Tok and Lux make a mark

Only one New Zealand Parliamentarian joined the local oldies in their rugby game at the Avatiu swamp last Friday.

Leading by example, president Tok scored the first try after some quick passes allowing him to burst through a gap before side-stepping the last defence.

Nga Takaiti’s team attacked in a similar manner, but handling errors and the drift defence of the opposition hampered many of their incursions, until Lux performed his bulldozing antics and gaps opened up.

In the backline match-up, Tiri Toa simply drew his opposite goose-stepper Pius, before off-loading to his speedy backs of Sonny, Tony, Andy and Ake.

When referee George varied the ruck and maul rules, intense contests ensued with Bobby, Chris, Dawn, Lux, Moe, Pete, Snake and Taua launching into the thick of the action.

Jason, the Kiwi from Fielding, the tallest on the field and towering above cop Johnny, never dropped a high or low pass, and for stopping every attack that came his way, earned him the ‘player of the day’ award.

It was ‘better late than never’ for politicians Cam, Jones and Winston, who arrived later with the rest of the NZ parliamentarians to join the after-match hospitality of the local oldies and host Avatiu Eels.

On Friday the golden oldies will wrap-up their rugby for the season at the Tupapa field starting at 5 pm, followed by ‘The Bond’ prizegiving and potluck kaikai.

- Old Boots