Shaken but steady - Teru Time celebrates 100 Games for Wainuiomata

June 30, 2012, Wainuiomata thrashes Petone 50-20 in Round 3 of the Jubilee Cup. In the Wainuiomata team that day are four boys that refer to themselves as the "quad crew making a big impression." Teru Time, a member of quartet explains the origins of the phrase.

"Tau and Genesis Mamea, Feterika Sage and myself all grew up together in Wainui. We used to joke we would all play for Wainui. When it happened and we beat Petone by such a big score it was really special. I scored a try. It remains my favourite game for the club."

This Saturday Time will celebrate his 100th game for Wainuiomata against Tawa, the same side he debuted against in April 2011.

February, 22, 2011, Time is working at the BNZ bank in Christchurch. During his lunch break he typically visits Les Mills gym beside the CTV building for a work out. His routine fortunately changed that sunny Tuesday.

"I had some family down so we decided to go for a feed. At 12:51pm the earthquake struck and I saw the cathedral collapse. I hate to think what would have happened if I was at the gym." Time reflects.

115 people died in the CTV building collapse. Time didn't escape the earthquake entirely unscathed.

"I remember going back to work collecting my gym gear and helping some people get out of the BNZ building. When I got home I didn't need the front door key. My house was badly damaged, but not as bad as some others. We had a couple of people stay with us until we resolved what to do next."

Time chose to return home, but playing rugby wasn't necessarily guaranteed after a long history of injuries.

"Between 2007 and 2010 I played for High School Old Boys, but 2010 was the only full season I had. I have done my ACL and both shoulders." Time complains.

Time was only supposed to be a "temporary replacement" when he turned up for Wainuiomata practice shortly after relocating, but two tries in his inaugural Premier appearance and the inspiration of a close mate soon changed that.

"At Wainui you only receive a blazer if you play 100 games, at other clubs the criteria isn't as strict. I grew up with Sape Misa and when he received his blazer for 100 games he was so proud. I wanted to emulate Sape and do something really meaningful." Time asserts.
Church and family were other factors keeping Time grounded.

"My parents are minsters at the Assembly of God Church. The AOG is a big part of my life and many of the boys at Wainui like Tau, Genesis and Ben Tupuola, who plays in the band. Who we socialise with and the way we conduct ourselves as people has been shaped by the AOG." he says.

"I am married to Nicky who’s a school teacher at Avalon Primary. We have two beautiful daughters, Lexi and Dani with another one on the way. My priorities lie in Wellington now." Time continued.

Teru is no relation to Alexis, Peter and Matt Time who all played for Hutt Old Boys Marist, but did spend two years at St. Bernard's College with the latter.

"I was Year 9 when Matt scored two tries for our First XV in the Premier One final and we beat Wellington College. That was really cool." Time enthuses.

Time does enjoy a keen rivalry with another Eagles family however. Teru is cousins of Rei, Brett and Lake Manaia.

"In 2013 we were playing Hutt Old Boys Marist and I was having a blinder. I was feeling confident even though it was a close game so I dared Lake to run at Henry Stowers (another cousin) and me. He bowled us over and scored the winning try. He still gives us stick about it." Time rues.

In recent times Jason Love, Justin Va'a, John Monu, Dion and Greg Lealofi, Tau and Isaiah Mamea and Norm Faalinga have all celebrated their 100th game for Wainuiomata. Halfback Frae Wilson should reach the milestone by the end of 2017. Is there a concern the team is too old?

"I think we have the team to go all the way and win the Jubilee Cup. We have shown we can beat the big guns and the losses we've had have been narrow ones. One of the impressive things about this year is the players who have stepped up from Senior One's. Guys like Matt Jacobs, Matt Sole and Eden Monu have really put their hands up." Time acclaims.

Wainuiomata have had an influx of players from other Hutt Valley clubs which is unusual as well.

"The club will always be a small community, but I think the stigma of crossing the hill is fading away and that's a good thing getting some outsiders in. I am so grateful to reach 100 games. It's been a goal of mine for a long time. When I got injured last year some of the boys were teasing me by saying I wouldn't get there. I guess they owe me a beer now." Time laughs.