02/04/2026
This season I've decided to take an even more biased opinion as this is a Toko Rugby page so if my opinion upsets others, just relax it's only mine
Boy it's bloody great that Club Footy is back. I bloody love the tribal banter is in full mode for 2026 season as West Taieri Pigs came to town first round
Toko started off with a pretty raw in experience squad but they were bursting with excitement to get stuck in. West Taieri brought the experience and size along with an attitude they were going to bully us which made for an awesome 80 mins of Club Rugby fever.
West Taieri went out to a strong 15 0 lead at halftime based on power running and high speed accuracy from their backs. Toko dominates the scrum time but unfortunately lineouts were a weakness due to the smaller size of the Toko fwds. But remember this phrase it's not the size of the dog in the fight that matters!!! But the oooh you can work it out
Toko had territory and scrum advantage but final passes or mistakes cost them. West Taieri bent but weren't broken.
Second half was a different proposition as McLeod Glaister finished off a well worked try before King Dylan Greer intercept and ran 80m to score. Ok maybe not 80, but it was 40m and made the score 18 14 with 20 mins left.
The large raucous Toko Crowd found their voices and started baiting West Taieri Pigs with effect which created a fantastic atmosphere home crowd
West Taieri bounced back to score a try before Damon Clement squirted over but unfortunately full time arrived and West Taieri were highly relieved to come out victorious 28 19. Unfortunately Toko were denied a bonus point but still put in a huge amount of effort against a pre season heavy weight.
Toko dominated the scrum constantly with Beast James Agnew along with the Ferguson enforcer's Keegan and Brodie repeatedly making West Taieri scrum sound like a reversing truck!!! Both locks Josh Sanders especially along with Toby Greene put in a massive effort against some much larger opponents. The loosies were relentless with the King along with Caleb Shaw running around smashing everything that moved, or at times was too scared to move.
In the backs Dion Shaw and Sam McDonald showed their class at getting Toko back in the game with their class game management. Midfield was powerful while Brendon Greer was quick and strong in his debut. Jared Hayes was the usual class back on the field.
If I'm honest, I was a bit disappointed with West Taieri. Perhaps they took us too lightly, I don't know. But they seemed very excited every time they got a turnover which wasn't often. But I suppose if that skids your wheels!!! There seems like a bit of ni**le going on and they seemed to develop skill of giving away numerous penalties while under pressure. But they won, so they will take that.
Even though Toko lost, this was an effort I was hugely proud of the effort based on the experience out there. Toko looked fit and kept going for 80 mins. I'm excited about the prospect coming through. This will be a team that needs and deserves to be followed.
Thank God club rugby is back baby!!! And I'm still bloody loving it
Let's continue getting behind the boys💙💛💙💛
