Year by Year , Our History ~ 2016 ~

We hope you enjoy this look back as we look forward to many more years of recording the history of Thames Valley Rugby Union.We acknowledge all the information from the NZ “Rugby Almanack” Series from the season’s 1934 through to 2016 and appreciate their hard and dedicated work in providing this detailed history. – Web Admin

lt was an unrewarding season for Thames Valley as the team failed to register a win in the Heartland Championship. Their best effort was a draw against the Lochore Cup finalists King Country, but finishing in eleventh place overall is a real wake-up call for this well-resourced union. After being competitive in their first four Heartland matches, Thames Valley conceded 210 points in their next four games. This total could have been higher but for a sterling effort in the second half against Wanganui after being down 8-52 at halftime.

Of the 38 representatives who appeared in 2016, 17 were making their debut. The only appearance for seven players was in the early-season Ranfurly Shield challenge. Coach Hayden Roe then settled on a core of 24 regular players who appeared in four or more competition games. The backline made a promising start but failed to develop into a consistent attacking unit. This was not helped by the mid season injury to Jonnie Te Ruki Chambers, the captain and 2015 player of the year. His injury made way for the previous year’s captain Chance Bunce, who had earlier been unavailable, to return as a loan player.

After a three—year break, Bryce Cowley rejoined the team as the origin player. He had an outstanding first half against Wairarapa Bush but his season ended with a serious head injury in this match. Newcomer Ben Bonnar was an enterprising halfback while Beau Dene Hamilton returned from Sydney and showed his versatility by playing adequately in three different backline positions. The regular first-five eighth Chris Doak had last appeared in 2008. The 2015 New Zealand Heartland XV wingers Lance Easton and Tyrone Keith had few opportunities while their fellow Heartlander, Moss Doran, lacked the impact of previous years.

The forward pack more than held its own in the set pieces but in broken play they found it difficult to contain their opposition who were generally stronger and faster. Matt Rolston added much-needed height to the lineout. Norman Solofa proved to be a versatile No. 8 but the team lacked genuine pace from the side of the scrum with both Shayne Johnson (injury) and Glen McIntyre (overseas) unavailable after the Ranfurly Shield match. Nic Judd made a successful transition from hooker to prop and he was Well supported by Henare Renata and the Frenchman Romy Chies. Hayden Wisnewski, the team’s top try scorer, took over the captaincy and led by example – he was rewarded with selection in the New Zealand Heartland XV.

The Ranfurly Shield again proved its popularity in the rural areas by attracting the largest crowd at a Thames Valley home match for many years. Although outclassed on the day, Thames Valley took great satisfaction from being the first Valley team to score two tries in a shield challenge since 1955.

Higher honours went to:

New Zealand Heartland: H.A. Wisnewski

Click “result (0-0) ” for match details

2016 Fixtures & Results

06 Jun, 2:30 pm	H		Waikato RU	Ranfurly Shield	13 - 83
27 Aug, 2:30 pm	H		Horowhenua-Kapiti	Heartland Championship	30 - 34
03 Sep, 2:30 pm	A		North Otago	Heartland Championship	30 - 22
10 Sep, 2:30 pm	H		King Country	Heartland Championship	22 - 22
17 Sep, 2:30 pm	A		Wairarapa Bush	Heartland Championship	28 - 18
24 Sep, 2:30 pm	H		South Canterbury	Heartland Championship	16 - 62
01 Oct, 2:30 pm	A		Wanganui	Heartland Championship	60 - 14
08 Oct, 2:30 pm	A		Mid Canterbury	Heartland Championship	38 - 22
15 Oct, 2:30 pm	H		Poverty Bay	Heartland Championship	14 - 50

View all results