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Meanwhile, in Tararua Country....

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« Reply #25 on: December 21, 2010, 08:43:25 pm »


Back paddock rugby match returns

By KATIE FARMAN - Wairarapa News | 3:14PM - Thursday, 09 December 2010

NEIL SYMONDS is up to his old tricks again.

For the second year in a row, the rugby-mad Mangatainoka farmer will transform one of his back paddocks into a top-notch field ahead of next month's Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs.

His decision to be involved follows the success of this year's Super 14 pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Blues which attracted almost 10,000 spectators.

"Following that game, I sat down and mulled over it and realised what a success it had been," said Symonds.

"The atmosphere and community involvement were incredible so I thought why not do it again to prove we can do it two years in a row."

Symonds, or Skin as he is widely know, owns the farm on which the Mangatainoka Rugby Football Club grounds are located. With the help of Tui Brewery and other local businesses and community groups he has spent the last few weeks irrigating the paddock following an unusually dry spell. These include McDougall's who is co-coordinating the water and power; Tararua Heliworks who flew in the irrigation system; Higgins who offered to roll the paddock; PGG Wrightson who supplied the grass seed and Fitzgerald Transport who is helping Symonds to prepare to field.

"We had the wettest month in October and now November has proved to be the driest month," said Symonds.

The Super Rugby game has also given the 64 year-old something positive to look forward to following a difficult year. In February, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer following a routine check up. He spent the following six months undergoing hormone treatment before completing 39 radiation sessions at Palmerston North Hospital.

"People never used to talk about prostate cancer but now they're more open to it and it's great," he said. "I've always had regular checks, am relatively fit and have been lucky to have experienced no side affects from the treatment, so things are looking positive."

"And being a Hurricanes man for the best part of 13 years  I will be willing them on all the way."

Tui Brewery commercial manager Nick Rogers, who championed this year's game, said with New Zealand hosting the Rugby World Cup next year he is determined to showcase how Mangatainoka, a small town community, can bring rugby to life in true No 8 wire style.

"We are converting one of Skin's prize paddocks into ‘Stadium Mangatainoka’ and our rugby-loving community has again responded accordingly."

Ticket sales are far exceeding last year's sales at Tui HQ for the 2011 game," said Rogers.

"We've only had tickets on sale for four weeks now and already over 50 per cent of the seats are sold.

"This is a great, indication of how strong rugby is both locally and in New Zealand during the countdown in this all-important World Cup year."

Tui has teamed up with match day supporters to make the day possible including: Sharpes Stockfeed, PGG Wrightsons, K&M Print, Allflex, Summit Quinphos, Hunting & Fishing, Delmaine Foods, Silver Fern Farms and Hirequip.

Tui will also be offering transport deals to and from the game thanks to Tranzit Coaches.

Tickets are available from Tui.co.nz, the Tui HQ, from Tranzit Coaches or from PGG Wrightson stores in the Hurricanes territory.

The day will start at midday at Mangatainoka Rugby Football Ground with general admission $35. The ticket price includes a free Tui beer up to one hour before kick-off for those 18 and over.

Corporates can also buy tickets for $125 which includes great Kiwi Gourmet Lunch and beverage package, programme, reserved seating, a Tui cap and calendar.

Punters coming through the gates will also go in the draw to win a few cases of Tui East India Pale Ale and Tuimato Sauce, perfect for summer barbecues.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/wairarapa-news/4439508/Back-paddock-rugby-match-returns
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