Six days ago on Saturday 13th July, several thousand people gathered together in the Central Otago town of Wanaka for many different reasons. Some people turned up to see a rugby game, some people turned up as they were working and some people went because it was a unique event.
While the rugby last only 80 minutes, here’s 34 reasons why last Saturdays fixture between Thames Valley and Otago played at the Wanaka Showgrounds was more than just a game.
Garth Sawn (middle) from Upper Clutha shares a joke between mates.
The Upper Clutha Under 9 ‘s look forward to their next game.
Thames Valley players inspect the ground and check their phones.
Otago team members Ricky Jackson, Josh Hill and Angus Williams enjoy the occasion.
Central Otago Under 9 players gather together and share a few stories at the end of their matches.
The Maniototo Under 9 Junior team playing ‘paper, scissors, rock’ to help make the important decisions.
Otago’s Karl Bloxham and Ben Herring countdown to kick off.
A few last words between mates.
Sky TV film the Ranfurly Shield while Under 9 players wave Otago flags.
Josh at work filming the Otago team.
The most picturesque ground in the country? Maybe?
The Hammer family supporting their son Kurt.
The Jackson family supporting their son Ricky.
Youngsters get a few dollars from mum.
Supporters watch the action.
Thames Valley supporters share a joke.
Thames Valley supporters celebrate their side taking a 11 – 0 lead.
Thames Valley supporters celebrate their side taking a 13 – 0 lead.
Ben Herring and Ryan Martin looking worried.
Creative thinking for vantage points.
The traveling army.
Otago fans dissect the first half.
A Saturday afternoon wine.
Grant Nisbett at work.
Referee – The man in the middle.
Steven Bates at work.
Tim Lucus with an afternoon off.
Solomon Pole enjoying his club team having a bye week.
Disappointment.
Wanaka – ‘Good on ya mate’.
Sergio De La Feunte, Fred Kei Fotofili, Sitiveni Tupou, Sione To’a and Laulea Maudid with many reasons to smile after the game even though they didn’t get the shield.
Eden Brown, Nick Webster and Sam Adam pleased with their efforts.
Slade McDowall signing autographs
Matiu Abraham and Joe Latta share a joke at the aftermatch.
Want to buy an image? Here’s the link: Buy images here.
