Port Macquarie "Pirates" Rugby Union Club

News

Besseling wins top award (Port News 8 September 2008)

PETER Besseling capped off his incredible career with another victory on Friday night.

Less than a fortnight after guiding the Port Macquarie Pirates to a thrilling win over Coffs Harbour in the Mid-North Coast Zone Rugby grand final, the former Waratah was named the club’s footballer of the year at the annual presentation dinner.

While Besseling received the top honour, popular forward Willie Kuki also collected his fair share of the spoils.

Kuki picked up the best and fairest and players’ player awards.

In Second XV, Jeremy Tydd and Adrian Palmer won the corresponding trophies.

Youngster Ash Buckley secured rookie of the year, while the under 18 best and fairest went to Scott Munro.

Award winners

First XV

Footballer of the year – Peter Besseling

Best and fairest – Willie Kuki

Players’ player – Willie Kuki

Coach’s award – Andrew Freeman

Most improved – Lucas Wall

Best back – Matt Maney

Best forward – Adam Suitor

Second XV

Best and fairest – Jeremy Tydd

Players’ player – Adrian Palmer

Most improved – Cameron Sales

Best back – Chris Cain

Best forward – Darryl Wink

Under 18s

Rookie of the year – Ash Buckley

Best and fairest – Scott Munro

Players’ player – Sam Williams

Best back – Daniel Byrnes

Best forward – Matthew Walton/Jamie Moore

Distance no tyranny for Gibson (Port News 23 May 2008)

KENYAN rugby player Gibson Weru has travelled more than 12,000km from Nairobi to Port Macquarie to slot into an already formidable Pirates backline.
Weru played with Pirates’ captain Tom Vallentine for Vail, Colorado, in 2006 and has remained in contact with three-quarter since.
“I am looking forward to meeting up with Tom and playing with him again,” Gibson said on touching down in town yesterday.
“I have always wanted to come to Australia, and this was a great opportunity to come and play rugby,” the 25 year-old said.
Weru has played for Kenya in the national U21 team and at the International Rugby Board 7s in competitions such as Los Angeles, Hong Kong, London and Paris.
In his homeland Weru captains the Nakuru team in the national competition.
“I am looking forward to enhancing the Pirates’ backline, and learning at the same time.
“There is only around 2000 rugby players in Kenya so I am looking forward to playing with and against some quality opposition here in Australia,” Weru said.
Pirates’ coach Brett Gilbert said Weru’s arrival was timed
perfectly as the Port Macquarie team faces up to the table-topping Coffs Harbour this weekend.
“Tom has told us that he is the fastest thing he has seen on two legs, so we can’t wait to see him in action,” Gilbert said.
“He will play on the wing this weekend, outside Rohan Lisle who is returning in the centres.”

Pirates unveil new major sponsor, strip and Irish prop
The Pirates recently arrived Irish prop Liam Casey with a representative of new major sponsor The Westport Club