Sideline Sid Sports correspondant & historian www.sunlive.co.nz

Sidline Sid has been thinking (which is always dangerous) – however, this time it was about a word that we tend to often use in sport, and more importantly rugby, without really thinking what it means.

What does ‘Grassroots Rugby' allude to, and what does it really mean?

Using the thesaurus on my computer gave me the term ‘popular', leading to words such as peoples, working class and common.

After Googling ‘Grassroots', the best explanation came from Wikipedia, which offered the suggestion that grassroots is a movement driven by the community.

My understanding of Grassroots Rugby is a level that brings together smaller communities and unites people from different walks and worlds in a common passion.

In Bay of Plenty Rugby, we have Grassroots Rugby in spades.

The numerous smaller communities, scattered around one of the biggest Rugby Unions in geographic size, is where the local rugby club is the glue that helps keep the community together.

From the cow cockies and bush workers from Reporoa, to the cray fishermen at Te Kaha (Apanui RC) and from the mist of Tuhoe Park where Ruatoki call home, to Matakana Island where the residents can see the lights of the big city just miles away – Grassroots Rugby is alive and well in the Bay of Plenty.

A trip to the island is always the highlight of the Western Bay teams that play in the local second echelon competition.

Stories are told and retold of the trip to the island, and the hospitality of the locals who support ‘Their Team' home games in large numbers.

The barge trip to the island is just the start of a rugby trip unlike any other in the local competition.

While most teams take a bus on the barge to Matakana Island, any individuals are always met and taken to the ground, usually on the back of a truck or ute.

The games on the island are always played hard, but fair, with even the referee sometimes receiving words of praise.

One feature of the spacious Matakana Sports Club, which is home to the rugby team, is the large veranda that encompasses the building.

No matter what the weather gods bring, local and visiting supporters alike can view the match on the field below, in relative comfort from any inclement weather.

However, the best is always saved for the last, with the after match meals and refreshments legendary.

The traditional kai of old, and a seafood to make mouths water, see the tables groan under the weight of food.

Goodbyes are usually long and from the heart of the locals, as the visitors make their way back for the barge trip back to the mainland.

There is a special excitement in the air this season, as a group of passionate Matakana Island rugby people embark on a journey that could lead to Baywide rugby in the future.

The first piece of Western Bay Rugby silverware has been won after the team took the Hardy Rosebowl from Judea in first game of the season.

However, on the way to playing in the Baywide Division Two in the second half of the rugby year – there is a Western Bay of Plenty Championship to be (hopefully) won.

Seeya at the Game