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.

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.

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.

Match Report
The Richmond Premiers finally have got the monkey off its back and have secured its first win of the 2014 Fox Memorial Shield Competition. Solid performance from each team member who are finally playing to the teams potential. Strong performance noticeably from winger David Dyer, opening try scorer Andrew Kake and the front rowers who laid the platform for the team.

It was clear that new head coach Bernie Perenara, now in to week three of the Premier team role has addressed the backs out-wide defence. The huge improvement proved a vastly different side with no tries being scored out wide.

The forward pack was on top form dominating from the get go. Lead strongly by Hector Purcell, Stewart Preuss, Jonah Sofele and Logan Wright up front the enormous effort to gain metres at will with a quick succession substitution system helped keep the momentum in the home teams favor.

The skillful second rowers caused a lot of headaches for the visiting Hawks as Siliga Kepaoa, Ben Seve and opening game try scorer Andrew Kake were causing havoc on the fringes. Off load options and support in numbers allowed for half break opportunities. Defensively the back row were kept busy as they contained Mangere’s big boys and outside backs. The hunger for defence is back!

The space created allowed for the outside backs to finish off tries. Something proven difficult in round one. Apart from the one handling error in the first half from winger David Dyer who went on to make amends by scoring a hatrick in the second half, the team were solid.

The Premier team would like to acknowledge the strong start to the very loud and vocal Richmond crowd. Hooker John Mana said “I felt it (the Richmond crowd) helped me out when I was tiring towards the back end of the first half and early second half. The crowd played a big part in our win.” It was a good team effort from the whole team and management especially with everyone doing their roles and more when it was needed. "The boys kept digging in and stuck in the grind together and when things were going tough we just played as a team", says John Mana.

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. 

The Richmond Premiers take on the 2nd place Mt Albert Lions at Fowlds Park this Saturday. Coach Ming Mafoe takes with him a very hungry to win Premier team full of experience and some of the clubs young up and coming talent. Richmond field some of the clubs finest players including: Jason Tavita, Siliga Kepaoa, Karl Simeti and last weekends late inclusion prop forward Logan Wright. Complemented by the enthusiasm of young guns Damon Niko, Petelo Faasee and Keneti Atmore. Last weekends 1 point loss to the Glenora Bears will no doubt fire up the Bulldogs this week who seek to fire up against the local rival club who boast former Richmond players Niuvao Taka, Brad Watkins, Jordan Tuarae and Daniel Palavi. Expect fireworks! 

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 and will need all Bulldogs supporters in attendance as the team are desperate to put a solid performance together for a first up win in 2014! Premier 1st continue their three game winning streak and hope to make it four. Premier 1st kick off at 12.45pm. Premier 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.

The Richmond Premiers take on Papakura Sea Eagles at Grey Lynn Park this Saturday. Coach Ming Mafoe has retained Meke Unasa in the centre position whilst young gun Damon Niko who performed well against Howick remains in full back. The return to form of stand-off Jason Tavita provides the direction the team will require in competing for 80 minutes. 

The Premiers will need all the support they can get as they are expecting a big battle up front and will need all Bulldogs supporters in attendance! So get on down this Saturday afternoon to Grey  Lynn Park, 2.30pm kick off. Premier 1st kick off at 12.45pm. 

The Richmond Premiers take on traditional rival Otahuhu Leopards at Grey Lynn Park this Saturday. Coach Ming Mafoe has made a number of changes to his team struggling on injury and form over the past two weekends. Powerhouse wingers MafolaTimaloa and Debarres Neemia-Tanu partner up with strike centres Cale Baker and Marcus Auva’a this weekend. Highly competitive player Josh Mana and young gun Damon Niko form a new halves combination bringing with them confidence and x-factor. The forward pack has been rotated with Josh Siaosi and Harry Vete starting in the back row. They will be well supported by tireless utility players Bronson Harden and Joe Alesi who will bring plenty of punch from the bench. Captain Karl Simeti will need a huge effort from his forward pack that will rely heavily on Vice-captain Siliga Kepaoa’s strength and courage. The Premiers will need all the support they can get as they take on a very tough and well drilled team with experience and fire power right across the field. So get on down this Saturday afternoon at Grey Lynn Park, 2.30pm kick off. Premier 1st kick off at 12.45pm. 

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

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

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! 

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.

Team list: Meke Unasa, Mafola Timaloa, Debarres Neemia, Marcus Auvaa, Edwin Pita, Steve Watkinson, Josh Siaosi, Hector Purcell, Jason Mudgway, Toleafoa Leaupepe, Ben Seve, Siliga Kepaoa, Karl Simeti. Tama Guthrie, Joe Alesi, Hans Leauanae, Harry Vete.

