The LJ Hooker Richmond Premiers take on the Papakura Sea Eagles at Prince Edward Park on Saturday 12th July. This game promises to be full of impact, hard hits and strong hit ups from both teams. The Richmond Premiers will need all the support they can get as they are expecting a great battle upfront. With all Richmond supporters in attendance for the Maori TV game screening on Sunday 13th (1.30pm) the team hope to get off the bottom of the table! Premier 1st kick off at 12.45pm. Premier team kick off 2.30pm.

Shout out to our loyal sponsors: LJ Hooker Ponsonby, Waterview Laundromat, Waterview Superette & Lotto, Giltrap Group, Peter Fell Concrete & Shamrock Reroofing.

As of Friday 11 July 2014, the No Pay, No Play Policy will be enforced which refers to all Senior Grade Players from U20's to Premiership Grades including the Women.

No Un-Financial players can represent the Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club by taking the field to play on Saturday 12 July 2014

Should any breach occur after the fact, the offending team will be notified to ARL whereby a Default/Loss of Points will be implemented

Richmond Premiers had a home game against the Howick Hornets at Grey Lynn Park in the round 13 Auckland Rugby League Fox Memorial Shield encounter. Coming off two superb wins over Mangere East Hawks and Otahuhu Leopards the Richmond Premiers are revitalized and finally playing to the teams potential.

Howick came out looking very impressive in the first 20 minutes scoring some early tries with ease before Richmond rallied together for a late first half comeback. When the Richmond Premiers forward pack mustard together to get the much needed roll on the team began to compete for ball possession and field position. To Richmond’s credit this was done only in patches throughout the game.

Howick were very fine tuned and went on to win convincingly 48-12. On the positive it was great to see the return of relentless forward Karl Simeti back in action. He tackled well and ran lines which contributed to the team getting on the score card.

This week the Richmond Premiers play its first Maori TV game against Papakura Sea Eagles at Prince Edward Park. The team could really do with a vocal Richmond supporter crowd so do make the effort to head out to the game. The club and team is one win away from avoiding relegation so every game played is as important. No doubt the team will give their best as they are playing every game as if it is a grand final. Maori TV screen game on Sunday 13th at 1.30pm.

Team named: Damon Niko, David Dyer, Ayden Devery, Ley Vano, Corey Teina, Josh Mana, Josh Siaosi, Stewart Preuss, John Mana, Jonah Sofele, Ben Seve, Andrew Kake, Siliga Kepaoa. Logan Wright, Mafola Timaloa, Isala Peau, Hector Purcell. 

The LJ Hooker Richmond Premiers take on the Howick Hornets at Grey Lynn Park on Saturday 5th July. This game promises to be full of impact, hard hits and strong hit ups from both teams. The Richmond Premiers will need all the support they can get as they are expecting a great battle upfront. With all Bulldogs supporters in attendance the team can add to its consecutive wins! Premier 1st kick off at 12.45pm. Premier team kick off 2.30pm.

Shout out to our loyal sponsors: LJ Hooker Ponsonby, Waterview Laundromat, Waterview Superette & Lotto, Giltrap Group, Peter Fell Concrete & Shamrock Reroofing.

Congratulations to the following Akarana Under 15 representative players from Richmond including: Daymon Abbey, Dylan Tavita, Carlos Henry. Mikey Williams, Sione Ngahe, Chanel Harris­ Tavita, Hayes Okesene, Soane Hufanga and Keaston Schmidt. 

Also congratulations and best of luck to former Richmond Premier coach Frank Fuimaono and Richmond Junior grade manager Anita Smith-McKinnon who form the Akarana Under 15s coaching and management team. 

Click here for more information

Richmond Premiers travelled South to Otahuhu Leopards home ground, Bert Henham in the round 12 Auckland Rugby League Fox Memorial Shield encounter.

Otahuhu on paper have a number of seasoned Fox Memorial campaigners so Richmond were expecting a tough tussle. It was Richmond’s forwards who dominated in the battle up front with Richmond back rowers Andrew Kake, Ben Seve and Siliga Kepaoa showing stand out defence. Tower-house back rower Andrew Kake scored the opening try to put Richmond ahead -something that has been a common thing in recent weeks. Richmond’s defence was much improved with a number of stiff hit and stick tackles keeping the Otahuhu second rowers awkwardly quiet. Otahuhu expected to play expansive footie however it was Richmond who forced Otahuhu towards the side line on five separate occasions.

