Gumboots proved perfect footwear as Jubilee Park lived up to its nickname ‘the Swamp’ for Sunday’s annual Kaka Shield rugby match.
Tapawera supporters proudly displayed the 103-year-old shield on the sidelines and then set about ensuring it would return home with them.
The Richmond side started out in white jerseys which soon turned a shade of brown in muddy conditions after torrential overnight rain.
The only rigid rules were the four quarters; players not being allowed to run more than 10 metres before passing, and gumboots for the U35’s.
Although at least one of the Kaka Shield committee members, Wilson Matthewson, sidestepped the age restrictions.
“I find if I am wearing shoes or boots, there is too much grip and there is more likelihood of damaging my knee or ankle joints. I would rather skid than grip,” quips the Tapawera veteran.
“Ground conditions were good. Perfect for this style of rugby. Soft underbelly and soft field,” says Wilson.
Shield chairman Kerry Walker snaffled an intercept for Richmond to level the scores.
“I fell over the line.”
But as expected, Tapawera grabbed the winning try to make sure the shield would stay with the travelling side.
“We had good playing numbers, good people and good fun,” declares Kerry.
Especially during the drink breaks where, appropriately, brown fluid proved the order of the day.
