Welcome to this edition of our InTouch Newsletter

We start this week’s newsletter, by celebrating and congratulating Grayson Mitchell who made his debut game for Premier side v New Brighton at Christchurch Park Sat 9 April. Pictured above with his dad Graham current manager of Premier Reserve, former manager of Premier side and long-time stalwart of the club.

Grayson has come through our Junior section, Colts and Premier Reserve. Well done and we wish you many more Grayson!

No Games Easter Weekend!

A reminder there will be no rugby this weekend – we hope you enjoy the easter break and time with family and friends. There will be no newsletter next week as a result, but we have lots to get through this week, which should keep you occupied until our next instalment!

From a club perspective, we’d would like to acknowledge and thank Sam Fazakerley who plays on our Choppers team but has also been an absolute life saver in the last week or so. Sam is a qualified Chef and works at a longstanding and well regarded Chch Café during the week. However, when we needed some urgent help to provide food for our club members last Saturday, Sam agreed to come down, sort a last-minute menu on his day off, then cooked for our teams and club families on Saturday. Sam also stepped up to help cook for our first CFC Social Committee event on Tuesday 12^th.  The clubrooms were packed out with our senior rugby and netball teams – we hope this is the first of many season get togethers! Well done to all who organised!

While Sam was stuck in the kitchen, on Saturday, our bar was run by our Chairman Viv de Beus, his daughter Hayley, Jo O from CFC Netball and Nic F. We were also extremely grateful to both Steve Bree & Tim Brocket (CFC Colts Coaching Team), who didn’t hesitate to roll their sleeves up and come and help on both Saturday and at our quiz on Tuesday night.

Other club members were also keen to step up and help when asked.  The only negative was the attitude of a small minority of club members, who didn’t show a huge degree of manners or respect when talking to some of our staff and volunteers. Manners and kindness costs nothing but reflect a lot about who you are – don’t be the one to let yourself or the rest of the club down – get involved if you can and be polite. Teamwork goes beyond the field and none of us are above cleaning up after ourselves or helping out other people!

Gee there’s no shortage of great sport to watch at present. Topping the list ‘The Masters’. What an event, the course, the history, the crowds, the drama, the money. It has it all. Absolutely compelling watching even if you’re not a golfer.

Then The Australian Grand Prix, the biggest sporting event in Australian sports history. Just how good was the Super 15 last weekend. It will be a beauty this weekend between the Blues and the Saders. The corporate boxes at Addington will be overflowing with all 40 spectators. How good is that Blackadder playing. The man is a machine and not far behind him is young Tom Christie.

Moving on to Christchurch Park v New Brighton last Saturday. Great day, great crowd. There is no doubt that NB are turning out to be our bogey team, but look, NB have been playing the same game for the past 50 years. Simple, spoiling, combative until the final whistle, jumping on opposition errors who endeavour to play enterprising rugby. Don’t get me wrong however, they are effective at what they do and thoroughly deserved their win.

In my view next time we play the ‘sea siders’ we’ve got to dominate up front, suck their loosies in, play territory and kick points when you have the chance. In other words, suffocate them and starve them of feeding off our errors.

Good but sad to see the Women put up another cricket score in Ashburton and make the effort to be back at the club in time for speeches. Well done ladies.

Next week Easter Bunny visits which means no footie and too many easter eggs.

Go The Crusaders.

