Community Milestones - Easter and ANZAC weekends

Each week, there are tons of awesome milestones and stories to celebrate throughout our

community game, from debuts to centurions. Over last week and looking ahead to this

weekend, we’ve had a couple of awesome moments to celebrate.

JOSH BAIRD (ROLLESTON)

Josh Baird became Rolleston’s first ever Division 1 centurion on the weekend, the second lock of the weekend to bring up the big 100.

First donning the yellow and black as an Under 11 in 2003, Josh has been a long serving member of the Rolleston Club, only moving away when teams weren’t available at the Ellesmere club.

Since the team’s introduction to the Ellesmere Division 1 in 2015 and that first game against Waihora, Josh has been a staple of the side, playing every game but 3, as well as regularly playing 80 minutes. As a big leader at the club and beginning to be involved in the junior section, Josh is the epitome of a club man and is a fitting man to be play 100 Division 1 games for Rolleston.

TATUM TIPU (LINWOOD)

Tatum started her Linwood rugby career in 2012 as a wing. She was still at high school, however didn't start playing for the school until they had a team the following year. She had come to watch Cassie training at Linwood and filled in on the wing.

She had never played before but was told she was playing on Saturday. Tatum has been here ever since, now an outstanding lock who has achieved the fantastic milestone of 100 games for Linwood. Tatum really enjoys the sisterhood and family vibe that our club has.

When asked about her switch from wing to lock Tatum replied - " I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty scared. I was a skinny back in those days, so I thought I'd be broken in half but it was the best move ever. Once a forward always a forward".

Tatum not only contributes on the field but is also a committee member playing her part in ensuring all sections of the club have a voice and are being recognised. We salute and congratulate Tatum on achieving 100 games.

RATU LUVENITOGA (SOUTHBRIDGE)

Since arriving at Southbridge in 2007, Ratu Luvenitoga has become a stalwart for the side, with the utility player set to bring up 200 games for the club!

Starting out in second five, Ratu now finds himself either out on the wing or in the loose forwards, an invaluable type of player for any club side.

Running out at Blindside Flanker against Ashley at the Bridge, this weekend promises to be an exciting and rewarding one for a player who regularly gives his all for his team, with his teammates sure to put in a good performance on his big day.