CLUB CAPTAINS REPORT 2011:

Hutt Old Boys Marist enjoyed one of its finest years in recent times, both on and off the field. Club attendance for preseason training at the start of the year was significantly greater than it had been for some years. The fitness and skills programme was carefully prepared with the assistance of a number of coaches and trainers. Many of the early players had aspirations for Senior rugby status.

By the time the competition began, club registrations had exceeded expectations across all grades with more players committing themselves to the club than had been the case in recent times (308 registered players by May). Nine teams were entered into the Wellington competition. Even before the first game had been played the scene was set for success.

The recruitment of coaches and managers, primarily the responsibility of Phil Gibb, was a smooth process begun in 2010 and finalised well before the start of the 2011 competition. The rugby committee received significant interest in these positions with many wishing to return from the previous season and outsiders attracted by the opportunities provided by the HOBM coaching and management structure.

It was a consequence of the appointment of these quality officials that the team's successes during the year can be largely attributed.

The 2011 rugby season began on a very positive note. This was no more evident than the success our Premier and Colts teams had at the Spillane Cup competition in March. The Premiers retained the Spillane Cup as the top Marist team in New Zealand and the Colts performed creditably.

The first round of the competition saw a lot of movement between the top teams as they began to settle into their playing XV's. There were a number of particular achievements in the first round. Most notably was the Senior First winning the Harper Lock Shield, a result not seen in the club before. The Premier's 3rd position in Swindale Shield, and the 2nd place of the Under 19s and Colts in their respective grades were a credit to the effort and commitment the players and coaches put into their teams.

The second round of the competition saw a change in fortunes for some of our teams. A change in coaching staff and a particularly unsettling period for the Senior First team meant that the opportunities for them to springboard on to further success did not eventuate. However the Under 85 Howlers and the Under 19 team did continue to build and were rightful winners of their respective grades. Other notable results included the Premiers and Colts semi-finalist status resulting from their successes in the round robin.

So impressive was the club that mid-way through the second round 7 or our 8 competitive teams were in contention for semifinal berths.

The greatest fun to watch was the teams in the less competitive grades of Senior Third and Presidents. As had been the case in recent years, these "laws unto themselves" were characterised by their highly supportive and enthusiastic players and management staff. They attracted good numbers to their games and continued to be part of the important backbone of the club.

However it was the Senior Seconds which were to become the team of the year. From what was originally viewed as a social rather than competitive group of players, success built for them as the year progressed. Seen initially as an international collection of disparate players, the team grew and developed as a formidable force on the field and a cohesive and influential entity off it. They were testament to the fact that a strong team culture, when managed appropriately, could achieve anything.

2011 Highlights:

Premiers -- NZ Marist Spillane Cup -- winners

Premiers Jubilee Cup -- semifinalist

Senior 1 -- Harper Lock Shield -- winners

Senior 2 -- HD Morgan Memorial -- finalists

Colts -- Paris Memorial Trophy -- 2nd

Colts -- John E Kelly Memorial Cup -- semifinalist

Under 19s -- James Gilbert Memorial Trophy -- 2nd

U19 Eric Connelly Cup -- BNZ U19 Div 1 -- winners

85kg Howlers - Div 3 -- winners

Many of our players were rewarded with representative status this year, a further testament to the depth of the club. Steve Honey went on to play for the Wellington Lions and John Braddock and Blake McGregor, the NZ Marist Colts. The Wellington Development team had Polonga Pedro and Leka Tupuola. Selected for the Wellington U20 Development team were Vyron Smith, Cody Davies, Matt Bryant and John Braddock. The Wellington Colts team included Deon Carney, George Amosa, Brandyn Laursen and Taiso Silafai-Leaana. Rob Tane, Luke Boden, Sepe Muaau, and Jon-Marc Stowers were chosen for the Wellington U19s. And, of course, Hosea Gear and Jeremy Thrush played for the All Blacks and Hurricanes respectively. However it was sad that Hosea and Jeremy were not able play in any of our club games this year. Needless to say, there was a lot of depth and strength emerging from the club this year.

Another milestone for the club was the acknowledgement of Luke Gibb for having achieved 100 Premier games. In recognition of this, and the small number of others who had reached this milestone in the short history of the amalgamated club, a new honours board was commissioned by the Eagles Supporters Club to honour those special players who had given long standing service to the Premier team.

