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

One of the success stories of 1982 was the manner in which the promoted Wairarapa-Bush side met the challenge of the top division. After drawing their first fixture with the 1981 Champions, Wellington, no small feat, they had the set back of losing the next three matches to Hawke’s Bay, North Auckland and Auckland, but came back to defeat Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Otago.

They suffered several heavy defeats, especially the 6-51 loss to a rampant Canterbury side in the Ranfurly Shield Challenge. A very youthful team, they should improve over the next few years if they can retain their players. Brian Lochore called on only 24 players and they played fast open football. The captain, Gary McGlashan was an expert hooker and had as his front-row supports, the experienced 36 year old Bill Rowlands and the powerful Chris Kapene. The loss of ex-All Black, Mike McCool was a serious setback but 20 year old Andy Earl played like a veteran, and could go much further.

After 21 year old Gary Rolston had stepped into the breach, Brian Higginson, brother of All Black Graeme Higginson, who had last represented in l980, saw out the season as a strong scrummager. Probably the best forward was Paul Hawkins, 23 year old flanker who had last represented also in 1980, a lively eager player. The other outstanding forward was the No. 8, 22 year-old Carl Baker, a fine all-round loose forward. Mervyn Dudley was the other flank forward.

Graeme Anderson was a sound reliable half with a good understanding with the eager 21 year old Bernard Lett, a most promising player. The Bracewell brothers were enterprising and useful all-round backs. The 22 year-old Charlie Kaka was outstanding, a strong runner and sound tackler. Greg Karaitiana was a good hard running winger with Mike Cornford also a strong attacker, both solid tacklers. Elder brother Wayne Karaitana made his debut and proved a good winger. Neil Kjestrup remained a sound custodian, safe under the high ball, a solid tackler, and eager to attack. S. J. Hurley had represented Taranaki in 1981.

A. E. Earl and P. D. Rutene were New Zealand Colts, though the latter did not represent his Union this year. C. D. Baker played for New Zealand Juniors, and also appeared in the Prince of Wales Cup match and for New Zealand Maoris.

WAIRARAPA-BUSH MATCH RECORD 1982
Played 15, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 8

Cap# & Wairarapa Bush REPRESENTATIVES 1982 {Total Games}

#CAP		NAME	POSITION	CLUB	PL
003		William Nepia ‘Bill’ Rowlands	Prop	Red Star	11
022		Gary Keith McGlashan	Hooker	Red Star	13
056		Rex Basil Playle	Prop	Carterton	5
064		Neil Francis Kjestrup	First Five, Fullback	Gladstone	13
067		Michael Edward Cornford	Winger	Masterton	14
106		Stephen Reihana Thompson	Flanker, Hooker	Gladstone	2
109		Paul Huatahi Hawkins	Loose Forward	Martinborough	13
116		Michael John McCool	Lock	Pongaroa, Puketoi S.O.	4
117		Graeme Wighton ’Bunter’ Anderson	Scrumhalf	Eketahuna	11
119		Bryan Lex Higginson	Lock, Prop	Martinborough	9
121		Andrew Thomas ‘Andy’ Earl	Loose Forward, Lock, No. 8	Tuhirangi	14
123		Christopher Rangi ‘Moose’ Kapene	Lock, Prop	Martinborough	13
131		Joseph George ‘Joe’ Wyeth	Flanker	Masterton	8
132		Mervyn James Dudley	Loose Forward	Masterton	12
134		Mark Andrew Bracewell	First Five	Pioneer	15
135		Douglas William ’Doug’ Bracewell	Centre	Pioneer	15
137		Gary William Patrick	Lock	Gladstone	1
138		Carl Duan ’Carlos’ Baker	No. 8	Martinborough	11
139		Anthony Bernard ’Tony’ McKenna	Winger	Masterton	1
142		Gregory Ian Karaitiana	Winger	Masterton	12
143		Charles Huru Aporo Kaka	Centre	Martinborough	13
146		Stephen James Bignall	Lock	Masterton	1
147		Bernard James Lett	Scrumhalf	Carterton	6
148		Gary Ian Rolston	Lock	Eketahuna	6
149		Wayne Herbert Karaitiana	Winger	Masterton	6
150		Stephen J. Hurley	Centre, Fullback	Masterton	7