Premier MEN
ORIES 2023 - "What a year!"
Coaches: Mason Malagamaali’i, Whetu Henry, Faleono Seve
Technical Advisor: Poasa Poasa
Managers: Emma Paisley, Leon Metuariki
Assistant Managers: Asosi Leauma, Ola Va’ai, Lima Va’ai
Trainer: Corey Solomona
Physio: Jack Sutton
Video Analyst: Felix Filipo
Round 1
Swindale Shield: Played 13: Won - 7, Lost – 6, Draw – 0: Points for – 460, Against – 247
Like every year, the goal to play for the Jubilee Cup is the ultimate aspiration for any Wellington club or player, but we’re sure with the roller coaster results produced in the first round, that not even the heartiest of Ories supporters would have imagined what was to unfold.
It is fair to say the 2023 season was a tale of two halves. Our first round of the Swindale was up and down with opportunities lost, key losses and injuries halted any momentum. This was not due to a lack of effort from the boys, but more getting used to new systems and processes along with a few new and familiar faces returning to bolster the player ranks.
At the halfway point of the first round and after a convincing win against Norths, the team were firmly placed in the top half of the ladder with a 4-2 record. What followed was a 1-4 season slump with close losses against Tawa, MSP, and OBU. The exception being HOBM who gave us our biggest loss of the season, but ultimately missed out on the top 8!
The loss to OBU could be regarded as the “kick in the butt” we needed. A loss that hurt but garnered the belief we could compete with the teams at the top. A few honest conversations resulted in a renewed purpose that produced an unbeaten run of 6-0, a run that started on O-Timers Day against our rivals in the red and black hoops, Poneke. This winning streak has also been attributed to the start of the live streams of the O-Tide Showtime team consisting of Sone “Gower” Fina’i, Petaia “speak up” Tia’i, Victor “IT Guru” Groom and Felix “The Cameraman” Filipo. I’m sure those Sky Contracts for next year are just around the corner!
The team snuck through with a bit of luck against Upper Hutt in the final round of Swindale and qualified in 8th place for Round 2. Let that marinate as you read this report….8th Place!
Our Swindale Shield results as follows:
Round 2
Jubilee Cup: Played 4: Lost - 0, Points for - 128, Against - 94
Our Jubilee Cup results as follows:
If you were to sum up the second half of the season, you could describe it as unbelievable, or the catch phrase that was repeated weekly at the tail end of the season was “who would have thought”. Not even the purest of Ories supporters would have been able to predict how the season was to end. To say that the Oriental Rongotai Premier Team is the Jubilee Cup 2023 champions for only the 2nd time in its history is a moment to savour not only for our loyal supporters and families, but especially for the inner sanctum of the 2023 team, will be a memory that will last a lifetime!
The Jubilee Cup is not handed to you on a platter, you must fight for it and for six weeks the team did just that. The coaches themed the play-offs as taking on a “Crusader” like mentality on and off the field, but not looking too far ahead with “one more week, one day at a time”. What was clear as the team continued their run to the ‘big dance’, was the boys were absolutely tuned in on the game plan and the trust in each other helped with overcoming Johnsonville, and dominating Paremata-Plimmerton, who qualified second and first respectively after round one.
The season highlight was the game against Johnsonville. Playing at Helston Park against a confident Johnsonville team that had put OBU to the sword. What was clear arriving at Helston Park at 10.30am to set up for the boys that their parochial supporters had already set up for a party and just needed to show up, and in the first 39 minutes of the game it was going according to the script for the Hawks.
Below is a play by play of an incredible game
Second half messages were simple from the coaches, keep playing as we hadn’t fired a shot. Boys were working hard and creating opportunities, just not finishing off. Small errors that were fixable. Nice feeling seeing no panic in the boys and coaches, turning with the wind the belief was high.
2nd Half
This game showed the resilience and fight and painted the reality we could come back from any situation if we believed in our systems and processes. This ultimately gave us a grounded confidence heading into the Jubilee Cup final.
