Johnsonville hoping for success in competitive U85kg division

There is a glimmer of hope coming out of Helston Park for Johnsonville supporters this season with the under 85kg side experiencing early success.

The Johnsonville under 85kg Terrahawks team are two from two to start the season, putting them on top of the overall JC Bowl ladder.

Johnsonville started with a 41-19 win over Marist St Pat’s Reds in round one, then backed it up with a 51-0 win over Hutt Old Boys Marist the following week.

They will be looking to improve on last year’s performance in the 85kg Restricted JC Bowl where they won only two games to finish sixth. They then went on to only win one game in the second round Paul Potiki Memorial Shield competition.

The JC Bowl began in 1996 with the inception of the 80/80 division and in recent times has changed to the under 85kg restricted grade.

The JC Bowl is named after John Booth and Chris Tchernegovski, the co-coaches of the Upper Hutt Gold team from 1996-03. Upper Hutt won the inaugural JC Bowl in 1996 and again in 1998. The Poneke Dogs of War won six years in a row between 2003-08, before the MSP Blues equalled their string of six consecutive wins between 2009-14.

Johnsonville Coach Andrew Wharekura has assembled a solid 22- strong team after fears they wouldn’t have enough numbers.

"At the start of the season we actually didn't know if we were going to get a team together because some guys got injured and had to pull out," said Wharekura.

This year Johnsonville has been bolstered by players coming from Poneke who weren't able to field a team this year.

“We’ve recruited three guys from that club and also two guys from Wainuiomata, so we've got a good mix this year," said Wharekura.

Johnsonville is yet to lift the JC Bowl. The closest they came was 2009 when they finished just behind winners MSP Blues.

Last year the team won the inaugural Wainuiomata sevens tournament, beating the Wellington Axemen in the final.

Other highlights include beating the Wellington Axemen in the semi-finals of the Paul Potiki Shield in 2016 and making it to the final against Tawa.

Andrew says there is a good culture amongst the team as most of them have played together for a very long time.

“They have a lot of fun on and off the field, it's easier to play sport when you're playing with your best mates," said Wharekura.

The Terrahawks consider their northern neighbours Tawa as their biggest rival who have won the JC bowl three times since its inception.

“They’re just one of those teams that we have struggled to beat, so their bogey team we've had a few good tussles against them and it will be good if we can get one over them this year," said Wharekura.

Johnsonville take on last year’s beaten championship Paul Potiki Shield finalists Avalon at Fraser Park on Saturday whilst Eastbourne will play HOBM, Wests Roosters take on Tawa and MSP Reds travel out to Paraparaumu to take on Horowhenua-Kapiti.