President's Musings
From the pen of Marist St Pats President, John Spillane...
What a weekend of rugby we just experienced - one that stirred pride, built hopes but eventually (in the 79th minute) delivered heartbreak, and was a reminder that rugby can be a cruel game.
Our Premier Men’s side delivered a performance full of heart, grit, and flair on Saturday, competing admirably for the vast majority of the match against Johnsonville.
It was a battle worthy of the occasion - the inaugural match for the Trent Eagle Cup. This new trophy, named in honour of former MSP Premier player and captain - Trent Eagle - represents the spirit of competition and camaraderie between our clubs. Trent, who now lives in Australia, couldn’t make it over this year – but he did tune into the live stream – and has promised to be here for next year’s game – where we get to put the pain of last weekend’s defeat behind us.
Obviously we are all gutted we couldn’t bring the Cup home for you, mate - pipped at the post in the dying moments of the game, a cruel twist after what was a pretty solid performance from our boys.
That said, the atmosphere at the ground was electric. The sideline support was strong, and it was great to see the sausage sizzle in full swing, expertly run by our Women’s team as a fundraiser. The sun shining, the smell of BBQ cooking, the sound of boots on turf, and the buzz of club spirit - this is what rugby days are all about.
But I’d be lying if I said the energy carried through to the clubrooms afterward.
It was a little flat in the clubrooms to be honest - no doubt a reflection of the heartbreaking result, the impact of a few teams having byes, the Super Rugby game at the Stadium and Ardie’s return to the capital, and the recent run of away games that’s disrupted our usual post-match routines. It’s understandable, but it’s something we need to reignite.
The clubrooms are the heartbeat of our club, and we want to see them rocking again.
So here’s the call to arms: Let’s rally.
This weekend our Premiers are back on the road, taking on OBU. If you can make it, get along and make some noise for the boys.
And for those not venturing out this weekend - please get a few domestic credits in the bank ahead of our next home game on the 14th. It is going to be a big one. We’ll be welcoming our Hutt cousins to Evans Bay Park, with the Colts playing for the McGuinness Cup, and we want the place pumping - both on the sidelines and in the clubrooms afterwards.
Let’s back our club and support our teams. And let’s keep building the club we’re all so proud to be part of.
MSP Supporters
Shamrock Club