The Jubilee Cup was a culmination of the previous six weeks. The game plan was simple, attack their set piece and kick to the middle to nullify their threats out wide. Use the wind and take opportunities, then hold possession and defend for dear life in the second half. It was close to the perfect 80min of Rugby and a lesson on how to play with and without the wind. A nod to the purest of the game.
It would be remiss of us to single out any individuals, but we cannot go past mentioning the recipient of the Jim Brown Memorial Medal winner Dominic Ropeti. A dominant performance beyond his years, a true student of the game, and obvious he is playing his best rugby at the club where he belongs. There are other notable mentions with Declan Hay and Connor Lemon achieving amazing milestones as club Centurions, and Skivi Va’a bringing up is 50th game and receiving his blazer.
To our Captain, Penieli Poasa who lead from the front tirelessly week in, week out, is the consummate professional on and off the field. It is not hard to get up as a player when you have a natural born leader, putting his body on the line for every one of his Uso. Thank you, Skipper, for your commitment and leadership throughout the season.
To all the players from the playing 22, to the wider squad, you all played a part in the success of the Premier Team. Thirty-nine players were used this year with additions from our successful Prem Reserves and Colts team and not forgetting our All Black, Ardie Savea who featured on O-Timers Day. Thank you brothers.
Before we get to our coaching and Management team, we just wanted to mention our loyal O-Tide supporters and families. You are all the MVPs that make it happen for this team. You sacrifice your time with your Husbands and Partners to allow them to go and do what they love to do with their Uso every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Thank you from all of us, we appreciate you all, it does not go unnoticed.
Finally, to Mason, Poasa, Mātua Henry, Fale, Corey, Jack, Ola, Asosi and Lima, and not forgetting the Management Committee, thank you for your commitment, your service and time you gave our club this year. You too have had to sacrifice time with your families to achieve the goals we set out at the beginning of the year. It was a pleasure being involved this year and look forward to continued success for the club. We defied the odds and made believers out of doubters.
Enjoy your summer and all the best to all players, especially to those who are involved in representative duties.
Regards
Emma Paisley & Leon Metuariki
Coaching and Management Team – Premier Men 2023
Coaches: Mason Malagamaali’i, Whetu Henry, Faleono Seve
Technical Advisor: Poasa Poasa
Managers: Emma Paisley, Leon Metuariki
Assistant Managers: Asosi Leauma, Ola Va’ai, Lima Va’ai
Trainer: Corey Solomona
Physio: Jack Sutton
Video Analyst: Felix Filipo
Round 1
Swindale Shield: Played 13: Won - 7, Lost – 6, Draw – 0: Points for – 460, Against – 247
Like every year, the goal to play for the Jubilee Cup is the ultimate aspiration for any Wellington club or player, but we’re sure with the roller coaster results produced in the first round, that not even the heartiest of Ories supporters would have imagined what was to unfold.
It is fair to say the 2023 season was a tale of two halves. Our first round of the Swindale was up and down with opportunities lost, key losses and injuries halted any momentum. This was not due to a lack of effort from the boys, but more getting used to new systems and processes along with a few new and familiar faces returning to bolster the player ranks.
At the halfway point of the first round and after a convincing win against Norths, the team were firmly placed in the top half of the ladder with a 4-2 record. What followed was a 1-4 season slump with close losses against Tawa, MSP, and OBU. The exception being HOBM who gave us our biggest loss of the season, but ultimately missed out on the top 8!
The loss to OBU could be regarded as the “kick in the butt” we needed. A loss that hurt but garnered the belief we could compete with the teams at the top. A few honest conversations resulted in a renewed purpose that produced an unbeaten run of 6-0, a run that started on O-Timers Day against our rivals in the red and black hoops, Poneke. This winning streak has also been attributed to the start of the live streams of the O-Tide Showtime team consisting of Sone “Gower” Fina’i, Petaia “speak up” Tia’i, Victor “IT Guru” Groom and Felix “The Cameraman” Filipo. I’m sure those Sky Contracts for next year are just around the corner!
The team snuck through with a bit of luck against Upper Hutt in the final round of Swindale and qualified in 8th place for Round 2. Let that marinate as you read this report….8th Place!
