 Hawkeye It’s a huge ask for our Black and White boys, and the first time the Kelt Capital Magpies have made the finals of the new format, and being only the second year in with the big boys is a magnificent achievement. I’ll be totally honest and admit that I was hoping for a top eight finish, but never in my wildest dreams did I think we would be where we are today.
First I must congratulate coaches Peter Russell and Tom Coventry, and again I admit I wasn’t to best please with the fishheads in the Union sacking Brendon Ratcliffe at the end of last year. But, his replacements have been outstanding in lifting the Magpies to new heights. What it is about their coaching/man management?
 Only those close to the team know, but let’s hope it carries on for many more seasons to come. If they carry on as they are, then big things beckon for the two of them. Also a round of drinks to the back room staff, Grant Dearns (Fitness Trainer) who is built like a brick sh*thouse and must have the same sized heart, he has got the boys in tip top condition for the season, Hika Elliot looks half the size he did last year. Management team of Dave Stevenson and Brian Jenkinson, these guys must have every finer detail down to a tee for all to run smoothly. The Doc and Physio, Dr Ian Taylor and Garry Sye, for making sure the boys are in tip top order, getting knocks and bumps sorted. And to the tireless work of Graham Liddington whose work starts straight after the game as the Video Analyst.  To the players, well done on a fantastic year, you are the buggers who actually make it happen, the heart, passion and all the pre-season work. Those that hold down a full time job while playing and training, the early morning at the gym, and the late nights training all the while committing 110% to the cause. A massive thank you, it doesn’t go unnoticed here and we really appreciate it. You have put Hawkes Bay back on the rugby map of New Zealand, and made the whole province proud. The crowds at the games both home and away illustrate this. Never have I seen home games packed out week after week, and after a few Tui’s it brings a few goose bumps when the chant “Hawkes Bay” starts up around the ground. There’s been some fantastic finds this year, but to single anyone out would be unfair to the squad. Everyone has played a part, but two guys stand out for a little extra pat on the back. Danny Lee and Michael Johnson, these two have steered the team in the right direction on and off the paddock. Well done, a huge loss with Lee breaking a bone, but Johnson has carried on and kept the momentum going.
 To the crowds that turn up, pay the money, buy the gear, travel to away games. I’m sure it’s been a 10 point advantage at times. It’s been awesome turning up to home games and seeing kids face painted, family’s dressed up, people making the effort to wear Black and White. This is what causes Hawkeye to have a lump in his throat at times. We must have the best attendance for this year’s ANZC and that’s something the whole region of Hawkes Bay must be proud of. Seeing kids, adults walking the street during the week wearing Kooga gear, black and white colours is outstanding.
So, to tomorrow nights game vs Auckland. I think its Michael Johnsons 99th first class game, that’s enough to inspire the big fella to make 100 in the final. The boys in Blue haven’t had the best of support from their latte sipping locals, so lets hope there’s a few buses heading up and any Magpie supporter living in the big smoke makes their way to Eden Park to get behind the boys. It’s going to be a huge ask of our boys, but as we saw against Waikato last week, there’s a never die attitude and against Wellington we saw how we knock over the big boys.
All the best from Hawkeye and the team that brings you MagpieRugby.com. |