Give Em The Axe

Bob

FROM THE SIDELINE

This week we Profile the Men’s Premier Coaches of which there are three

JOHN SHERRATT “Shu” – Head Coach

Great to have Shu back at the club after many years away pursuing other roles in Rugby, and we wish him along with his coaching staff every good wish for the season ahead.
Out of rugby he worked as a Risk Inspection Officer with SBS Bank.
He is married to Annie and they have two sons Sam 23 and Zac 21.
Biggest influence on his life have been his parents who gave him tremendous support as a young fella growing up. His Dad was a great supporter of Merivale Rugby Club, which sadly now does not exist
He also acknowledges the tremendous support he has had from his family in everything he has chosen to do along with those who have supported him over 28 years of coaching.
He started playing with the Merivale Club in 1982  in age group U 19 before playing 100 matches for their Premier side. Started playing for CFC in 1989 firstly f for Senior B then our club’s Senior side. Between the two clubs playing 150 Senior matches.
His favourite player is Richie McCaw.
Favourite sportsperson: Shane Warne.
Best player coached:  Too many to mention.
Favourite musicians: Queen and Meatloaf. (Slightly better than Lofty😂)
Other sporting interests: Golf and Cricket
Shu has a pretty impressive coaching CV and remains very modest about what he has done. However here are some of his credentials spanning those 28 years when he first got involved.
In the early 90’s he coached CFC Colts, Div 2, and then in 2001/2 the Club’s Senior team to victory in the competition Telecom Cup on two occasions. He along with our current Chairman Viv de Beus.
He has been recognised by the club as coach of the year on 4 occasions.

In 1992  - 94 he obtained his NZRFU Level 1, 2, 3, coaching accreditation
95-97 A Diploma in Business studies, Management and Coaching from Massey University.
Between 2002-2004 coached Canty Colts winning 25 of 27 matches.
2004 NZRFU Attended National Coaching Academy (Fred Allen group)
2008 coached the Honda Heat Rugby Club Japan team becoming head coach 2009 in the top league. He had previously had stints in Japan periodically between 1996- 2005
In addition his coaching CV has in more recent times included:
Canty Women’s Coach, Sydenham Men’s Premier team, Burnside Colts, Various teams at St Andrews College,
Representative roles:
NZ Black Ferns Regional Coach Selector, In 1999 he was opponent analyst for both Canty and the Crusader.
Coached the Metro Town team to victory over Country in what was the Craw Shield 2001.
A Trial and Resource coach for CRFU Crusaders Academy.
More recently involved 2017/18 as logistics officer All Blacks camp and then in 2020/21 Development and Asst Coach for the Otago Women’s team.
When I asked if there was anything he felt excited about coaching Christchurch Premier side this season his response was that there was youthful energy, and a hunger to learn to become better players and better men, who all want to add to the history and legacy of the club.
Shu feels privileged to once again be given the opportunity to coach at the club that is dear to his heart, and is pleased with the awesome support he has received thus far.
“No pressure John. Enjoy. Be the best you can be.”
Just ignore any words of advice I may offer😂. “ Where’s Jesse Bryant?

CHRIS HAMMETT “Lofty” - Forwards, Set Piece Coach
Occupation: Group Manager Redpaths Electrical Wholesalers.
Married to Sue and 3 children Annabelle 20, Angus 18, Max 16
Angus made his Premier Men’s debut last week against Sumner. Out of Christ’s College first fifteen 2021.
Joined the club as a player 1997. Position: Lock forward.
Previously had played Premiers for Marist, and Petone in Wellington competition.
Selected for Canterbury and Crusaders in the 1996 season. Prior to that had one game for Wellington and was part of the Marlborough NPC team 97/98.
Coaching CV includes CFC under 12, Hutt Valley High first fifteen, Canty Metro U16,
Christ’s College 2nd fifteen, Canterbury University Premier.

Lofty has also coached and managed our Premier Reserve team between 2010 and 2018. Beaten finalist on 3 occasions and winning the competition twice.
A memorable moment being a great win against a very good Lincoln University team in 2017 at home in an epic final.
He also fulfilled the very important role of Club Captain from 2013 to 2017. One of the longest tenures in this role, and he did an excellent job with his imposing figure.
The best player he has coached:  A young Kieran Read.
The best he has played alongside: His brother Mark Hammett ((All Black). Always great to play alongside your brother.
Favourite player: Ian Jones
Favourite sportsperson: Lisa Carrington
Biggest influence on his career in rugby:  Simply the men he played alongside who just got in and got the job done for their teammates week in week out to get a result.
Favourite musician: Dave Growl. (Has anyone heard of him?) 😂 and the late Taylor Hawkins drummer in Foo Fighters.

