Heading home to Loburn
Following years of plying his craft in town, Ashley’s Andrew Olorenshaw has brought up a milestone he once didn’t think would be possible, tonning up for the Ashley Division 1 team.
Before moving out to the country club in 2014, ex-Canterbury Prop Olorenshaw also managed the feat at Burnside too, playing over 130 games, and now joins a select group of players to achieve the milestone for two or more clubs.
Alongside his own personal achievement, Ashley are also making a go of the Luisetti Seeds North Canterbury competition, currently top on points difference with one rounds to go, equal on points with last weekend’s opponent Kaiapoi.
Ashley are also the current holders of the Deans Shield, following a successful challenge against Ohoka and defences against Combined Country champions Glenmark Cheviot and the 6-all draw with Kaiapoi over the weekend.
It creates a year of rugby that Olorenshaw hopes will end in success for the Slime, as he hopes to cap a milestone year with his old junior club.
“Heading away to boarding school, I thought one day I might have the chance to play for Ashley, but I certainly I wouldn’t have the opportunity to play 100 senior games.” Olorenshaw said.
“When I first came back, I thought I’d play a couple of games and joined more for the social side and getting back and connected to the local community, joining back up with a few mates from a couple of years ago. There’s been some tough times over the last few years for the club but this year we’re going alright!”
The final game of the regular season takes on mass importance for the Ashley side, with the opportunity to end the regular season with the Deans Shield locked up sitting in their hands.
“It certainly adds a little bit of spice to the clashes, and we want to retain the shield and lock it away for the summer, and in doing so would mean we’re in a great position heading into the finals.” said Olorenshaw.
Whatever the result this weekend and the ones coming as we creep closer to the end of the Senior season, Olorenshaw is grateful for the opportunity to pull on the green jumper and be a part of a “special club”.
“I’m a farmer for my day job, so being a part of the club means you’re not isolated and don’t lose that community feel and boosts your mental health and wellbeing.”
“It’s a testament to the club that when we caught severe wind storms last spring, the coach was on the phone checking in on us, and when he realised he couldn’t get to us due to the trees that had come down, the guys from the club turned up the next week with chainsaws to help us get connected once again.”