Our Swindale Shield results as follows:
- vs Wellington – won 72-15 (Alby Jack Memorial Cup)
- vs Paremata Plimmerton – lost 17-21
- vs Wainuiomata – won 61-12
- vs Petone – won 30-29 (Jim Brown Memorial Trophy)
- vs Johnsonville – lost 26-29 (Ash Pointon Cup)
- vs Norths – won 53-13 (To’omaga Alex Iona Memorial Cup)
- vs Tawa – lost 7-17
- vs MSP – lost 26-27
- vs HOBM – lost 26-56 (Bondy Memorial Cup)
- vs Avalon – won 48-27
- vs OBU – lost 21-27
- vs Poneke – won 49-7 (Jimmy Grbich Shield)
- vs Upper Hutt – won 24-23 (Bob Lendrum Cup)
Round 2
Jubilee Cup: Played 4: Lost - 0, Points for - 128, Against - 94
Our Jubilee Cup results as follows:
- vs MSP – won 25-20 (Elimination OF)
- vs Upper Hutt – won 30-27 (Semi-Final)
- vs Johnsonville – won 39-26 (Preliminary Final)
- vs Paremata Plimmerton – won 34-21 (Jubilee Cup Final)
If you were to sum up the second half of the season, you could describe it as unbelievable, or the catch phrase that was repeated weekly at the tail end of the season was “who would have thought”. Not even the purest of Ories supporters would have been able to predict how the season was to end. To say that the Oriental Rongotai Premier Team is the Jubilee Cup 2023 champions for only the 2nd time in its history is a moment to savour not only for our loyal supporters and families, but especially for the inner sanctum of the 2023 team, will be a memory that will last a lifetime!
The Jubilee Cup is not handed to you on a platter, you must fight for it and for six weeks the team did just that. The coaches themed the play-offs as taking on a “Crusader” like mentality on and off the field, but not looking too far ahead with “one more week, one day at a time”. What was clear as the team continued their run to the ‘big dance’, was the boys were absolutely tuned in on the game plan and the trust in each other helped with overcoming Johnsonville, and dominating Paremata-Plimmerton, who qualified second and first respectively after round one.
The season highlight was the game against Johnsonville. Playing at Helston Park against a confident Johnsonville team that had put OBU to the sword. What was clear arriving at Helston Park at 10.30am to set up for the boys that their parochial supporters had already set up for a party and just needed to show up, and in the first 39 minutes of the game it was going according to the script for the Hawks.
Below is a play by play of an incredible game
- 2min – Penalty Johnsonville
- 13min – Further penalty to Johnsonville.
- 17min – continued infringing at the ruck by Ories. Pen to Johnsonville, Score: 0-9.
- 27min - Johnsonville hot on attack with Aukuso Tuitama crossing over left of the uprights. Conversion successful. Score 0-17.
- 31min - Another raid on the Ories line results in the hard-working lock Anthony Pettitt going over for a try close to the uprights. Conversion successful with the score now blowing out to 23-nil with Halftime looming. (Fair to say that the Johnsonville supporters were deafening at this stage)
- 39min – Ories are rewarded for continuity and patience with Christian Semu crashing over the line. Conversion unsuccessful Halftime score 5-23. (Johnsonville supporters celebrating and getting the kegs and BBQ warmed for the after match) Yellow card to Johnsonville.
Second half messages were simple from the coaches, keep playing as we hadn’t fired a shot. Boys were working hard and creating opportunities, just not finishing off. Small errors that were fixable. Nice feeling seeing no panic in the boys and coaches, turning with the wind the belief was high.
2nd Half
- 42min – The start we needed with a turnover at halfway by Connor and Samson resulted in the ball spilling right of the ruck, which was collected by Siaosi who kicked the ball downtown. Great chase by “Bad man” Halalilo who put pressure on the fullback who spilled the ball. Loose ball picked up by Malachai who scored left of the uprights. Conversion successful by Declan. Score 12-23.
