Coach's Corner

Welcome to the Coach's Corner.....


I'd like to hear from a past Coach/Manager on some stories/suggestions that could be included on this site.


"It was 1971, at a Auckland East trial, at that time the boys would come along and play in their school uniforms, I can clearly remember this tubby little fella with very baggy shorts attending a trial, all thoughout this trial these baggy shorts stood out, they were everywhere, the kids name John Drake made the 1971 team, I can still see those shorts today....."
John Drake All Black debut in 1985....Bob Oliphant

THE 1993 ROLLER MILLS FINAL took place at Counties in a howling gale and a downpour against Waikato Rangers coached by legendary Joe Anderson. John Rich and myself coached the winning side NORTH HARBOUR. Included in our game plan was the idea of attempting any penalty within a reasonable distance of the posts which may result in a knock-on in those atrocious conditions.An attempt was made by our kicker (which had little chance of succeeding),it was knocked-on and with the Ref playing the advantage one of our players scored.The final score was 8-3.

"Play to the conditions!!!!"
Warrick Black
Asst Coach-2009-Ponsonby Reserves (Runners-Up)



Special mention goes to....

Mr. Joe Anderson of Matamata a Waikato Ranger coach has a record unlikely to be equalled for many years. Anderson coached Waikato Rangers to Roller Mills champion honours in seven out of eight years from 1978 to 1985.

Deon Wagner a proud South Africian coached the Auckland East team winning the tournament 5 in a Row (2003-2008) and 6 out of 7 years, Deon has moved to Kerikeri where he has taken coaching the mighty Taniwha (Northland) some early 2009 pre-season results show some real promise.

The Spraggon family has been involved with the Roller Mills tournament since 1963 and Ian is still involved managering the BOP team.

From Roller Mills Coach's too.....

Bob Oliphant coached the Auckland West team from 1970 to 1975 then 1978 to 1979, Oliphant then became NZ Under 17 Coach and for 3 years coached the North Island Under 16's.

Pat Sheehan also went on to North Island and New Zealand Under 17 coaching.

Stewart Ashworth North Harbour coach from 2002-2008, In 2007 is a New Zealand Under 17 selector.