Richmond played well to target the Otahuhu Leopards halves when the Richmond Premier team had the ball. Strong carries from Stewart Preuss and Logan Wright proved how dangerous this Richmond Premier side can be with ball in hand. The back five did a lot of grind work, setting up the platform and running the opposition mid field ragged. This proved effective as the home side fatigued allowing Richmond to build sustained confidence for the back end of the game.

Richmond’s Backs were on fire in attack with good hole-running and contesting the 50/50 bombs lead to ‘highlight reel type’ tries being scored. A good team effort where Coach Bernie Perenara can be pleased with the teams’ improvement since his involvement in the team. Ball security and the penalty count will be important to the Richmond Premier team in coming days as they prepare for a Howick Hornets side coming off two losses.

Try scorer Andrew Kake added after his team’s consecutive game wins, “The boys are all working from the same page and have really stepped it up on game day. When we were in the second half arm wrestle we showed the fighting Richmond spirit.”

Richmond Premiers kick off next Saturday at Grey Lynn Park against Howick Hornets at 2.30pm. Premier 1st  at 12.45pm.

Half time: 12 – 6 Richmond
Full time: 31 – 14 Richmond

Team named: Damon Niko, David Dyer, Ayden Devery, Ley Vano, Corey Teina, Josh Mana, Josh Siaosi, Stewart Preuss, John Mana, Jonah Sofele, Ben Seve, Andrew Kake, Siliga Kepaoa. Logan Wright, Mafola Timaloa, Isala Peau, Hector Purcell. 

The LJ Hooker Richmond Premiers take on the Otahuhu Leopards at Bert Henham Park on Saturday 28th June. This game promises to be full of impact, hard hits and strong hit ups from both teams. The Richmond Premiers will need all the support they can get as they are expecting a great battle upfront. With all Bulldogs supporters in attendance the team can finish Round 1 with a hopeful win! Premier 1st kick off at 12.45pm. Premier team kick off 2.30pm.

Full player profiles click here: http://tiny.cc/ttgiex

Shout out to our loyal sponsors: LJ Hooker Ponsonby, Waterview Laundromat, Waterview Superette & Lotto, Giltrap Group, Peter Fell Concrete & Shamrock Reroofing.

The Richmond Under 8s played Bay Roskill RED. Well done to Vincent Ieriko on his great performance who was also awarded player of the day. Final score 20-20 Draw.

Richmond Under 13s coached by Premier player Bronson Harden and Managed by Denise Dunn played the Glenora Bears. Player of the Day went to Timor Holo-Williams. Highlight of the day went to Glenora who have a big heart and didn't give up despite playing short of a full team. Final score Richmond 48 - Glenora 8. 

Congratulations to the following players from Richmond who have been selected for the Akarana Under 15s team. Well done on your appointment and we wish you all the very best on your series.
Daymon Abbey
Dylan Tavita
Carlos Henry
Mikey Williams
Sione Ngahe
Chanel Harris-Tavita
Hayes Okesene
Soane Hufanga
Keaston Schmidt

The LJ Hooker Richmond Premiers took on the Northcote Tigers at Birkenhead War Memorial Park on Saturday 14th June. 

Full player profiles click here: http://tiny.cc/ttgiex

Shout out to our loyal sponsors: LJ Hooker Ponsonby, Waterview Laundromat, Waterview Superette & Lotto, Giltrap Group, Peter Fell Concrete & Shamrock Reroofing.

The LJ Hooker Richmond Premiers took on the Marist Saints at Murray Halberg Park on Saturday 7th June. The Premier 1st unfortunately loss to the Marist Premier 1st. 

Having come off a weekend break and a change of guard under new head coach Bernie Perenara the team was as prepared as could be expected. 

The Richmond Premiers had a good crowd of Richmond supporters who were very vocal. 

Full player profiles click here: http://tiny.cc/ttgiex

Shout out to our loyal sponsors: LJ Hooker Ponsonby, Waterview Laundromat, Waterview Superette & Lotto, Giltrap Group, Peter Fell Concrete & Shamrock Reroofing.

