Golden Oldies honour Papa Pai

After a prayer and a minute’s silence, Golden Oldies rugby kicked-off in perfect conditions at the BCI Stadium on Saturday, as a tribute to the late Sir Terepai Maoate.

What began as a somber affair, turned out to be a demonstration of jovial and entertaining rugby, with good skills and flare on show for the 200-odd spectators in the grandstand.

Busy-bodies Dawn, Wills and Papa Tere opened the scoring for their respective teams.

Unveiling glimpses of the magic of bygone years, General George, Willie Kauvai, Ben Koteka and Rea were formidable in the Green backline.

Equally up to the challenge were their opposites, Minister of Sport Mark Brown, Pete, Tupa and OB.

Wilkie was fiery in tackle situations and unforgiving to his opponents when contesting the ball.

For his first run this season, president Tok simply directed proceedings from a safe distance behind the scrums and lineouts.

Jason, from Kiwiland, kept Moe and Lux on their toes in the tight tussle, and for his extra effort, Lux earned ‘Player of the Day’.

Junior Maoate was dangerous on attack for the Greens with his many forays close to the try line and his last-minute off-loads to the ever-present speedster Ake.

The after-match function at the Rose Garden was at times emotional, as players and friends reminisced over Sir Pai’s Golden Oldies’ rugby life.

The memorial game for Sir Terepai will now be an annual event.

Today’s game will be played at the Nikao field at 5pm and all players are asked to bring a plate.