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 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. 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. 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.

A boost for the town

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 short trip from his fully irrigated 250ha 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 wider district, drew people in who were 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.

| Farmlands shareholders enjoyed the game in the late afternoon sunshine. | Farmstrong Ambassador Sam Whitelock receives the winning cheque from Farmlands CEO Peter Reidie and Director Chris Dennison.

“A lot of hard and collaborative work has gone into this by the local organising groups and it’s been great to work alongside them all to showcase the Timaru District as a destination. “This is a real example of how provincial New Zealand can come together to put on great events.” Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge spoke to more than 50 local business leaders at a business breakfast on game day, sharing his insights on leadership and was elated at the success of and support shown, for the event. “This is a great way to start our 2021 campaign and it's testament to the incredible support of Farmlands and the wider South Canterbury community, that we've been able to sell out this fixture 3 weeks ahead of the match,” Colin says.

Temuka Rugby Club

Temuka Rugby Club was the place to be the night before the big match, as former All Black personalities Kees Meeuws, Andrew Hore and Corey Flynn entertained with candid stories of their playing days at the Temuka Rugby Club Gala Evening. Over $20,000 was raised for the club during the charity auction, which will be put to good use locally. Kees Meews told some entertaining tales and Andrew Hore won the crowd over with his understated nature and quick wit. Although Temuka sits in South Canterbury, there was no shortage of Highlanders supporters and a number of ex-Temuka Rugby Club members travelled back to show their support for the event. Temuka Rugby Club organising committee chairman David Fisher says that people came from far and wide, including ex-club members from all around the South Island and that he was grateful to all the local volunteers who helped in the lead up to the game. “We had a great turn out of volunteers in the week before, who helped get the club rooms and grounds in shape and it was a great effort from our Groundkeeper Ken Darby, who had the field looking superb. “The Gala Evening was fantastic and we are very pleased with the funds raised, everyone commented on what a fantastic occasion it was and about all the events really – including the school visits. “We haven’t decided exactly how that will be used, but the building does need earthquake strengthening and we have our 150th anniversary in 2025.”

Someone to look up to

Hundreds of school kids from around the district were treated to visits across Thursday and Friday (including students in Fairlie and Twizel, thanks to shareholders Helicopters South Canterbury), their bright smiles saying it all as they met their heroes face-to-face. Their Q&A sessions with the players were nothing short of hilarious, with some serious thought (and more than a sprinkle of fun) put into their questions. Some got to have a game of hockey with visiting players, but mostly it served as a chance for the kids to get an insight into how and why they pursued their professional sporting dreams and how it changed their lives. Many players said they felt lucky and honoured to be paid to play and help promote the sport they love. They also thanked Farmlands Cup supporter, Temuka Transport 1967 Ltd, for the opportunity to connect with and inspire the children.There were hundreds of happy kids at the skills and drills session, where young people got the chance to train with the professionals. Splitting off into groups, there was tug of war, games of touch and more than a few laughs, as the kids picked up a few tips on how to outmanoeuvre their opponents! There were even more kids at the rugby itself the following day and those wearing red jerseys got to see their team make one heck of a comeback, on what was a memorable occasion for the whole community.

| The skills and drills event and school visits were a highlight for many.

| A local lifts the cup. | The team were flying high thanks to Helicopters South Canterbury.