- 47min – quick tap by that man again, Siaosi. Pass to Decan, who freed up Malachai down the left edge. Beats two defenders then passes to Alex, who gives the final pass to Daniel to score down the left side. Conversion again successful by Declan…Ories on the comeback. (Message sent to the Johnsonville clubrooms to put the BBQ on hold) Score: 19-23
- 54min – Ories firmly on top now and using the wind to their advantage. After a raid down the right edge, Ronaldo frees up Pose to get within 5m from the Johnsonville try line. Multiple phases results in a Penalty to Ories. A quck tap by Dom Dom Dom, super sub-Jonty Bird scores with his trademark pick and go. If there is anyone guaranteed to score from 5m out, it is Jonty! Conversion missed. Ories hit the lead 24-23.
- 57min – Penalty to Johnsonville to regain the lead. 24-26
- 61min – Response by Declan with a penalty to re-take the lead 27-26. Less than 20min to go.
- 69min – After multiple phases (15) that started 25m out from a scrum. Great patience and ball control to eventually get within 5m of the Johnsonville try line. Pick and go from another super sub-Ronaldo who scored in the right-hand corner. Conversion successful by Declan to extend the lead to 34-26 with 9min to go.
- 71min – From the restart Ories gained possession, and Alex boots the ball 50m downfield for Johnsonville to bring it back into traffic 15m from halfway. Super sub-Jonty with perfect technique, makes the tackle and steals the ball from the ruck, passes it out left, before it comes back to Alex who has already visualised Pose free down the right side, perfectly executes a cross-field kick that Pose juggles then regathers to score the try in the right-hand corner in front of our delirious Ories supporters and club captain. As Sone said on the livestream. “Pose, the Juggler of the night-time, has finally come out!”. Score 39-26 with minutes to play. (By this stage messages to the Johnsonville clubrooms with urgency to cancel the DJ and caterers for the after-match, and put the Jubilee Cup Final Tees on hold for next year😊)
This game showed the resilience and fight and painted the reality we could come back from any situation if we believed in our systems and processes. This ultimately gave us a grounded confidence heading into the Jubilee Cup final.
The Jubilee Cup was a culmination of the previous six weeks. The game plan was simple, attack their set piece and kick to the middle to nullify their threats out wide. Use the wind and take opportunities, then hold possession and defend for dear life in the second half. It was close to the perfect 80min of Rugby and a lesson on how to play with and without the wind. A nod to the purest of the game.
It would be remiss of us to single out any individuals, but we cannot go past mentioning the recipient of the Jim Brown Memorial Medal winner Dominic Ropeti. A dominant performance beyond his years, a true student of the game, and obvious he is playing his best rugby at the club where he belongs. There are other notable mentions with Declan Hay and Connor Lemon achieving amazing milestones as club Centurions, and Skivi Va’a bringing up is 50th game and receiving his blazer.
To our Captain, Penieli Poasa who lead from the front tirelessly week in, week out, is the consummate professional on and off the field. It is not hard to get up as a player when you have a natural born leader, putting his body on the line for every one of his Uso. Thank you, Skipper, for your commitment and leadership throughout the season.
To all the players from the playing 22, to the wider squad, you all played a part in the success of the Premier Team. Thirty-nine players were used this year with additions from our successful Prem Reserves and Colts team and not forgetting our All Black, Ardie Savea who featured on O-Timers Day. Thank you brothers.
Before we get to our coaching and Management team, we just wanted to mention our loyal O-Tide supporters and families. You are all the MVPs that make it happen for this team. You sacrifice your time with your Husbands and Partners to allow them to go and do what they love to do with their Uso every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Thank you from all of us, we appreciate you all, it does not go unnoticed.
Finally, to Mason, Poasa, Mātua Henry, Fale, Corey, Jack, Ola, Asosi and Lima, and not forgetting the Management Committee, thank you for your commitment, your service and time you gave our club this year. You too have had to sacrifice time with your families to achieve the goals we set out at the beginning of the year. It was a pleasure being involved this year and look forward to continued success for the club. We defied the odds and made believers out of doubters.
Enjoy your summer and all the best to all players, especially to those who are involved in representative duties.
Regards
Emma Paisley & Leon Metuariki
Coaching and Management Team – Premier Men 2023
