It is rare to have a 42-year-old debuting for a new rugby club, let alone starring, but that was the achievement of Hayden Hopgood, who contributed mightily to the Cromwell Goats 50-17 victory over Maniototo in the Central Otago premier club competition at Ranfurly on Saturday.
Hopgood, who played 51 games for Canterbury as well as representing the Hurricanes, the Chiefs and Japan, was pretty much in retirement after moving to Cromwell a few years ago.
But with rugby still very much in his blood he decided to offer his services to Cromwell’s new coach Mike Cunningham this year.
Cunningham handed him the No 8 jersey for Saturday’s game and he finished up playing the entire 80 minutes, making a massive impact including scoring a try.
Cunningham was "over the moon" both with Hopgood’s display and the fact his team hit the half century.
"Not many visiting teams come away from Ranfurly having scored 50 points," Cunningham said.
"It was a most remarkable performance."
Cromwell ran in eight tries, three of them to man-of-the-match winger Katiova Ratu.
Also starring were captain/hooker Jackson Clark and second-five Charlie Tiko.
Cromwell has six players out injured but with no matches over Easter and his team then having the bye everything is coming together nicely for the 2020-21 champion club.
Alexandra narrowly failed to take down a second powerhouse opponent, going down 5-12 to Upper Clutha at Molyneux Park a week after sensationally knocking over Wakatipu.
In a scrappy contest in which defence triumphed over attack, it was 36 minutes before either side scored.
Upper Clutha led 7-nil at the break after its captain Oliver Stirling finished off a handsome team attack.
It became 7-5 when Alexandra No 8 Will Healey powered over six minutes into the second spell before Upper Clutha centre Sean Murray scored a stunning solo try in the 63rd minute.
In the perfect 25degC conditions both teams struggled securing their own lineout ball while the goalkickers had a nightmare day.
Upper Clutha’s player of the day was former Counties Manukau blindside flanker Reece White.
Matakanui Combined dominated the second half at Jack Reid Park to beat Arrowtown 41-26 after the teams had been locked at 21-all at halftime.
Matakanui scored five tries, all of which were converted by Mike Cormack, who also added two penalty goals.
After losing six players with injury first up, Arrowtown is struggling. Its reserve bench on Saturday mostly comprising ex-players who turned out to help the team through a challenging time.
By Bob Howitt