Richmond started with a hiss and roar with two early tries to winger Mafola Timaloa. The forwards were strong with juggernauts Toleafoa Leaupepe and Hector Purcell smashing up the mid field with strong prop carries.. Tireless captain Karl Simeti was courageous with his early hit ups and tackles. The left edge was kept busy with Marcus Auvaa and Ben Seve containing the attacking Otara backs. The halves combinations formed well to get early ball out to the backs spreading the Scorpions mid field. In one instance Hector Purcell made a mid field line break and gifted his partner in crime Toleafoa a try in front of the post.

Co-Captain Joey Alesi showed great resolve to help his forward pack playing from the front row. In the end Otara were outplayed by a more passionate and determined Richmond team. No doubt Otara will come back firing but first they take on Papatoetoe in next weekends elimination semi final. Player of the day - Mafola Timaloa with two tries. His post try celebrations would have all members proud. 


Richmond Premiers thank all our Richmond supporters that came out to support them out at Ngati Otara Park. Well done to our Richmond Premiers and much thanks to the coaching staff and Richmond families. There is one more game to go. We want all Richmond supporters at the Sharman Cup Grand finals on August 17th at the Trust Stadium.

Half time score: Otara 16, Richmond 14. 
A nail biting 15 mins to go with Otara 20, Richmond Premiers 28. 
8 mins to go Otara 22, Richmond Premiers 30.
34 - 22 Richmond over Otara
Full time score to Richmond Premiers top class today took it to Otara final score 34 -22 an awesome win. 
We are off to the 2013 Sharman Cup Grand Final. 

Team: Aaron Unasa, Francis Gallgher, Nio Strickland, James Finlayson, Arno, Josh Siaosi, Josh Mana, Willie Uili, Jason Mudgway, Vae Kalolo, Junior Uale, Dave Falefitu, Bronson Harden. Kennedy, Stan Bourke, Fia, Lafi Faamausili. Coach: Henry Solomona, Jesse Bourke. Manager, Tuu Lialia'i.

Richmond Premier 1st played the Manukau Magpies at Grey Lynn Park. Training this week focused on cardio fitness and line speed off the defence line. A number of Premier grade players had dropped back and with new combinations to be made the Premier grade players certainly wanted to impress to stake their claim back in to the Premier grade. Players included tireless forwards Junior Uale, Willie Uili, Vae Kalolo, Dave Falefitu, hooker Jason Mudgway and outside back speedster Nio Strickland.

With much of the week being wet the game was transferred to Grey Lynn Park field 3. To compound the field change and changes to the foward pack Richmond wanted to start with a hiss and roar to show the Premier 1st competition that Richmond will be a force in 2013. A slow start for the home team meant the half time score was only 24-6. Considering the Richmond team had a ton of experience and Manukau played with only a 12 man team the stern half time talk from coaches Henry Solomona and Jesse Bourke ensured the boys would come out fired up for a big half. 

Combinations were much better in the second half where centres James Finlayson scored four tries with his centre partner Nio Strickland scoring a hatrick (3 tries) himself. The effort started from the forward pack who lay a good platform for space out on the fringes and out in the back line. Final score was 70-16 to the mighty Richmond Rovers. Player of the Day was Aaron Unasa who chimed in well at the full back position. Special mention goes to the halves Josh Siaosi and Josh Mana for steering the team around the park with creative kick plays and depth passing games. Both players challenged the Magpies defence line and always questioned the edge plays with great combinations in Finlayson and Strickland.  

The Richmond Premier 1st will need all the support they can get next weekend as the team travel to Ngati Otara Park to take on the table topping Otara Scorpions. Kickoff is at 12.45pm 

The Richmond Rovers rugby league club has entered into a partnership with Revival massage therapy.

Revival massage therapy, a short distance from the Richmond home club at 498 Great North road, Grey Lynn is a new friend of the Richmond club and a current member of the Grey Lynn Business Association.

Chairman Gus Fepuleai hails the new partnership as a natural fit for both parties. The Richmond Rovers rugby league club is excited to have Revival massage therapy on board as a club partner.” He said “The Therapeutic, Sports and Relaxation Massage is a great fit for the club and attracts over 1,000 people each weekend to its club, with a large percentage being Grey Lynn residents.

The partnership, based on the successful model the Richmond club has used with other local businesses, will see the two organisations work closely together to offer club members an enhanced experience and increased interaction with the Richmond club's Premier grade players.

Viv Butler, owner and massage therapist at Revival massage therapy, is excited about the partnership.

"Rugby league is a very popular sport in the Grey Lynn community so I'm thrilled that revival massage can support the local rugby league community," she said.

Receive off your first one hour massage when you mention you are from the Richmond Rovers club. Furthermroe all Richmond members will receive 15% off. Revival massage therapy also have concession packages available. Book an appointment today, for you or someone you love!

Revival massage therapy work closely along side other health professionals such as physiotherapists, pilates instructors, dietitians, breathing specialists, PT's and more.

Revival Massage,
498 Great North Road,
Grey Lynn, Auckland
Phone: (09) 213 9557 | 021 816 338
Email: info@revivalmassage.co.nz