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

The 1993 season was another poor one for Wairarapa Bush. The team did not win any games the only joy coming from draws against Otago XV, Poverty Bay and Manawatu. Second division status for 1994 was maintained but only just, by drawing the desperate last game of the season with neighbour Manawatu. Heavy defeats were inflicted by first-division Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty, Nelson Bays and‘ Counties in the championship round.

Having lost a number of the previous year’s players through retirement, unavailability and changing unions, this team was largely comprised of young players new to representative rugby. The move to Wellington by star back Marty Berry was of particular significance — the backline needed someone of his experience to function properly.

There were some promising individuals, however Robert Rutene was a solid, dependable fullback. James Shirkey was again an exciting wing when given the chance. Midfield back Quentin O’Neale was a fine defender. Paul Roache showed good promise and improved as the season progressed. Halfback was shared between Mark Percy and Neil Foote who both had their moments. These players also appeared in other positions.

The forwards, although lacking height, functioned well. Captain Daren Guildford performed well when not hampered by injuries. Bruce Bowie was again a fine servant on the flank. Fellow loose forward Dean Bassett improved on last year’s promise and was Wairarapa Bush’s best forward. At lock Vernon Boyce was a hard worker who had a fine season and he was ably supported by Englishman Martin Rackham. Gavin Cayless at hooker played well and was never far from the ball. Anthony Holtham, Shane Coley and Merv Mason scrummaged well when called upon at prop.

Higher honours went to:
New Zealand Divisional XV: M.J.Berry (before transferring to Wellington).

1993 Match Record: Played 13 ; Drew 3 ; Lost 10
Points : For 176 ; Against 478

Cap# & Wairarapa Bush REPRESENTATIVES 1993 {Total Games}

#CAP		NAME	POSITION	CLUB	PL
160		Michael Craig O’Connor	Winger	Carterton	2
196		Lance D. Christiansen	Loose Forward, No. 8	Red Star	1
201		Bruce Donald Bowie	Flanker	Puketoi	10
203		Neville Graham	Hooker	Pioneer	2
205		Robert Ihaka Rutene	Centre, Fullback	Carterton	11
207		Anton Mathew Kainuku	Prop	Pioneer	3
211		Ben K. Fox	First Five, Fullback	Pioneer	2
213		Vernon Mark Boyce	Lock	Martinborough	12
215		James Huatahi Shirkey	Winger	Martinborough	12
219		Quentin Geoffrey O’Neale	Centre, Fullback	Masterton	13
222		Gavin Martin Cayless	Hooker	Marist	10
224		Mark Brendon Percy	Scrumhalf	East Coast	9
226		Daren Whana Conway Guildford	No. 8	Greytown	9
227		Dean Alan Bassett	Flanker, Lock	Puketoi	11
229		Neil Michael William Foote	First Five, Scrumhalf	Greytown	8
230		Jason Edward Turupa Reedy	Centre, Fullback	Martinborough	8
231		John Daniel Sutherland	Flanker	Marist	6
232		Shane Clifton Coley	Prop	Masterton	8
233		Richard Eion Clatworthy	Lock	Marist	3
234		Michael R. Cross	Flanker	Greytown	1
235		Paul Anthony Roache	First Five	Eketahuna	10
236		Geoffrey Neil Gardner	Centre	Featherston	7
237		Nigel John McLeod	Centre	Martinborough	1
238		Aaron Dean Kahu Awa	Winger	Pioneer	11
239		Anthony John Holtham	Hooker	Marist	10
240		Martin Rackham	Lock	Carterton	10
241		Guy C. Williams	Flanker	Martinborough	7
242		Dean Andrew Spicer	Winger	Greytown	1
243		Paul Graeme Rogers	Hooker, Prop	Greytown	3
244		Mervyn M. Mason	Prop	Pioneer	6
245		William Hamilton Keane Poharama	Winger	Carterton	5
246		Nicholas James Mita	First Five	Pioneer	2