Year By Year , Our History ~ 2015 ~

We hope you enjoy this look back as we look forward to many more years of recording the history of Buller Rugby Union.
We acknowledge all the information from the NZ “Rugby Almanack” Series since 1934 and appreciate their hard and dedicated work in providing this detailed history. – Web Admin

Buller finished sixth in the round robin with a 50/50 record and then lost at home in the Lochore Cup semi-final to King Country; a disappointing finish after having defeated King Country in the round robin. If either of the one-point defeats to Wairarapa Bush or North Otago had been overcome then Buller would have finished fourth with a Meads Cup semi-final. The best Performance of the campaign was the Win at Horowhenua Kapiti where Buller completely dominated the first 60 minutes to lead 44-10.

In the backs Setefano Sauqaqa again was an elusive finisher to score nine tries, including a record-equaling four against Thames Valley. Scott Neighbours and Penijamini Nabainivalu both gave reliable performances every week. Loan player Hagen Schulte started in the 10 jersey, but a change was made after the fourth match with Jesse Elley brought forward. He challenged the opposition defence well. Andrew Stephens appeared in every match and took over the goal kicking with Elley’s shift. Last year’s record-breaking try scorer Iliesa Ravudra had shifted to Tasman but appeared in the final five matches on loan.

Luke Brownlee’s record run of consecutive matches ended when missing the opening match against King Country due to injury, while fellow flanker Blair Mcllroy never turned in a bad game and was unlucky to miss New Zealand Heartland selection. Lock Craig Moore had a standout season and fully deserved his New Zealand Heartland selection. Fellow lock Taione Ratu, a number eight last year, made a good impression in the role. The two props Phil Beveridge and Logan Mundy gave excellent service in every game, with Mundy finally scoring his first try for the province in his 79th match. Brad Hemopo was a valuable loan acquisition but injury restricted him to only half the games.

Thirty-one players were used, of which 13 were new, and John Noble and Stephen Crackett earned recalls after last appearing in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Missing from last year were James Lash (Tasman), Mike Lealava’a (Wellington) and Isei Lewaqai (West Coast).

On 8 August a Seddon Shield challenge to Nelson Bays sub-union was lost 6-36 in a non first-class fixture.

Higher honours went to:

New Zealand Heartland: C.M.Moore

HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP 2015

Sat 22 Aug	5:00 pm	H	Heartland Championship	King Country	32 - 20	Match Center
Sat 29 Aug	5:00 pm	A	Heartland Championship/Rundle Cup	West Coast	21 - 7	Match Center
Sat 05 Sep	5:00 pm	H	Heartland Championship	Wairarapa Bush	13 - 14	Match Center
Sat 12 Sep	5:00 pm	A	Heartland Championship	Whanganui	35 - 09	Match Center
Sat 19 Sep	5:00 pm	H	Heartland Championship	Poverty Bay	36 - 14	Match Center
Sat 26 Sep	5:00 pm	A	Heartland Championship	North Otago	35 - 34	Match Center
Sat 03 Oct	5:00 pm	H	Heartland Championship	Thames Valley	25 - 17	Match Center
Sat 10 Oct	5:00 pm	A	Heartland Championship	Horowhenua Kapiti	31 - 44	Match Center
Sat 17 Oct	5:00 pm	H	Heartland Championship/Lochore Cup Semi Final	King Country	06 - 20	Match Center

2015 Buller REPRESENTATIVES

			Position	PL
	Andrew Paul Stephens		Scrumhalf	9
	Anthony W. Ellis		Hooker	4
	Axel Young		Flanker	1
	Blair Stewart McIlroy		Flanker	8
	Brad C.M. Hemopo		Flanker	3
	Craig Michael Moore		Lock, Prop	8
	Glen Anthony Duncan		Hooker, Prop	8
	Hagen L. Schulte		First Five	4
	Hemi W. Manawatu		Prop	0
	Iliesa Tora		Winger	5
	Inia V. Toa		Hooker	3
	Isaac L. McDonald		Flanker	2
	Jale Masi		No. 8	6
	Jesse Morgan Elley		First Five, Fullback	7
	John Robert Noble		Centre	6
	Lance A.H. Gahan		Centre, Fullback	3
	Logan Matthew Mundy		Lock, Prop	8
	Luke George Brownlee		Flanker	7
	Marc L. Crackett		Prop	2
	Matthew D. James		Lock	3
	Mitieli Kaloudigibeci		Winger	8
	Paul Charles Clarkson		Flanker, Lock, Winger	6
	Penijamini Nabainivalu		Centre	8
	Philip.J.’Phil’ Beveridge		Hooker, Prop	8
	Scott William Neighbours		Winger	6
	Simon Abel		Flanker	5
	Stefano Tuidrodroa Sauqaqa		Centre	8
	Stephen Robert Crackett		Hooker, Prop	4
	Taione Ratu		Lock, No. 8	7
	Thor H. Manawatu		Scrumhalf	6
	Tyler J. Price		Centre, Fullback	1