Live Match update feed today at Richmond Premier game vs Marist Saints. #BiteEmBulldogs
Nice opening set with Richmond close to scoring down the left side
Marist spill the ball. Richmond plays into Marist half
Penalty to Richmond. Interception down right side to Marist lead to Marist try two plays later
Try converted 6-0 Marist
Marist knock on. Richmond play into Marist half
Jason Tavita aerial kick caught by tower Centre Joe Alesi who scores right of the post. Two out of two sets completed for the Bulldogs
Kick converted by full back Damon Niko. 6-6
Penalty to Richmond. Richmond in Marist half.
Third completed set. Good d to keep Marist in their half on tackle 5
Mid field tackle break leads to Marist right side scoring from draw and pass, 12-6 Marist
Penalty to Richmond sees them in Marist half
Marist kick off to Bulldogs to get the game started
Left wing Cory Samuel Teina is pushed out- close to scoring
Prop Jonah Sofele earns a rest. Big bopper Logan Wright is on. 4/5 completed sets from Richmond
5/6 completed sets. Knock on by Marist. Richmond scrum at half way
Cory Samuel Teina held up on the line
6/7 completed sets by Richmond
Logan Wright spills ball, 6/9 completed sets
Richmond last play. Half time 18-12 to Marist
Marist spill the ball at half way line. Richmond attack
Great work from forwards led by Logan Wright leads to Jason Tavita try next to goal post. Kick converted by Damon Niko. 12-12
Marist spill ball over try line. Ref says play on as Richmond play at the ball. Try awarded? 18-12 Marist
Great hit by Andrew Kake forces Marist to lose ball. Penalty to Richmond for hands in play the ball. Marist on goal line. Richmond knock on in ruck play. 6/10 completed sets
Knock on by Richmond’s Damon Niko from scrum play to the right
Richmond Rovers RLFC Kick off
Marist second rower scored down left side. 22-12 Marist
Try to Marist right wing. 28-12 Marist.
Try to Marist right wing 34-12 Marist
Try to Marist right centre 38-12
Double movement to Ben Collins sees Marist back with the ball. Good hustle in repeat sets for both teams
Try to left wing Cory Samuel Teina from Logan Wright chip kick and regather draw pass, 38-16 to Marist.
Richmond Rovers RLFC Game over

On Tuesday 27th May the Richmond Board met to review the LJ Hooker Richmond Premiers record of 0 wins from 8 games and what could be done to ensure Richmond remains in the Fox Memorial Shield Competition for next season. The Richmond Board unanimously voted to appoint Bernie Perenara as co-coach to work together with then current coach Ming Mafoe. The Richmond Board’s unanimous view is that Bernie’s coaching experience at Fox level, two Bartercard Cup Grand Finals for Marist-Richmond Brothers, Auckland Vulcan’s, NZ Maori’s and NZ Residents level can only help a coach in his first year at Fox Memorial Shield Competition level to turn Richmond Premiers season around.  

Ming’s response unfortunately was that he was not willing to work with Bernie.  This was disappointing to the Board so on Thursday some Board members met with Ming to see if Ming could be persuaded to change his mind and work together with Bernie for the good of the team.  But for his own reasons, Ming has chosen not to work with Bernie as co-coach and effectively stepped away from the coaching position.  This is not what the Richmond Board wanted, but Ming has made his own mind up.

Therefore, by default not design, Berne Perenara is now the sole coach of the LJ Hooker Richmond Premiers for the rest of this season.  The Richmond Board is grateful that a coach of Bernie’s quality is prepared to do the best he can for Richmond for the 10 remaining competition games.  Richmond as a Club strives to remain in the Fox Memorial Shield Competition for next year, we know all Richmond members and supporters will get behind Bernie and our Premier team as they focus on winning next Saturday’s game versus Marist Saints at Murray Halberg Park, 2.30pm kick off. 

Thoughts and prayers go to the family of former Richmond great Tommy Baxter who passed away earlier this week. One of Richmond’s greatest and toughest players ever. Tommy played 94 games for the New Zealand Kiwis from 1949 to 1956 including 29 tests. Tommy also was selected as a centre in the New Zealand Rugby League Team of the Century.

As told by one of Richmond’s greats John ‘Hone’ Holloway: “I once played against Tommy in the 1960’s when I was in Richmond Prems and we played a friendly against the Richmond Old Boys at Grey Lynn Park. I came off the back of the first scrum and ran at the first 5 Vern Bakalich who was the then current senior coach. As I fended away from him giving him cheek I was smashed from my blindside as hard a hit as I had ever had -it was Tommy Baxter.  I saw stars, when I regained a bit of composure I snarled at him that we had been told to take it easy on  the old guys and he said “don’t bother I never took it easy when I played and I’m not starting now”. He was in his 40’s at the time and still a bloody hardman. 

