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The Rodney Rams have been on the back foot since the season started, with the loss of their coach and multiple players.
By Ben DonaldsonAfter their clubrooms burnt to the ground in 2014 and suffering heavy defeats every game this season, a $10,000 prize may revive the Rodney Rams club.
The Rams are currently bottom of the open-age restricted league after losing seven matches and defaulting two, and the team has now decided to pull out of the competition.
But their fortunes may be turning. After entering a Facebook competition where users nominated clubs in need of financial support, the Rams won $10,000.
The money will go towards installing a bathroom in the clubhouse, which will allow Auckland Council to sign off the building for public use.
With most players having to travel at least half an hour to games at the Whangateau Domain, the club rooms are an important facility for the team.
Team manager Mike Lima says that the money will give the club a big boost in a season which hasn’t been very good. He says the numbers are the real issue.
“With injuries, work and family commitments, it makes it hard to field a team each week,” Mike says. “The team’s main goal this season was to be able to field a team each week and stay in the competition for the whole year. We knew it was always going to be a struggle.”
The Rams team originally had a coach to take trainings, but after his family situation changed, Mike had to step in.
“We’ve basically coached ourselves each week,” he says.
Despite the lack of numbers, there has been a core group of six players who have consistently showed up for games and trainings each week.
“I think getting the word out earlier and having some sort of incentive for players will help improve the turnout,” he says.
After the early season woes, multiple players have switched codes to play rugby union for Mahurangi or Tomarata.
With numbers already being too low to consistently field a team, the Rams club have made a decision to end their rocky season here, Mike says.
“We will look to get a coach onboard and build the numbers ready for the start of the 2017 season,” he says.
Mike says the club’s goal is to increase the numbers and then become a collective for multiple sports, including cricket, netball and league.