Other interests:
Lawn Bowls. Member of Papanui Club.
Golf. ( No handicap disclosed)
What excites you about current CFC Premier team you are coaching Lofty?
“Great mix of young and more senior players. They gel together, and hopefully will bring a result the club has been searching for a couple of years for”


Motto for the players:
“To be the man you have to beat the man. No excuses, just results.”

Jade Kirk - Attack Coach

Occupation: Structural and Geo Technical Engineer. CEO and Owner of Kirk Roberts Consulting and Subsidiary Companies.
Wife Erin and they have two teenage children Max and Holly.
Interests other than Rugby:
Surfing, Enduro X Riding, Touch, Diving, Freediving

Jade first played club rugby in 1994 at the age of 16
He was in the Christchurch Colts team 1996/97
Since then played for all the Senior grades in the club, Div 1, 2, 3
Other clubs he has played for include Zingari Richmond in Dunedin and Singapore University Singapore.
Has been playing club rugby all told for 17 years.
He has been Mr Versatile in terms of his position on the field playing every position apart from lock in the forwards and wing,  half back in the backs..
His coaching credentials are with CFC in Junior rugby under 11 and 12 two championships and Colts to a semi final.
Also involved in coaching a school team at St Bedes College.
Biggest lesson learned in rugby that he would pass on to young players.
“You play rugby because you love and enjoy it. You play your best when you are having fun, and in that mind space you develop and excel. It is important not to lose yourself in the pressures of performance, and remember why you are there. Excellence comes from the focus inherent in doing something that you enjoy”
Jade believes this team has huge potential. The challenge is to unlock it.
If they believe in themselves anything is possible.
 

Premier Men’s Match Report

Premiers Vs New Brighton 9/4/2022

Half time: 7-12, Full time 7-19

A tough loss to take for the Premiers in the second game of the season against New Brighton. An explosive start from both sides of the ball made a real grudge match and ensured great entertainment for the home crowd. There were a number of positives to take from the game, but a lack of discipline was the decider in the end.

Composure seemed to be missing for both sides early and made for a real scrappy start with the ref influencing a lot of the game. However, Christchurch dominated early and were able to set the pace for the majority of the first 15 minutes. A strong kicking game and an even better chase led by Jovilisi Taleqa had the back 3 of New Brighton under constant pressure, which led Christchurch to sustain some valuable field position. On the back of this some clinical ruck work and fast ball for the forwards gradually had them further and further in the trenches before Ben Lopas touched down in the 10th minute for a lead of 7-0. 

Territorial kicking continued through the back line and seemed to be an evident game plan from the get-go. Though, silly errors and lack of discipline at ruck time was the devil on the shoulder and undone a lot of their solid field position and possession. A constant back and forth of offense and defence had both teams up and down the field but unable to convert into a 5 pointer. The consistent errors at breakdown dangled the carrot for New Brighton as a shot at goal got them on the scoreboard for 7-3. Some ultimately good set piece defence from Christchurch's backs left New Brighton unable to break the line, however another 3 penalties gave them confidence at the break, a handy 7-12 lead.

The precise kicking game from Christchurch in the first half was a double-edged sword as New Brighton became the controllers with the boot. Dropped high balls and chip kicks forced the forwards to be busy trying to hold out a relentless New Brighton attack. Valuable turnovers and forced mistakes allowed Christchurch the ability to come back into the game and get to the oppositions side of the field. As New Brighton started to get frustrated a momentum began to shift, however a controversial yellow card for Sam Stewart caused a definite hole in the defensive line which New Brighton exploited and scored for a 19-7 lead. 

The set restart was kicked out and it was evident the scoreboard pressure and frustrations of the game was starting to have an impact on Christchurch. A yellow card the other way gave the crowd hope and following this some impressive line breaks. Some good ball movement and consistent support play made for an exciting finish, but just like the rest of the game an error in set piece at the corner meant New Brighton could kick into touch for full time.