With the completion of the XV aside season in September of 2010 and 2011 the club continued to support rugby in its different formats. The 2010 HOBM Academy XV was trained by Filipe Rayasi and Ben Perenise. It included a number of identified aspiring club players. The boys went on to play games against provincial age-grade representative sides. It was an important extension of the season for those still wanting to develop their skills and maintain their fitness. Under a different coaching team, this was continued in 2011.

For players interested in the 7s form of the game, the club also entered two teams in the highly successful 7s summer season. These boys were organised and trained by Dan Vulu and Dan Pavihi.

No club operates without a strong behind-the-scenes committee. In our case we have three committees looking after the rugby, house and finance components of our operations. Although all committee members warrant a mention, special acknowledgement needs to go to Jock Sheehan (Club Chairman / Treasurer), Phil Gibb (Rugby Committee Chairman) and Jim McMenamin (Secretary). Without the ongoing efforts of Jock to procure significant funding outside of the club it is unlikely that we would have remained financially solvent this year. Phil's understanding of coaching was invaluable in the way he supported teams at all levels in 2011. Jim is the great communicator who keeps all club administrators informed of those things important to us. Thanks also to Megan Bailey who provides the administrative glue through which the club's smooth operations continue.

The loss of the Hutt Recreation Ground 1 had a big impact on most games scheduled throughout the season. The length of time it took to initially develop the field, the restricted use teams had of it during the season, and the HCC decision to close the field early in preparation as a World Rugby Cup training facility, resulted in very limited use of the field. However the result of the considerable money spent and the care taken in its redevelopment, means that we now have one of the Premier playing fields in Wellington. Together with further HCC maintenance work presently being undertaken on the grandstand, our home ground venue will be the envy of all Wellington clubs for many years to come.

Poor weather generally did not have the impact that it had had in previous years. Nevertheless it still had an influence on the usage of HCC grounds which required that many games had to be transferred. The Presidents, for example, enjoyed only 2 of their 19 competition matches on home turf. This was largely due to the restrictions on the use of fields due to the closure of Hutt Rec 3 for most of the year and the loss of Hutt Rec 1 for a large part of the season.

The relationship between the club and the Hutt City Council grounds staff at Hutt Recreational Ground remains very positive. The high quality presentation by the Hutt City Council of the Hutt Rec changing rooms has meant that these were frequently used by teams throughout the season as work areas and venues for mid week team meetings. The Council were also very accommodating with allowing the use of the Hutt Rec fields for training, especially for the Senior teams. Particular credit needs to be given to groundsman Kevin Wakefield.

The considerable work on stage 2 of the redevelopment of the HOBM club rooms is nearing completion. Driven largely by Peter McGuinness, the new additions are as modern as any and will become a considerable asset to the club for many years to come. The revamped gym, the new meeting room and the addition of a shower block mean that the opportunities to broaden the range of options and facilities available to our players has been greatly enhanced.

Challenges for 2012:

As with all organisations there are still areas in which we can improve. Ensuring that teams use the club rooms for socialising after each game continues to be a challenge for the club. Takings over the bar provide a crucial source of income, and the choice of some teams not to return after games means that new initiatives need to be considered to make this option attractive to all players.

Among some teams communication between coaches and players, and coaches and coaches, was problematic in 2011. The club is committed to ensuring that good communication is at the forefront of coach selection in 2012. The rugby committee knows it needs to remain vigilant in ensuring that this happens throughout the year.

The role of Filipe Rayasi (CCO) in the operations and coaching support throughout the club requires revision. In 2010 his contribution was difficult to quantify with his role in the WRU and HOBM becoming unclear. Adapting work requirements to better reflect the strengths and interests of the CCO needs to urgently take place.

Although the collection of subscriptions and the development of systems to manage gear were better this year, there is much yet to do to ensure that players and managers understand their obligations to club management.

HOBMRFC is on the brink of becoming the Premier club in the Wellington rugby scene. Strong player numbers, a committed and effective club organisation, and evidence of increasing success on the field, has meant that the preconditions are now set for a stellar year in 2012.

Bryan Gwilliam, Club Captain