Magpies fly back into premier play

PETER JONES

The Moutere Magpies are back in premier rugby ranks for 2023. Founded in 1906, Moutere has built a wonderful heritage over the past 116 years, having won more Marlborough championship titles than any other club. The Magpies, in their traditional black and white-hooped garb, have produced a steady stream of representative players, plus engendered a tremendous spirit and culture at their Spring Creek base. However, despite possessing the region’s largest junior section, the club has battled to field teams in the senior ranks over the past few seasons.

Since winning the Marlborough division one final in 2015, the Magpies have had an on-going struggle to maintain a large core of senior players.

In 2021, a further drop in numbers saw them join forces with Awatere to field a combined side in the Tasman Trophy competi- tion, the first time in the club’s history they were unable to field a team at the top level, then last year they dropped out of the premier competition altogether. But this season the boys from Awarua Park are back, contesting both the Marlborough sub-union competition and the Tasman Trophy.

Coaching the premier side will be Jeremy Clark, a former player in the Wellington Rugby Academy, and he has no illusions about the magnitude of the job ahead as the club tries to resurrect its flagship side.

“We have to deal with trying to grow a new culture,” said Jeremy. “At the end of last season there was not much left of our senior club, so in some ways this is a rebirth.”

He is not expecting any miracles from what will be a predominantly-youthful side, suggesting “we are treading water a bit at the moment”, as numbers continue to roll in for practice night.

“We have a super young squad, almost an under-21 team, and a lot of the boys are going to be tested mentally and physically over the season.”

Jeremy coached an under-13 side last season, but has put up his hand to help, alongside Paul Kahui, Steve Black and Willie Tupoutoa. One of the more experienced operators the coaching team will call on is Ben Finau, the former Mako halfback returning after a couple of seasons at Renwick. His leadership, motivation and guidance will be invaluable.

A group of talented MBC players will also front up, including loosie Charles Tupoutoa, midfielder Jake Pacey, a surname synonymous with Moutere rugby, winger Senetenari Ponesi, plus former college standouts Max Morris and Clyde Paewai. Others to watch for are halfback

Angus Phillips, Josh Reece, Ethan Kahui, lock Sam Irvine and former MBC Old Boys loosie Archie Schluter.

Jeremy admits they are light in some areas but hopes to make up for that with enthusiasm and commitment.

“There is a really good buzz, good energy around the place at the moment. The guys are enjoying themselves, which is the main thing,” he added.

“We are not going out there saying we will be the best team around … we are a young team that is going to be growing and hopefully will be around for a long time.

“We are looking predominantly at survival this season, that’s our goal accomplished, but that will provide a good foundation for growth and a pathway for young guys coming to the club.”