Here we highlight the memorial cups, shields and trophies our club contests...

MATCH TROPHIES

PADDY ROBERTS MEMORIAL

This trophy is contested between Green Island and Southern Premier 2 teams. 

HELLYER MEMORIAL  

Bert Hellyer played for Zingari-Richmond and represented Otago on the side of the scrum from 1946-1950. Living in Abbotsford, he did not hesitate to help this club on any working bees when required. At Miller Park he was considered as an associate member of Green Island.

 Upon his death the Hellyer family presented the Trophy to be contested annually between Green Island and Zingari-Richmond seniors. The Cup was contested for the first time in 1984 with Green Island winning the match. 

MCCARRIGAN FAMILY TROPHY

Presented by the McCarrigan Family (hosts of The Rovers Return in Caversham and Arthur’s Daly in Green Island). To be played annually between Green Island and Zingari- Richmond Division 2 grade. 

LES GRIFFEN 

The Griffen Memorial was given to the club by Mrs. L Griffen to in 1963 commemorate her late husband. Mr L. Griffen had been a strong supporter of the club throughout the years since it's post war commencement. Les Griffen was mine host at the Royal Hotel. The trophy was to be played for between Dunedin and Green Island Seniors each season. The first match in this annual event was held on May 25th 1963 at Miller Park, with Green Island losing 14 points to 8.  

TERRY MURPHY MEMORIAL  

Terry 'Tic' Murphy originally played for Timaru Celtic Rugby Club. He was a quality "nuggety" hooker, and represented New Zealand Colts (1978) and as a Junior All Black (1979-80). After transferring to Dunedin, he joined the Dunedin Rugby Football Club representing them in Senior (now Premier) grade. Later on, Terry purchased a house in Green Island and subsequently played for our Green Island Senior (now Premier) grade. At Green Island, Terry played alongside Bruce McIlroy and the following year they both coached the GI Under 19's and thereafter our U21 and Senior B sides. 

Sadly Terry died after suffering from a melanoma skin cancer in 1994, aged 36, survived by his wife Karen and three children Erin, Sam and Willie. The Terry Murphy Memorial Trophy was presented by Karen to commemorate Terry's life and love of rugby. 

HARVEY MEMORIAL

In 1947 Messrs R. & G. Harvey donated a shield to the club to commemorate the loss of their brother, to be contested in those days at third grade level. The late Flying Officer W.L. Harvey D.F.M was killed in action over Germany in 1944. Well known to us as the Harvey Memorial Shield – to be contested between Green Island and Brighton. In those days it was played twice a season, at the beginning and at the end. If each team shared a win in the same season, then the shield would be shared for six months each, and the first match of the next season would be held at the ground of the holder of the shield. In the 1950's it was changed to an annual contest. 

DOBSON MEMORIAL

Presented by Mr Tom and Mrs June Dobson in 1977 to commemorate their son Arthur who had died tragically in a road accident. Arthur had played for the club prior to transferring to Brighton. To be played annually in the U19s or any other junior grade of the day. 

ANDERSON LANGLEY MEMORIAL CUP

Gavin Anderson was a well respected Green Island player and manager and staunch club supporter.  Big Gav, as he was affectionately known, was a great manager and was in that role when our Senior team won our 3rd banner in 1978. It helped that he was a big man with big hands, and players were weary to cross him. Those that tried were reminded of their standing through a "Big Gav's Horse Bite"  - a 20+ second grip of the player's leg just above the knee  - and decorum was resumed!  

Gav loved a joke and a beer, and was well liked. He ran his own trucking business, and then latterly a courier run. It was on his courier run that he  passed away in tragic circumstances in 2012, leaving behind his wife Kay and son Ian (himself a club man known affectionately as "Angry" for the irony). 

After his passing Gavin's Nephew by marriage Larry Langley who had strong ties to Strath Taieri arranged for the Langley family to put up a trophy in Gav's memory - The Anderson Memorial - to be contested annually between Green Island and  Strath Taieri in the Senior Grade.

Sadly, Larry himself passed away in 2016 after a short illness at the untimely age of 55. A member of Strath Taieri, Larry was well respected and fondly thought of by both his home club and Green Island RFC. 

As a consequence, both the Anderson and Langley families requested that from 2017 the trophy name be amended to remember both Gavin and Larry. With the blessing of the ORFU, Strath Taieri RFC & Green Island RFC - the Trophy has been renamed The Anderson-Langley Memorial. 

KEN ST CLAIR NEWMAN MEMORIAL 

This Trophy was donated by Cutlers Real-estate, who Ken worked for. To be played between Green Island and Kaikorai, as Ken’s son Jason played for both Clubs. The trophy was first played for in 2001.

BEZETT MEMORIAL TROPHY 

The late Mr E.G. (Ted) Bezett was a tremendous supporter of the club and a hard worker for the club over the years and was universally respected and well-liked. 

A butcher by trade, he had a fierce healthy rivalry with another butcher over the hill in Mosgiel. Whenever they met at Master Butcher conferences, all they would discuss is their respective beloved clubs, Green Island and Taieri. Other butchers would try and deviate the conversation on to other topics at hand - but they would have none of it - footy was the only agenda for them!  

