North Otaga Come Close to Victory

North Otago first five-eighth Ben Patston gets the ball away during his team's Ranfurly Shield Challenge against Southland at Rugby Park in Invercargill last night. Photo by NZPA. They call it the sound of silence, and for 40 marvellous minutes last night, it was sweet music to North Otago's ears. There was no miracle. North Otago isn't returning to Oamaru today with the Ranfurly Shield, but there was an inspiring, gritty performance from a tiny union that has long punched above its weight.

As the temperature plummeted and the steam started pouring off the players, about 8500 fans at Rugby Park were left rubbing their eyes at halftime. The scoreboard was broken, surely. Could Southland, jam-packed with Super 14 players, really only be leading a bunch of amateurs 10-3?

There was no mistake. North Otago belied its almost complete lack of preparation and its status to stay in the game through 40 minutes of sheer guts. Guided by the booming left boot of new first five Ben Patston, the Old Golds forced the Stags back into their half time and time again.

In the set phases, facing a pack containing seven professional players, the visitors yielded no ground.

And when the Southland backs tried to give the ball some air, there always seemed to be a gold-clad defender in the way. Workhorse loose forwards Ross Hay and Ryan Long never stopped tackling, locks Eric Duff and Dave Simpson produced yeomanlike efforts, and prop Pieter van der Merwe showed his strength in the tight. Beyond the mightily impressive Patston, captain Luke Herden barrelled through what gaps he could find and Ofa Fatai went looking for work.

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Samurai Sportswear Ltd becomes the ‘Official Apparel Sponsor’ to the Manchester Rugby 7s.

The Bthere Events team are delighted to announce that Samurai International Sportswear Ltd have become the ‘Official Apparel Sponsor’ to the MR7s.

Supporters will have the opportunity to purchase the official MR7s branded Samurai Hoodies, Tees and Caps at the event and from the Samurai online store – watch this space. The partnership will also see Bthere Events branding on the Samurai International RFC playing kit for the length of the contract.

Marco Vaghetti, Managing Partner of Bthere Events, commented – “Bthere Events are very pleased to be working with the world’s leading rugby sevens apparel brand. Samurai share the same commitment and enthusiasm towards rugby sevens as we do and we look forward to developing a strong relationship.”

Terry Sands, Managing Director of Samurai International Sportswear, commented – “I was fortunate enough to attend the 2009 MR7s as a team manager. I was really impressed with the organisation and running of the tournament and could see the MR7s was going to go from strength to strength. My immediate goal was to try to partner the tournament as official apparel supplier for 2010 and having succeeded, I am over the moon. I am sure the 2010 MR7s is going to be a huge success.”

Teams entering the MR7s will be offered a 15% discount on Samurai Teamwear.

Please contact Stephen Nutt, Samurai Sales Manager - North, to find out more - 07983 615 880 - or

Click here for more details >>

Irish Hockey Complete Final Training Session in Style

Ireland’s Women’s Hockey Team, sponsored by ESB, gathered today in UCD for their final training session before flying to Santiago, Chile, tomorrow to begin preparations for their World Cup Qualifying Tournament. The occasion also saw Irish Hockey in conjunction with new official kit suppliers Samurai launch the new match and off field kit which will be worn for the first time by the Women’s Squad in Chile.

Commenting on the new Partnership Chief Executive Angus Kirkland said “We, the IHA, are delighted to announce formally our partnership with Samurai Sportswear. We have been working with them in the background for the last six months to ensure that our players both look and feel good and we as an association are extremely pleased with the results which we are able to showcase today on our Women’s Team in UCD.”

The Managing Director of Samurai Terry Sands said “As one of the world’s leading bespoke team wear brands, Samurai Sportswear are proud to be the official kit suppliers to the Irish Hockey association. Our partnership enables us to work with top sporting professionals in developing state of the art products for on and off field activities. Having our own manufacturing facility ensures that we are able to provide Irish Hockey with an unparalleled service that they thoroughly deserve. By working closely with Irish Hockey we can fully understand their needs and as a bespoke manufacturer we can deliver an exclusive, technical, high quality product. Over the past 12 months we have taken bespoke Sportswear to another level which we believe will provide Irish Hockey with an all important edge.”

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Glamorgan Cricket Kit Launch