The New Zealand Open was a very successful event for our club. All team members did well with gold medals going to Ryan Howard, Michael Beinat and silver to Matthew Wansink. A link to the gallery and complete day by day summary of events follows:-
DAY 1.
Everyone arrived at the airport where we had a great start to our trip. First Virgin Blue had all their computers down so check in was done manually and we had a 2 and half hour wait to get checked in. Once we got through and got on plane we then had another 1 hour wait while they checked the bags. Finally we got away.
3 hours later we finally arrive in New Zealand and we went off to pick up our transport. Once we had it we were on our way and would you believe it we hit a big traffic jam so another long wait.
We arrive at our accommodation and after unloading our luggage it was off to find something to eat. Our first meal was in a Mongolian style restaurant and it was all you could eat and didn’t the boys go wild lol. (they weren’t the only ones)
We arrive back to our cabin and off to bed. It had been a very long day.
DAY 2.
Everyone is up early and ready to go. We arrive at the venue only to find it wasn’t open so we had to wait with everyone else. Once we got inside it was off to weigh – in then off to get some breakfast as the Poomse was on first. We arrived back and started our long wait for the fighting to begin. Finally at about 1.30pm we got under way. Matthew was up first. He won his fight very easily so made his way into the final. Matthew’s final fight was against another Victorian boy and after losing a bit of steam in the 3rd round was beaten by a couple of points. It was a very good show by Matthew who really took it to his opponent.
Then it was Michaels (black belt) turn. He was up against a tough opponent but managed to get through and win to go into the next round. Before his next fight Ryan got into the ring for his 1st fight. After a bit of a shaky start he came through and had a good win to send him into the final.
Then Michaels 2nd fight came up. This time he was up against a very experienced fighter who won the Korean Open. This was a very tough fight for Michael as it was only his 2nd fight since he came back to the club and after 2 rounds I stopped the fight only for his safety.
Ryan’s opponent pulled out injured so Ryan went on to win and became the Club’s 1st International Champion.
Then Michael had to fight off for 3rd place but he was really tired but still went in there and put up a good fight, unfortunately losing also to another Victorian.
Then it was waiting around for the medal presentation.
Then finally at 9.30pm we left the venue to head home and get some lovely McDonlads and Pizza for tea, as they were the only thing open.
Once back at the cabin and after eating tea we sat around for a while before heading off to bed.
DAY 3.
Another early start but once at the venue it was Michael’s (blue belt) turn to fight. After a lot of moving around I managed to get his fights up first. Michael was straight into the final. When his turn came he won his fight and did a great job of beating his opponent and gave the club its 2nd International Champion.
As it was still early and we had the rest of the day to kill we decided to head into Auckland and had a nice lunch at the port side. It was then that Michael (black belt) and his mum went wild and got excited as they found a New Zealand Rugby Shop.
After lunch, some of the boys wanted to go bungee jumping so it was off to the Harbor Bridge.
Ryan, Matthew, Jim (matts dad) and Michael (black belt) got ready for their big jump with the rest of us watching. I can tell you it was pretty scary up there especially as I was afraid of heights. But all of them went through with it which made me very proud of them for having the guts to do it, even if I did think they were all mad.
So back to the bus and off to the airport for our trip back to Australia. While waiting for our plane the boys decided they were hungry so off to good old McDonalds. Young Michael I have never seen anyone eat so much. Chips and 3 yes 3 wraps as well as ice cream and then on the plane eating again. I would hate to have been near him that night.
IN SUMMARY.
It was a great trip but very tire ring but all the boys did their club and Australia proud. It was also a good learning experience for them and they will only be better off for it.
The things us Instructors do to keep everyone happy especially as Michael and Matthew gave me nothing but crap all weekend lol. Like finding my bed sheets had gone missing then getting into bed and finding ice cubes under the sheets.
There were other clubs from Victoria and NSW there and I must say not taking anything from the New Zealand fighters, but the Australians were much better fighters and had more style and aggression.
I would like to thank Michaels mum and Matthews dad for all the support they gave me during the trip and just in case anyone thinks of going away again with Michaels mum be ready to shop lol.
There is a link to all the fights so please have a look at our boys in action.
Glyn