RIP Good friend

Richmond Rovers Rugby league club held an informal event held at the Richmond club room on Thursday 3rd March to welcome its 2014 sponsors. Representatives from the sponsors businesses attended what was a pleasant reminder that Richmond Rovers is a club that has great brand recognition and a management team second to none. 

Each sponsor received a special sponsors Richmond jersey. Sponsors were then given the opportunity to speak to the Richmond Premier players who were left with a good impression of Richmond in 2014. Premier players were presented their team polo tops in recognition of their hard work over the preseason training. 

Karl Simeti will captain a Richmond Premier side featuring a mix of experience and enthusiastic players for Saturday afternoon’s clash with the Northcote Tigers at Grey Lynn Park.

In support is fellow forward Siliga Kepaoa who moves to the front row from the back row he covered with ferocity in 2013, 26 year-old Kepaoa will take a lead role as vice-captain.

Shout out to our loyal sponsors: LJ Hooker Ponsonby,Waterview Laundromat, Waterview Superette & Lotto,Giltrap Group, as well as Auckland Rugby League

Talofa family and our beloved Richmond Under 18s

We have 8 players registered and we are looking for another 8 before we can take the field even though all we need is another 5 players. 8 so we can ensure to last the season. We will continue to train every Tuesday and Thursday until we find the required number of players.

Are you up for a challenge? Do you want to keep testing yourself as a league player? Do you know of someone looking for a team to play for? That is what is going on at the moment with our Under 18s team.

Am not going to lie, it is a very frustrating time but we can register a team any time throughout the season. We are going to persevere. I will continue to give you updates. We appreciate those who have signed up already and if your thinking of signing up please feel free to contact me and come down to the club. 

Faafetailava and God bless - Mathew Timaloa

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?"

Please let your mates know that there will be a Richmond Rovers RLFC Open Age restricted team (under 85kgs) for the 2014 season. Training has already started and will continue every Tuesday and Thursday at Grey Lynn Park. All interested players are to attend training and any further inquiries or questions can be made through George Apelu on 021 612 766.

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

Congratulations to Richmond Official Carol Redman who today was honored at the Auckland Rugby League Annual General Meeting for Distinguished Service to Rugby League. A well-deserved recognition which has been long overdue. Well done and congratulations once again Carol.  

Play rugby league in 2014, join a league club, learn to play rugby league, rugby league muster.

Schoolboys (4-18 years) & Seniors Muster

Muster at the Richmond Rovers Rugby League club rooms:
 Thursday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th March

What to Bring
All players you can download, print and complete the player registration form and bring it along.
New players please also bring a copy of a birth certificate or passport.

The Richmond Rovers will be establishing even more junior restricted teams in 2014. A restricted team has maximum weight for players, this makes sure even the little guys can have a great time playing league without the concern of playing against physically much larger kids. To give you an idea the restricted grades last season are listed here.

Any questions?
Contact our club secretary Naomie on 021 106 3698, or just turn up on the day and we’ll be happy to help out with any queries you have.

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.

Congratulations to Richmond Premier coach Ming Mafoe, Rob Va'ai (assistant coach), Molly Foai (manager) and the Richmond 9-a-side players who beat Otahuhu Leopards in the 2013 Rodney 9s rugby league grand final tournament held over the weekend. The team played 6, winning 5 and losing 1 game. Keep up the great momentum team! 

By Jess Lee of Stuff.co.nz

Months of hard work and sacrifice have paid off for the Richmond Rovers side who were crowned champions at the Auckland Rugby League under-20 grand final.

Richmond trounced Papakura 32-18 at Cornwall Park on Sunday allowing them to finish their impressive season at the top of the table.

Coach Luisa Avaiki says the newly crowned champions are ecstatic with the win.

It was a slow start for the central Auckland side, with Papakura coming out firing to take the first two tries.

But as soon as Richmond had their first points on the board the winners' medals were as good as theirs, Avaiki says.

"They have worked really hard for this and have sacrificed a lot since we started pre-season training in November last year.

"We set ourselves some goals and we've reached them."

This is the first time in more than four years the Grey Lynn club has been able to enter a team at this level of the competition.

Many of the players competed with last year's under-18s side and will now be looking to move further up the ranks next year.