Recently-retired Wakatipu Premiers rugby winger Mike Rewi admits it was ‘‘pretty hard’’ watching them drop both opening home games this season.
So he put his boots back on, and was part of their remarkable 40-17 home win against Cromwell last Saturday, even scoring the first two tries.
The 30-year-old, who’d kept fit by training with the team, says they talked pre-game about putting pride back in the jersey and their home ground, ‘‘really repaying our supporters for coming down, sticking with us’’.
Rewi says he detected a culture shift in the locker room, ‘‘more of a brotherhood like we had last year’’ when they won the competition.
The side also benefited, he believes, from centre Mark Te Whaiti’s return, while he notes his younger brother, lock Pene, played a ‘‘pretty key’’ role in almost every try.
Coach Brett Anderson says the game was ‘‘a massive turning point for us, hopefully looking forward’’.
‘‘It was the first time we’ve put a game plan together and actually executed well, so, after some less than desirable results to start the year, we’ve finally stamped our mark.
‘‘The pleasing thing is we had good depth, and our bench made a massive difference in that second half in upping the intensity again, and we’ve still got a few guys to come back into the fold, as well.’’
Due to duck-shooting weekend, their White Horse Cup challenge against Upper Clutha, in Wānaka, has been brought forward to 7pm tonight.
Anderson doesn’t underestimate the challenge against the comp frontrunners, who are four wins from four, but hopes his side can turn up
and ‘‘give them a wee surprise’’.
Meanwhile, the Arrowtown Prems, who have a bye this weekend, drew 26-all with Maniototo in Ranfurly last Saturday, Wakatipu Wanderers beat Woodlands 24-15 the same day and Wakatipu’s women’s side beat Blues 48-15 on Sunday.
