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, after being relegated to the second division at the end of the 1987 season, failed to win its way back to the top division for 1989. However, results overall were reasonable, the only losses in the championship being to Marlborough and Hawkes Bay and there were no severe drubbings from first division sides. A draw with Wellington early in the season was encouraging, as were narrow losses to Bay of Plenty and Manawatu.

Regular fullback Mark Benton moved to first five-eighth to make way for a newcomer, Craig Pepperell, who was the find of the season. Taking over the goal-kicking duties from Benton, Pepperell set a new union record with I31 points for the season. Another to enter the record books was Mike Foster, who equalled Greg Karaitiana’s try scoring record.

Former All Black Marty Berry played only one game and there was a weakness in midfield which was offset to some extent when Charlie Kaka was available. Bernard Lett played well at halfback and he and Pepperell were the best of the Wairarapa Bush rearguard.

The team had a strong forward pack which held its own throughout the season. Greg Hawkins, 1986 All Black Brett Harvey and Peter Sargent showed plenty of dash in the loose and another former All Black, Brent Anderson, formed a strong locking combination with Stewart Cruden, formerly a midfield back. Chris Kapene, Robbie McLean and Vince Burgess were a strong front row, Bryan Styles also shaping well when called on.

Wairarapa Bush players who appeared above provincial level in 1988:
Central Zone: Anderson, McLean, Styles.
New Zealand Maoris: Kapene.
New Zealand Divisional XV: Anderson, McLean.

1988 Match Record: Played 14 ; Won 8 ; Drew 1 ; Lost 5
Points : For 326 ; Against 242

Cap# & Wairarapa Bush REPRESENTATIVES 1988 {Total Games}

#CAP		NAME	POSITION	CLUB	PL
123		Christopher Rangi ‘Moose’ Kapene	Lock, Prop	Martinborough	11
143		Charles Huru Aporo Kaka	Centre	Martinborough	7
144		Phillip D. Rutene	First Five, Winger	Masterton	4
147		Bernard James Lett	Scrumhalf	Carterton	12
148		Gary Ian Rolston	Lock	Eketahuna	5
152		Brett Andrew Harvey	Flanker	Featherston	11
155		Mark Frederick Clive Benton	First Five, Fullback	Featherston	11
156		Brent Leslie ‘Buck’ Anderson	Lock	Masterton	14
158		Bryan Edward Styles	Prop	Carterton	7
160		Michael Craig O’Connor	Winger	Carterton	2
162		Michael Thomas Foster	Winger	Carterton	13
168		Martin Joseph ’Marty’ Berry	Centre, Fullback	Greytown	1
169		Vincent Joseph Burgess	Hooker	Carterton	10
170		Stewart Neil Cruden	Centre, Loose Forward, Lock	Masterton	12
174		Christopher Francis William Berry	Prop	Greytown	1
176		Motu Tua	Hooker	Eketahuna	2
177		Peter William Sargent	Flanker	Featherston	12
183		Robert John ‘Robbie’ McLean	Prop	Woodville	10
186		Stephen Rewi Haira	Centre	Masterton	7
187		Christopher John Lett	Hooker	Carterton	2
189		Gregory Richard Hawkins	No. 8	Martinborough	13
190		Craig Noel Pepperell	Centre, Fullback, Scrumhalf	Red Star	14
191		David Clark Finlayson	First Five	Greytown	2
192		Joseph North Huirama	Centre, Fullback, Winger	Greytown	9
193		Paul Brian James Kennedy	Winger	Carterton	11
194		Alan G.J. Watt	Lock	Greytown	5
195		Peter William Ryan	First Five, Scrumhalf	Masterton	5
196		Lance D. Christiansen	Loose Forward, No. 8	Red Star	1
197		Peter.R. Bresaz	Centre	Red Star	3