Sam Reid - small man looking for big result this weekend

Above: Sam Reid diving for the try line in Old Boys University’s win earlier this year over Northern United at Jerry Collins Stadium. Photo by Chainsaw Photos

“I'm a feisty battler,” Sam Reid responds when asked to explain his ascent from weight restricted rugby three years ago to starting premier selection at Old Boys University.

The diminutive winger has scored seven tries in 14 games for the Jubilee Cup leading Billygoats - an unlikely prospect when he was a battered and struggling pupil at King’s College, Auckland.

“I started in 7A which is 50kg and then played 6A which is 65kg. In Year 11, I made the First XI and rated myself as a fast bowler, but my run up was too long and I did a bilateral stress fracture, missing a year of sport. When I made the First XV in 2015, I was 71kg," Reid recalls.

King’s made the semi-finals of the notoriously tough 1A competition in 2015 and Reid was a regular starter. He scored a try in the round-robin fixture against eventual champions St. Kentigern College which King's won 38-29.

However Reid gained greater notoriety for being dodged foolishly by 14-year old Simeon Latu. The footage of Reid tumbling over hopelessly in the much-hyped Auckland Grammar School traditional went viral and featured in Sky First XV trailers.

"Simeon is ridiculously talented and I respect him greatly. He did me like a dinner, but if you watch the extended footage closely he knocks the ball on in the first contact afterwards. It wasn't a complete failure. I might of tipped his ankle,” Reid chuckles. 

Reid has proven harder to dodge in Wellington. His move to the capital was prompted by strong family connections. 

“Dad has eight siblings in Wellington so it was nice to be around family for a change. My girlfriend Kelsie is here too. She is so supportive. Often, I have missed calls at halftime," Reid acclaims. 

Reid’s parents moved to the Isle of Man four years ago where Sam's father runs an internet start-up gambling company.

The newly conceived OBU Academy wasn't taking a gamble on Reid when he was selected for the inaugural class in 2016. The 'Garden Gnome' has benefited greatly from the expert gym and nutritional advice.

"It was great being a graduate of the first class. The Academy is about making good young men and I can now out bench-press Paddy Carter. I got to meet David Kirk too, which was pretty cool," Reid enthuses. 

Reid was an enthusiastic member of the OBU Colts who won the John E Kelly Memorial Cup last year. He scored 250 points, but an unbeaten streak was lost and lesson in complacency learned.

“We had been unbeaten for three years and lost to the bottom placed Rams. That was embarrassing. We were caught out because it was played midweek when we were all studying. The coaches went ballistic after the 20-point hiding,” Reid reflects.

Evidently between 2012 and 2015, OBU went 35 games unbeaten.

OBU haven't needed too much revving up this season. The Swindale Shield was successfully defended and the Andy Leslie trophy captured, but Reid is weary of the semi-final challenge Tawa will present. Tawa and MSP have both toppled the Billygoats in the second round.

"All the teams are pretty even and we have struggled against Hutt Old Boys Marist too. They have a huge forward pack and were able to slow the game down which doesn't suit us," Reid reveals.
Reid scored two tries in two minutes in the 38-36 Swindale Shield win.

"That was an awesome game. I love playing at the Hutt Rec. It`s such a good surface. At Nairnville Park I have stepped in dog poo during the warm up," Reid hollers. 

Reid is flatting centrally where his living arrangements are no laughing matter. Reid pays $210 a week in rent and only receives an allowance of $178. Additionally, his gym membership at Les Mills sets him back $20 a week. Fixing the mould and poor insulation in the house has been an issue too.

“I've had the flu for the past month which has been tough and a little embarrassing," Reid complains.

Reid won't be moaning if OBU hoist the Jubilee Cup in a fortnight. 

"This is a great competition, next level stuff for me. Anything can and will happen. I love Wellington and would like to thank my Grandpa ('Pops') and uncle John turning up to see me play every Saturday. Mum and Dad watch the games online when they become available too. That's amazing given how far away they are," Reid concludes.

Jubilee Cup semi-finals this Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm):

• Old Boys University (1) v Tawa (4) at Jerry Collins Stadium
• Marist St Pat’s (2) v Hutt Old Boys Marist (3) at Evans Bay Park