on out in support of our team and club as both teams will be fighting hard to go through to the grand final. The boys would appreciate your support. BiteEMBulldogs

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

MAINTENANCE AND CLEAN UP OF YOUR RICHMOND ROVERS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB 
The next Richmond Working bee date: Waitangi Day, Wednesday 6th February 2013.

The following needs to be done ASAP. If you are able to assist with a contact person who may be able to help or if you would like to volunteer yourself then please get in touch with us.

1.   Materials, 4x2 & many other lengths need to be sourced
2.   Particle sheets to block up Changing Room Windows
3.   Nails
4.   Staples to be removed from building exterior - need pliers
5.   Railings to be fixed
6.   Guttering to be fixed
7.   Roof to be fixed
8.   Rubbish, Glass & Leaves to be removed
9.   Canteen- Concertina Window to sourced and be reinserted
10.  Main Hall Windows to be replaced with Colonial Style Doors
11.  Water Blasting of outside club/concrete
12.  Gardens
13.  Security Lights
14.  Changing Rooms/Lighting
15.  Showers
Plus any other notable repairs!!!

Could we all please  follow up all our contacts, friends and families for the next Richmond Working Bee. Target Tradesmen please and advise them to please bring their equipment with them or any donated materials would be most appreciated. We are still looking for Ply/Particle Board as well as lengths of 4x3 etc for Railings plus nails and what ever else building materials are needed.

IF OVERSEAS & WANTING TO HELP OUT
If you would like to assist and you are overseas your best way to assist would be to join the 100 CLUB. Click here for more info on how you can help by becoming a 100 CLUB member.

RICHMOND ROVERS RUGBY LEAGUE COACHING AND DEVELOPMENT

Congratulations to the following coaches who have completed Course requirements.
Beginner Min Mod Course
Michael CHAN TING, Patrick MAUGATUTIA, Kurt ENSOR, Patrick TAMATI, Willie UALIKA, Joe LUNDON, Sali WATCH, Chloe KAISER, Kyla KAISER-DAY, Henry NICHOLAS, Junior FIU, Peter AH KUOI
Beginner Youth Course
Junior FIU, Peter AH KUOI, Faavae KALOLO, Darren OKESENE, Luisa AVAIKI, Russell McKINNON
Beginner Senior Club Coach
Junior FIU, Faavae KALOLO, Luisa AVAIKI
ARL Referees Course
Micahel CHAN-TING, Faavae KALOLO, Ricky WILLIAMS, Sali WATCH, Peter AH KUOI

AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE AWARDS
 A great accomplishment and well deserved achievements for all involved and to the recipients.
* Congratulations to Mose Newton who was awarded Auckland Rugby League Under 18s Best and Fairest Player of the Year.
* Congratulations to Liz Ah Kuoi-Atmore who was awarded Auckland Rugby League International Grade Under 18s Manager of the Year.
* Congratulations to Fue Lomi who was awarded Auckland Rugby League Premier 2nd Best and Fairest Player of the Year.

RICHMOND ROVERS RUGBY LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVES
Congratulations to the following on their appointments to Auckland representative teams:
Regional Representative Challenge Staff Appointments
Northern Region
Under 13 Grade - Coach - Darren OKESENE
Under 18 Grade - Coach - Luisa AVAIKI /Assistant Coach - Liz AH KUOI
Under 13 Northern Regional Trialists
Arthur FRASER, Carlos HENRY, Dylan TAVITA, Mikey WILLIAMS, Harris ROPATI-JONES, Nathan NGAROPO, Sam TOFA-TIMOTEO
Northern Regional Under 13 Representatives
Hayes OKESENE, Carlos HENRY, Dylan TAVITA, Mikey WILLIAMS
Akarana Falcons Under 17
Manager - Anita SIMTH-McKINNON
Akarana Falcons ZONE Under 17 Trialist
Toafofoa SIPELY, Kenneth LAFAELE, Michael McKINNON, Timothy SMITH, Joshua IOANE, Tom LEOTA, Aaron BIDDLE, Taniela LEKA, Sitiveni AIPOLO, Mitchell SMITH, Isaac WALKER, Eruera KEREOPA, Eddy PAOTAMA, Jake ROPATI, Fred MULLER (Playing U18's)
Akarana Falcons Zone U15 Hearts Camp Trialist
Isaac AH KUOI-ATMORE
NZ Womens Rugby League Kiwi Train On Squad
Annabelle HOHEPA, Charlotte ARNOPP-SCANLAN, Lisa CAMPBELL
Amber HALL, Tasha TAPU, Charmaine McMENAMIN

