By Rhys Chamberlain courtesy of the Otago Daily Times.
There was a significant event in Central Otago rugby last
weekend when Matakanui Combined celebrated its 125th anniversary of
rugby in the Omakau district. Approximately 250 people turned out for an
anniversary dinner and to listen to guest speaker Phil Gifford after games from
children’s teams, a golden oldies selection, and the Premier side.
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| Photo: facebook.com |
The club-started way back in 1887 as the Matakanui Rugby Club
along with teams from Becks from 1925 and Valley from 1958 before the Matakanui
and Valley clubs combined in 1971. Finally in 1991, all teams in the area
combined resulting in the proud Matakanui Combined club we have in Central
Otago today.
And proud club it is. Currently teams from the Matakanui
area have held the White Horse Cup, arguably the most important cup in Central
Otago rugby, more than any other club. It has produced a number of All Blacks
including Bevan Wilson, Lester Harvey, Bruce Duncan, Alan Duncan and its most
recent in Crusaders lock Tom Donnelly. It has also boasted some names now
enshrined in Matakanui rugby history including Naylor, Flannery and Clouston.
Most of these legendary names can still be found in one team or another within
the club today.
It is testament to the community and the club that it has
sustained a premier side for this long as numbers in recent times have dwindled
and its topside has struggled. This weekend it takes on Cromwell who in turn celebrates
its 125th jubilee next year. Matakanui Combined might well get its
first win of the young season against Cromwell who has also struggled in the
past couple of years. Whether or not a win comes Matakanui’s way this weekend,
it is sure to be a cracker of a match at Cromwell.
Other matches in round 4 of the competition sees Alexandra
at home to White Horse Cup holders Maniototo, Upper Clutha at Wakatipu and the
only unbeaten side thus far, Clyde-Earnscleugh, at Arrowtown.
More rugby reading here.
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