With 2014 rugby season, came quite considerable expectations for the Logan Park XV.

The champions from 2013 were having to aim up against the plethora of contenders trying to lock away the crown for another year. With some new faces in the mix, our lads gave one almighty defence of the title.

After weeks of hitting the training tracks, the season kicked off in fine fashion with a 26–23 win against Kavanagh. Five debutants got a gig, with all five making a splash. First game forward’s Murillo Graf Gamborghi and Malakai Maamaloa were particularly impressive with some very decisive runs up the middle.

With the season starting the way last year ended, the fire in the belly really showed. However, just like any champion team experiences, our boys were no different as injuries and flat patches set us back. With the character building these set-backs had, the boys showed that they were a team hungry to play the full eighty minutes. This was highlighted in a massive 63–0 win against the always fancied Otago Boy’s Gold side. The boys had pressed the go button right from kick-off, with five and six tries in the first and second half respectively. The boys showed their class in tremendous fashion, and this would be needed in abundance as some tough games approached.

The boys only loss of the regular season came against the eventual Colt’s B winners Cromwell. In a cracking game, the dedicated supporters witnessed some gripping rugby. Cromwell exploded out of the blocks to a 24–0 lead, with four tries in the first twenty minutes. This was the time the teams never say die attitude needed to come out, and the lads didn’t disappoint. Four meat-pies of our own before half time had cut the Cromwell lead to 24–22 at the main break. With the constant change in momentum of the first half, the visitors had grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, running away with the contest 49–22.

The season had not gone by without the drama of contentious decisions. The theatre of a close finishing came with a showdown against the Kavanagh side dispatched in the season opener. With the contest going try for try for a large period, the fireworks really got started in the final 15 minutes. Our side looked to have run away with it, with a try that would have made it 38–27. Controversy had struck however, with the referee giving a very debatable offside call and awarding a penalty to Kavanagh.

More controversy was in the woodwork with two questionable yellow cardings of our players. Kavanagh's prop was very lucky not to be sent off with an ordinary high shot on team enforcer Saugat Baniya. Overall three players had been sin-binned in a frantic final ten minutes, along with two tries being overturned. Even more drama occurred post match, to decide who had won the contest. However, Kavanagh had gotten the rub of the green, sneaking home by the solitary point. A script writer’s dream had occurred at Moller Park, which had resulted in undoubtedly the game of the season.

Throughout the year, many players  put their hand up with some tremendous performances. Enric Vallduvi, affectionately known as ‘The Flea from Catalonia’ picked up two Man of the Match awards in his half season with the team. His grit and toughness made ‘The Flea’ a massive loss when he departed in mid-July. However one player’s departure is another’s arrival, and Julian Michelotto arrived with a bang. The Italian sensation picked up a Man of the Match award in his first ever game of rugby thanks partly to an absolute belter of a try he got at Dunstan. The ever reliable forward’s Liam George, Billy McDowall and Danny Marsh were magnificent throughout the year, with Billy and Liam earning Forward and Player of the Year Honours respectively. The backline was full of talent, spearheaded by Back of the Year Hayden ‘The Boss’ Bosworth with winger Ibrahim Mohamed picking up Top Try Scorer with five meat pies.

This season would not have been possible without the tremendous support of many, particularly parents and team sponsor Crusty Corner, and especially our biggest fan Mr Trickey. 

Logan Park Rugby extends their deepest thank you to those who have been by the team’s side in 2014. With the departure of several players, a new look team will hit the ground in 2015, along with perhaps a variation in the ‘Park DnB’ brand of rugby. Changes to personnel however will never change the one common goal, having fun with mates.

Signing off for the last time, I’m Ibrahim Mohamed.