We hope you enjoy this look back as we look forward to many more years of recording the history of Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union. We acknowledge all the information from the NZ “Rugby Almanack” Series from the season’s 1934 through to 2020 and appreciate their hard and dedicated work in providing this detailed history. – Web Admin

Wairarapa Bush had a disappointing season, slipping to fifth place in the second division and showing little sign of regaining first-division status in the near future. This was somewhat disappointing after the promise shown by the team in 1988.

The union lost Brent Anderson to Waikato and Stu Cruden to Manawatu, while Brett Harvey and Peter Sargent had retired. The loss of these experienced players no doubt affected Wairarapa Bush’s results.

There were some talented individuals in the backline but mistakes at crucial times cost points. The best back was Craig Pepperell, the find of the I988 season, whose positional play, tackling, kicking and counter-attacking were of a very high standard. Mike Foster set a new try-scoring record and there was some strong running and solid defence from Peter Bresaz at centre. These two made the most of the chances that came their way. The captain and halfback Bernard bett was another back who impressed. His service was not as fast as usual but he played extremely well under pressure.

The main strength of the pack lay in the front row, where selector Alan Cornelius had three strong props to call on. Robbie McLean, Bryan Styles and Chris Kapene held their own against all opposition and hooker Chris Lett also played his part well. The locks, Gary Rolston and Chris Smith, were good in set play, while the loose trio of Greg Hawkins, Lance Christiansen and Paddy Berry were quick to breakdowns.

Wairarapa Bush players who appeared above provincial level in 1989:
Central Zone: McLean, Styles.
New Zealand Divisional XV: Foster, Styles, Kapene (reserve)

1989 Match Record: Played 13 ; Won 4 ; Lost 9
Points : For 193 ; Against 280

Cap# & Wairarapa Bush REPRESENTATIVES 1989 {Total Games}

#CAP		NAME	POSITION	CLUB	PL
112		Henry Fitzgerald Reedy	Centre	Pioneer	8
123		Christopher Rangi ‘Moose’ Kapene	Lock, Prop	Martinborough	8
144		Phillip D. Rutene	First Five, Winger	Masterton	2
147		Bernard James Lett	Scrumhalf	Carterton	13
148		Gary Ian Rolston	Lock	Eketahuna	13
155		Mark Frederick Clive Benton	First Five, Fullback	Featherston	6
158		Bryan Edward Styles	Prop	Carterton	9
159		Gregory Ross Gray	Centre, First Five	Marist	10
160		Michael Craig O’Connor	Winger	Carterton	7
162		Michael Thomas Foster	Winger	Carterton	12
163		David Rutene	Centre	Marist	4
169		Vincent Joseph Burgess	Hooker	Carterton	3
172		Peter Robert Smith	Lock	Martinborough	13
174		Christopher Francis William Berry	Prop	Greytown	1
182		Patrick D.’Paddy’ Berry	Flanker	Featherston	9
183		Robert John ‘Robbie’ McLean	Prop	Woodville	8
187		Christopher John Lett	Hooker	Carterton	10
189		Gregory Richard Hawkins	No. 8	Martinborough	12
190		Craig Noel Pepperell	Centre, Fullback, Scrumhalf	Red Star	12
192		Joseph North Huirama	Centre, Fullback, Winger	Greytown	2
193		Paul Brian James Kennedy	Winger	Carterton	1
196		Lance D. Christiansen	Loose Forward, No. 8	Red Star	12
197		Peter R. Bresaz	Centre	Red Star	13
198		A. Holmes	Flanker	Greytown	1
199		Tony Burgess	First Five	Carterton	1
200		Graham Charles Richardson	Loose Forward	Eketahuna	1
201		Bruce Donald Bowie	Flanker	Puketoi	4