NZ Meads Cup
Poverty Bay 45pts, Thames Valley 18pts
LONDONDERRY, or Derry, is Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, with a population of about 100,000. It is also the place where the Battle of the Bogside took place from August 12 to 14, 1969.
Fighting between Roman Catholics and the Royal Ulster Constabulary erupted in what is regarded as the start of “The Troubles”, which claimed more than 3500 lives between 1969 and the Good Friday peace agreement of 1998.
It is not a place that would be on the itinerary of many Kiwis. But Poverty Bay No 8 Karl Gemmell-Clark spent a season playing for The City of Derry rugby football club and could return following this season’s Heartland Championship.
“I haven’t made up my mind what I am doing but Derry is certainly an option,” said the 21-year-old, who is in his first season with the Bay.
He could be a key player in Saturday’s crunch clash against South Canterbury in Timaru. If the Bay win or draw they will make the playoffs. A loss would mean the end of their season.
“I saw the effects of The Troubles — murals and bombed-out buildings — and I heard about things that went on. The culture and religious thing was mind-blowing but I kept out of all that.
“We had Catholics and Protestants in our team. I never had any problems or was involved in any trouble while I was there, and everyone got on. Like many places, it is often the minority who cause trouble.
“I loved it. Everything about the club was professional and I enjoyed my time there, apart from the weather, which was extremely cold.”
Gemmell-Clark left Gisborne Boys’ High School after helping the first 15 win the national secondary schools title in 2007.
“I went to Napier and played for Taradale for two seasons. We didn’t do too well the first year but the second year we won the Nash Cup and the Madison Trophy, the two main trophies there.
“The Taradale coach was Bevin Lynch, who left to coach The City of Derry team, and it was through Bevin that I got to go to Ireland.
“Initially I only came back home for a holiday, but I played for Pirates along with a few of the Boys’ High players and then decided to stay on and try to make the Bay team.
“We all went our separate ways after school, so it makes it a bit special playing with them again for the Bay. I’ve been lucky being able to use rugby to see a bit of the world and I hope I can do that for a few more years before settling down.
“It makes it so much easier when a club does everything for you. I couldn’t get over how professional everything was at City of Derry, and the standard was higher than I expected.”
Although he is one of the youngest players in the Bay side, Gemmell-Clark has made a big impression on coach Grainger Heikell.
“The fact that we handed him the captaincy when Ngarimu Simpkins and Kahu Tamatea left the field against Buller shows the high regard we (he and assistant coach Trevor Crosby) have for Karl,” Heikell said.
“There were more experienced players on the field but he was the obvious choice to take over.
“He’s maintained the consistent form he showed for Pirates in the club season. He’s an intelligent forward on attack and defence. And for a big guy, he’s quick in open play.
“He’s also showed good leadership skills since coming into the squad.”
Gemmell-Clark said he was suprised when he was handed the captain’s armband against Buller.
“There are so many other good experienced players on the field, but I was surprised to make the squad at the start of the year and then to start every week — especially with Jono (Naoupu) and Tevita (Maka), who can play No 8. I was happy to make the squad at the start of the season.”
Gemmell-Clark, former Boys’ High flanker Lennon Carrington and blindside flanker Sione Ngatu have developed into an outstanding loose trio, and all three must be in contention for the Heartland Championship side.
“I haven’t even thought about that,” Gemmell-Clark said.
“All I want to do is help the boys win this weekend and if we play as well as we can there’s no reason we can’t win. From what I have seen and read of South Canterbury, they are going to be tough up front. It’s up to us to front up to them.”
