We set about to win a championship..and win a championship we did. We made WILDCATS history by going the whole season, regular, semis and final without being beaten and did it like we have done everything else..like a family.
Meeting game day morning the boys were all in good spirits, confident we could do the job and humble enough to know the show aint over till the final whistle. Dressed in lavalava we made our way to the grounds with a line of cars fifteen deep making its way to the stadium.
Settled in we got into the changing rooms and prepared for the game ahead. Warm ups on the field then each of us were called out by the announcer..taking just a 5 yard step then waiting till the whole team was called out then we walked as a team together to the 50 yard line.
Wildcats won the toss and we chose to get our Offence on the field first. With an awesome first drive we managed to get down to the goal line..and then touchdown…it was a battle in the trenches and despite a concerted effort from the METRO defence keeping it to 6-0 at the half…we were able to keep pounding the running game and finish winning 22-0. Defence for the WILDCATS was on fire and Metro’s run and pass were ably shut down by an on fire D Line and back field.
Again and agin our defence were able to stop the Lions from making a first down, and their return gave us good field position time and time again.
In the end the WILDCATS achieved what they set out to do. To overturn a semi final defeat last year and go back to the basics. To play together with a real sense of team pride and family like never before. To stamp out “superstars” mentality and to do what we do with a real sense of humility. Knowing that we stand on others shoulders and wouldn’t have what we have without those that have gone before us.
Without the support we have had by the following people none of this would have been possible:
- Mrs Gailen Thew and Pastor Bob
- Coach Tyler, Coach Scanlon, Coach Behlow
- “Big Country” and Family
- The Scanlan Family
- Papatoetoe Rugby
- The Players Wives and Partners (and friends)
- Coach Danny Tixier
- and the 2010 WILDCATS
Now for our post season and preparing for that. Thank you to everyone that
journeyed with us and made this year a possibility. It is often said it is the journey and never the destination that is the goal…for us this has been true. Winning Kiwi Bowl XIX has been fantastic for the club..playing alongside our brothers this year..Coach Boons speeches…Radios flag Flying and each weeks games and trainings have forged for us the real reward and memories that will last a lifetime.
WE ARE……..WILDCATS
WE ARE.. CHAMPIONS
WE ARE…FAMILY