In 1972, Green Island had just defeated co-leaders Pirates 16 points to 3 in the Gallaway Round, when Ted collapsed and passed away shortly after the win at the game. It was a very sad day for the club, but we feel Ted would have passed with a happy heart after watching his beloved Green Island club secure that win. 

The Bezett Memorial Trophy was presented to the club in 1973 by the Dunedin Master Butchers Association, in memory of Ted, and indicated that they wished for it to be played for annually between Green Island and Taieri seniors teams, of course. 

Ted started something of a legacy within the club, with all 7 of his sons being involved in the club - not to mention the dozens of grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

ROBB CUP  

Two cups were presented by Mr Syd Robb in 1960.  Mr Robb then owned a store where the senior citizens housing is now situated. These are to be played annually. The first to be played between the Green Island and Taieri senior teams in the first round of the season. With the second cup being played between the Green Island and Dunedin 3rd Grade sides in the second round. 

SELWYN INGLIS MEMORIAL  

This trophy was donated by Selwyn's brother. Selwyn has just entered as president of Southern RFC and passed away playing squash only a few months later, never completing a season in his official position. 

Whilst belonging to the Southern RFC, Selwyn was heavily involved in the Green Island community. He served on the local Green Island Borough Council and was heavily involved with local infrastructure, business, commerce and the community as a whole.

Selwyn was also a former Captain of Southern. Although a skinny midfielder he was known for being a tough bugger who demanded discipline on and off the field.  

Laurie Mains has described him as the best captain he has played under.

Selwyn Inglis is remembered as a great man, and great leader. He believed in discipline, embodied that philosophy himself,  and always played the game in the right spirit.

JAY FERGUSON MEMORIAL TROPHY:
A pupil at Green Island School, Jay played for the club from a wee boy until he finished the 1991 season as an Under 12.

Tragically, young Jay Ferguson was killed in 1991 in an accident involving him and some of his rugby team mates - an absolute tragedy for the Green Island Community. 

The Jay Ferguson Memorial is a GI Junior Club Trophy; first presented by his mum in 1992. 

The trophy is awarded to the Best All Round Team Person from the U13 Grade.  

END OF SEASON AWARDS

The following trophies are awarded at our end-of-season Club Prize giving...

Premier 1:

PLAQUE: MOST IMPROVED

TOM FARQUHARSON MEMORIAL TROPHY: BEST CLUB MAN

Mr and Mrs Farquharson presented this trophy in 1967 in memory of their son who had been accidentally killed the previous year. Tom was a very well regarded Green Island forward with considerable rugby talent. This trophy is awarded to the best senior team member in conjunction with the medal (which was already presented).

TROPHY PLUS PLAQUE: PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Premier 2:

PLAQUE: MOST IMPROVED

PLAQUE: BEST CLUB MAN

PLAQUE: PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Senior's:

CHRIS BOOTH MEMORIAL TROPHY & PLAQUE: BEST CLUB MEMBER (2ND GRADE)

Mr & Mrs l. Booth presented this trophy in 1980, to commemorate their son who had died tragically the previous year. To be presented to the best team member in the 2nd grade.

PLAQUE: MOST VALUABLE

PLAQUE: MOST PROMISING

PLAQUE: MOST IMPROVED

Colt's:

PLAQUE: MOST PROMISING

PLAQUE: MOST IMPROVED

HOGG / STEWART TROPHY: BEST CLUB MAN

FIRE & MECHANICAL: BEST JUNIOR

Women's:

PLAQUE: MOST PROMISING

PLAQUE: MOST IMPROVED

PLAQUE: BEST CLUB WOMAN

PLAQUE: PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Club Awards:

BOOMER TROPHY

Presented by the Mayor Mr. J. Boomer of Green Island in 1957 for the most deserved team, based not only for on field performance but also their attitude and involvement to club activities.

LYNDSAY MOYLE MEMORIAL TROPHY: BEST COACH/MANAGER

RAY BYRNE TROPHY: CLUB PERSONALITY

REVIEW PLAYER OF THE YEAR (PLUS CUP)

Initially awarded in 1976, it was named after the club’s magazine that was functioning at that time. It was awarded to a player from all grades who amassed the most number of points culminated throughout the season allocated by a panel of judges. The first recipient was Mr. David Laws.  

Retired GIRFC Trophies:

WRIGHTCARS TOYOTA TROPHY

Presented in 1983 to the fairest junior player

SMELLIE MEMORIAL TROPHY

Mrs Smellie in 1965 presented the Smellie Memorial trophy to commemorate the death of her husband who passed away the previous year. Mr Smellie was a life member and was instrumental in reforming the club after the war and is to be played annually between Kaikorai Valley College and Green Island under 18 side.

D. Heggie also donated a cup in 1950 to be awarded to outstanding players in the various teams 

(refer to page 41 of our centennial book)

A.R.Vivian also donated 2 shields for the most improved player in each team 

(refer to page 41 of our centennial book)