Touch tournament a fitting tribute to Raiders club player

Local touch and rugby league player Ryan Gibbons who died last year in a car crash at Red Beach was remembered in style at a tournament held in his name.

His mother Karen, who is also the Raiders Club chair, says the response to the inaugural Ryan Gibbons Memorial Touch Tournament held at the Club in Stanmore Bay on January 14, was overwhelming.

The idea of holding a tournament in Ryan’s honour was suggested by Russell Amos of Touch North Harbour who knew Ryan well. Russell helped Karen organise the day, together with Isy Stevenson of Sharks.

Ryan’s first game of touch was at Raiders when he was five. He went on to play for Touch North Harbour for 10 consecutive years as well as representing NZ in the U19 men’s team. He also played rugby league at Raiders for 15 years.

Karen says that the memorial tournament’s 40-team limit was oversubscribed.

“We had to turn teams away, and next year we’re hoping to be able to make it bigger and better,” Karen says.
Around 200 spectators supported the teams, enjoying a barbecue put on to raise funds for Touch North Harbour’s U17 and U15 teams.

“Touch is a family orientated sport, and it was good to see grandparents watching and little ones running around.”
Karen says one of the best things was the involvement of large numbers of locals of all ages who knew Ryan, as well as the high standard of players.

“The games were competitive, but fun too – it was a great day and a fitting memorial.”

Image: Taking part in the tournament were Raiders players Tim Neville (left) and Dayne Pomare. Both were friends of Ryan Gibbons and also played for Touch North Harbour.