Congratulations for Representative Selection
Akarana Flacons Zone Under 15's
Isaac AH KUOI-ATMORE
Akarana Falcons Zone Under 17's
Joshua IOANE. Kenneth LAFAELE, Michael McKINNON, Toafofoa SIPLEY
Auckland North V Auckland South Under 16 Trialist
Scott TOFA-TIMOTEA, Otineru LIO, Jamon PEAU, Casey LAFAELE, Nathaniel ROACHE, Kuramate TE IRIRANGI-HENRY, Mataio TIMALOA
Mathew MOKOROA, Bradley ABBEY, Bhailee DEAN, Tyrone KANUTA, Hikairoa WETERE
Auckland North V Auckland South Under 18 Trialist
Keneti AH KUOI-ATMORE, Mathew FEPULEAI, Edwin TAFEAMALI'I, Samisoni VAIOLETI, Tamuta MATAORA, Jordan WALL, Julius VAETARU
Mose NEWTON, Eddy POTAMA, Fahren FRUEAN, Julian CLUBB, Jaedyn TAIMALIETANE, Louis CLUBB, Robert LIAI
Auckland North Prem 2 Regional Challenge Trialist
Lomia LOMI, Debarres NEEMIA, Roni TUKIUHA, Steve VAIHU, Elia FUE, Justin LAKATANI, Leon LATOA, Fili LIVA, Gau LOMI, Fue LOMI, Losua LOMI, John MANA, Charlie NOO, Tar PEILUU, Semese SOMONA, Cornelius TALAGI, Marcus TANIUA, Derek TIMINIS, Luaer VAIHU
Auckland North U16 Regional Representative
Casey LAFAELE
Auckland North U18 Regional Representative
Keneti ATMORE-AH KUOI, Louis CLUBB, Julian CLUBB, Matthew BRUCE-FEPULEAI, Tamuta MATAORA, Mose NEWTON, Edwin TAFEAMALII, Jaedyn TAIMALIETANE, Julius VAETARU, Samisoni VAIOLETI, Ley VANO, Serevasio VETENIBUA
Auckland North Prem 2nd Regional Representative
Justin LAKATANI

It was the third game (Game 12) in the second round of the Sharman Cup and the mighty Richmond Rovers travelled to Nagti Otara to play the second placed Otara Scorpions. In Round 3 we lost to Otara at home so we needed to front up in the forwards and dominate the ruck area as well as defend well outwide to have any chance of beating a well drilled side.

The go forward from the forwards was of high quality enabling the best opportunities from our half back and stand off combination of Josh Mana & Tama Gurthrie to continue their fine form from last weeks game against Glenfield greyhounds. The first half started slow with Otara scoring first , we then follow suit with a try to Faavae Toloua in the corner and Josh Mana slotting the conversion from the sideline to give us the lead 6-4 with only 15 minutes gone. Otara scored again out wide and then we scored two more tries to take us to the half time with a 16-8 lead. We had the wind in the first half so we were now playing against the wind and running up hill. Otara started strong scoring two tries in the first 15 minutes of the season half. We then scored two unconverted tries through some good finishing tries by Cale Baker & Josh Siaosi both scoring in the corner. With 20 minutes left in the game Richmond were leading 24-16. Otara found there second wind and went on a scoring spree scoring four tries with great momentum taking the lead 32-24. With our reserves bench down to only two players and with 10 minutes remaining Richmond managed to get a roll on with a couple of penalties. Momentum started to change thanks to a bustling run and unconverted try from prop forward Hector Purcell taking the to score 32-28. With five minutes remaining Richmond managed to force repeat sets and penalties to go our way and was back in Otara's half with merely minutes left in the game. With one set of six left Richmond had to use this well. On the back of four tackles Josh mana received the ball on the final tackle and kicked diagonally behind Otara's defence and this was regathered by a wide running Aaron Nootai (pictured) who scored under the posts this made it 32-32 and with time up the last act of the day went to Tama Guthrie who converted the try to allow one of the years upsets and the Richmond Premiers to come away winning 34-32.
P​LAYERS OF THE DAY: Mia Tautiga & Bronson Harden.
Next week we play Mangere East Hawks at Grey Lynn Park. We would love your support as we look to continue our winning streak to push us in to the top four. ALL DAY DOGGIES!!!

The Richmond Premiers played their last round game at New Lynn Stags home ground, Lawson Park. The Richmond Premiers this week have a few injuries to Savi Hafoka, Lafi Faamausili, Steve Watkinson and Pati Taula so called up from Premier 1st was Andrew Kake, Santos Taurua and James Finlayson who all are confidently capable of filling in the holes. In the opening first 10 minutes Richmond started slowly missing a number of crucial tackles and allowing a lead of 12-6 to New Lynn. Our line speed was far too slow, our marker defence did not defend as well as it should and it showed with the half time score being 18-14 to New Lynn.

The second half started with both team’s not trading tries but making mistakes and incomplete sets of six. New Lynn started off better scoring an unconverted try to extend their lead 22-14. We had to be the next to score to get back in the game. This came in the form of a picture perfect pass from Tama Guthrie finding Nale Bourke who went in to score a converted try to take the score to 22-20 to New Lynn. We scored two quick converted tries to Junior Uale and Hector Purcell (picture left) to take the lead 32-22 to the Doggies. With 10 minutes left in the game we made several mistakes and surrendered field position. This allowed New Lynn back in to the game in which they scored a converted try to take the game to 32-28 to Richmond. We had a set of six and with two minutes to go we gave up the ball on the 4th tackle to hand over possession and position. New Lynn attacked the blind side and found a hole to score in the corner. With full time up it was a 32-32 draw. Thank you to the Richmond supporters who came to support their team.