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 1996 season was disastrous for Wairarapa Bush, not one win being recorded in the team’s 13 matches.

After fighting for survival in the second division for many seasons Wairarapa Bush were officially relegated after their last match of the season, against Thames Valley — a game they should have won. However, a reprieve arrived in the form of the newly formed Hawke’s Bay – Manawatu combined team (Central Vikings) .

Because of the NZRFU’s desire to have a nine-team second division, Wairarapa Bush were asked to remain and make up the numbers.

An indication of the team’s struggle, and a cause for concern about its 1997 fate, was the massive 612 points conceded, 396 during the NPC. When added to early season losses to third division neighbours Wanganui and Horowhenua, the conclusion can be drawn that a rebuilding period in third division would be appropriate for Wairarapa Bush.

The best performance of the season was the 18-23 loss to Western Samoa, and the Thames Valley game looked safe when a 24-3 lead was established.

The departure of the experienced Marty Berry to Manawatu and injury to captain Darren Guildford meant a loss of leadership in key positions and the side, at times, seemed to lack ideas, continuity and confidence. In total, 43 players were used, including eight from Wellington and two from Manawatu.

The most consistent backs were wingers Colin Sullivan and Kelsey Beales, who were always looking for work. Midfield backs Peter Bresaz and Willie Furnell were steady while Neil Foote again gave good service from halfback. Greg Gray, who had last represented in 1992, kicked 65 points and directed play well at first five-eighth.

In the forwards, flanker Mike Fleming, tireless in his pursuit of the ball, was the standout player. Other forwards to show out were locks Richard Watt and Dean Gifford and captain John Kendal. In the front row, Glen Carlson, Matthew Hoggard, Hemi Tui and Graeme Cheetham were solid workers.

1996 Pre-Season Match Record: Played 5 ; Lost 5
Points : For 97  ; Against 216

1996 NPC Second Division Match Record: Played 8; Lost 8
Points : For 185 ; Against 396

Cap# & Wairarapa Bush REPRESENTATIVES 1996 {Total Games}

#CAP		NAME	POSITION	CLUB	PL
159		Gregory Ross Gray	Centre, First Five	Marist	8
192		Joseph North Huirama	Centre, Fullback, Winger	Greytown	1
197		Peter R. Bresaz	Centre	Masterton Red Star	9
204		Matthew Edward Hoggard	Flanker, Hooker, Lock	Masterton Red Star	7
222		Gavin Martin Cayless	Hooker	Marist	3
224		Mark Brendon Percy	Scrumhalf	East Coast	10
226		Daren Whana Conway Guildford	No. 8	Greytown	2
227		Dean Alan Bassett	Flanker, Lock	Hutt OB Marist – Wellington RU	2
229		Neil Michael William Foote	First Five, Scrumhalf	Greytown	10
232		Shane Clifton Coley	Prop	Masterton Red Star	6
241		Guy C. Williams	Flanker	East Coast	5
242		Dean Andrew Spicer	Winger	Greytown	1
248		John Herbert James Cummings	Loose Forward	Masterton Red Star	11
253		Blair Foster Percy	Winger	Eketahuna	1
256		Peter Kirk Noble	Centre	Pioneer	1
257		Kelsey David Beales	Winger	Eketahuna	11
262		Kerry Todd Hargood	Lock	Marist	1
263		Mark Darryn Childs	First Five	Greytown	9
264		Joe M. Potangaroa	Prop	Marist	1
265		Graeme Cheetham	Hooker	Eketahuna	5
267		Michael James Fleming	Flanker	Greytown	12
268		Faleono Tufuga	Lock	Pioneer	1
270		Richard Alan Watt	Lock, No. 8	Poneke – Wellington RU	11
271		R. Elliot Fuller	Flanker	Harlequins – Wellington RU	2
272		Colin Ian Sullivan	Winger	Avalon – Wellington Ru	12
273		John Kendal	Lock	Pioneer	12
275		Dean Murray Gifford	Lock	Wellington – Wellington RU	10
276		Kirk Bernard Hooper	Centre	East Coast	2
277		Christopher Glen Sullivan	Hooker	Featherston	2
278		Richard John Carroll	Fullback	Pioneer	5
279		James Olds Rasmussen	Fullback, Winger	Carterton	8
280		Glen Kamarea Pita Japeth	Prop	Petone – Wellington RU	1
281		William Michael ‘Willie’ Furnell	Centre	Marist – Manawatu RU	7
282		Glen Carlson	Prop	Greytown	10
283		Alan Henderson	Centre	Upper Hutt – Wellington RU	1
284		Douglas To’o Power	Loose Forward	Hutt OB Marist – Wellington RU	1
285		Hemi Tui	Prop	Featherston	8
286		Brent Richard Oliver	Flanker	Marist	5
287		Nathan Leslie Arekateia Riwai-Couch	First Five, Fullback	Marist	1
288		Jarrod Kereoma Telford	Fullback	United	7
289		Tom Lightfoot	Hooker, Prop	Marist	1
290		Trent Paul Eagle	Fullback	Greytown	1
291		David Roger Smith	Flanker	Eketahuna	3

#CAP		NAME	Season
—		Penalty Try	2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2007, 2006, 2015, 2014, 2008, 1987, 2003, 2002, 2013, 1990, 2010, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999	1