Better rugby lighting for games, training

Maheno Rugby Club president Michael Hore (left), club supporters Marty McAtamney and Sally-Ann Donnelly, and lighting project spokesman Barry Kingan, at Maheno Domain where new lights have been installed so  rugby can be played at night. Photo: Daniel Bir
Maheno Rugby Club president Michael Hore (left), club supporters Marty McAtamney and Sally-Ann Donnelly, and lighting project spokesman Barry Kingan, at Maheno Domain where new lights have been installed so rugby can be played at night. Photo: Daniel Birchfield
Maheno Domain, step into the light.

After more than a year of hard work and fundraising, new lights have been installed at the home of the Maheno Rugby Club, south of Oamaru.

Project spokesman Barry Kingan said the initial plan to install lights at the domain went back to the end of the 2016 season, a memorable one for the green and blacks that culminated in a dramatic Citizens Shield final win over Old Boys after finishing with the wooden spoon in 2015.

''Two years ago ... we had a bit of a roll on so we decided we'd get a bit of a project going and get some new lights up. The lights that we had here were pretty average and we needed to move on while the club was on a roll.''

Poor lighting meant training under the old lights was a struggle, a problem the club will no longer have.

The project, which cost between $80,000 and $90,000, involved four poles being installed just inside the 22m lines on each side of the field.

Mounted on each pole is a panel with three lights.

Several events, such as a ball and speed shearing, were staged to help fund the project, while the Otago Community Trust boosted plans by donating $15,000 in September.

Maheno Rugby Club president Michael Hore said he was excited about the prospect of night games on a regular basis, while Marty McAtamney, who played a integral part in the fundraising process and has a long association with the club, was equally as thrilled.

''It's exciting times. We're going to be able to play night games during the year and facilitate players' needs as well, especially when it comes to todays's work environment.

''Everyone is not always available any more ... so if we can do Friday night games it might attract a whole different circle of people.''

The club was also interested in hosting women's games under lights.

The lights were scheduled to be tested on Wednesday, with the first game expected to be played under lights after Easter.

daniel.birchfield@odt.co.nz

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