More than just a game The community came together to witness the Crusaders snatch the Farmlands Cup from a determined Highlanders side in the final minutes (28-26), in front of a rapturous sold-out audience at the Temuka Rugby Club on Friday, 12th February. It’s a rare occasion for the town to host such a big game and the event was treated as such by locals and visitors alike – the district playing host to a wide range of associated activities – aimed at benefiting the local community socially and economically. Farmlands shareholders travelled to Temuka from all around New Zealand ahead of the game and were shown good hospitality in and around the Farmlands marquee, alongside current and former-All Blacks. The Highlanders set themselves up well in the first half, only for the Crusaders to make a courageous comeback from a daunting 26-0 deficit. The atmosphere was vibrant, as an early drizzle dissipated into dazzling sunshine. Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson says there is always a lot of
| Farmlands shareholders enjoyed the game in the late afternoon sunshine.
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anticipation leading in to the first game of the season. The chance to engage with the community and represent the wider Crusaders region in front of a full crowd at Temuka Rugby Club and to snatch the win from the jaws of defeat, was rewarding and exciting for the Crusaders squad.
A boost for the town
Brett Cameron was awarded Man of the Match for his stellar performance on the day, converting four tries in the second stanza to help his team grab what was looking like an unlikely win. Crusader Timoci Tavatavanawai and Highlander Liam Coltman also had a big part to play, scoring two tries a piece. Farmstrong was awarded a $5,000 cheque thanks to a Crusader win, as their nominated charity and the funds will be put to good use in supporting the wellbeing of people living in rural communities.
short trip from his fully irrigated 250ha
Outgoing Farmlands Chief Executive Peter Reidie says it was a wonderful occasion for the town and was proud that Farmlands could play a role in bringing the community together and hoped that the younger generation would be inspired by meeting their sporting heroes.
wider district, drew people in who were
The Farmlander spoke to a number of shareholders on the day, all of whom were rapt to be there, enjoying the game and catching up with old mates from around the district. One such was Otaio sheep and beef farmer Stuart Bowie, making the property 24km south-west of Timaru. “I’ve honestly never seen the town of Temuka so busy,” Stuart says. “This is a great event for the town that doesn’t happen very often. I’ve caught up with some old friends from around the area, some who I haven’t seen for a very long time, the atmosphere is fantastic.” Venture Timaru Chief Executive Nigel Davenport agreed, saying the event had been the talk of the town and spending locally and put a spotlight on the calibre of events the area is now hosting. “It’s been magic to be honest, we had a huge influx of people who were spending locally and I’ve had a number of parents tell me how thrilled they were with the skills and drills event and school visits.
| Farmstrong Ambassador Sam Whitelock receives the winning cheque from Farmlands CEO Peter Reidie and Director Chris Dennison.
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