For New Brighton to only score 1 try with the amount of penalties they had was a real credit to Christchurch's defence. They will be disappointed with the loss, but they will know if they keep their discipline, they will really string some points together in those crunch moments. The side will rest up as they prepare to play at Burnside away after Easter. 

Sponsor Corner

This week, we’d like to place a shout out to L&A Apparel, who are our official apparel supplier and long-standing supporter of the club. The team at L&A also took the time out to come and sell CFC Gear at our junior registration day last Sunday and it was great to see many families supporting this local business.

All our uniform and supporters gear can be purchased online, via our dedicated CFC Gear Store – click this link below to get yourself decked out in some great red & black CFC gear!

Volunteer Corner

This week, we’d like to acknowledge some our hard-working volunteers who are putting in the hard yards, getting some of the many jobs around the club grounds sorted.

No this is not the CFC Golden Oldies team. It is the Golden Oldies, Oldie team

Doing what they do best. Milsie’s band of Merry Men, otherwise known as the Axemen minus Friar Tuck, Little John and Maid Marion.

Average age give or take around 75, on their weekly Wed voluntary working bee at the Club.
Last week painting the fence on No2 ground boundary. Cannot name them as they don’t have who they are emblazoned on their bums.
They however do a tremendous amount of work keeping the Park looking as good as it does. Any member whether you are an Axeman or not is welcome to join the group any Wednesday for a couple of hours at the club from 9.00am. Your Club needs you.

Photo courtesy of one of the youngsters in the group Bob Eastgate.

CFC Netball

CFC Netball Committee and coaches have been hard at work in the background getting everyone ready to hit that court all prepared and ready to go on Saturday 30th April.

Great to see some junior teams starting training - Y8 K team had a beaut afternoon for first training down at CFC clubrooms.

Senior Pre-season Tournament

North Canterbury Netball Centre always hosts an excellent pre-season tournament, last weekend our A,B & C teams went along to get their first run around on court. Was a beautiful day, great opportunity to try new combos, meet everyone and figure out how that fitness is tracking.

CFC Junior Corner

The Junior Committee has been flat out this week with many very long hours being put in. We were delighted to run ‘have a go’ rugby sessions out at St Albans School this week, where every Yr2-6 child took part in some fun age-appropriate sessions…we were stoked to see a number of these children subsequently sign up to play for us this season.

We also hosted our girls only have a go sessions at the club on Thursday evening - supported by one of the CRFU Educators and our own CFC Coaching team. This was a great opportunity for our U11+ girls to get together for some fun activities.

We then hosted our official registration and have a go session at the clubrooms last Sunday from 11-5pm. The Food Den was on site to provide some tasty treats to our club families and the bar was open, giving our families a chance to socialize and catch up, while the kids had fun outside.

 

 

CFC Final Team List – Coaches & Managers Night Tues 19^th April 6:30pm, CFC Clubrooms – 250 Westminster Street

Our new invigorated junior committee have been working hard on team lists, with all players now assigned to a team. We have aimed to keep teams together where possible, providing we have coaches and managers assigned.

There are always changes each year and where possible, we try and meet with registration requests. However, we can’t always please everyone. Please remember, your children will be guided by your behaviors and actions – meeting new friends and families is what club rugby is all about and helps your child to learn to make friends and new connections as they get older.

So we can try and ensure our final team lists are as accurate as possible, we do invite any volunteer coach or manager to come down to our club rooms on Tuesday night, to help with the final tweaks we need to make. If you haven’t registered yet but are keen to Coach or manage a team, please click the link below…..training is provided and it’s a great opportunity to get involved.

Coach Registration Link

Manager Registration Link

Team lists will then be issued to all players early next week. Your Coach will be in touch shortly after this, to agree a suitable weekly training time.

Article added: Wednesday 13 April 2022