Not your ordinary celebration

Will Johnston

 New Plymouth Rangers celebrated in the Waipawa BP petrol station once they found out they were the champions of football’s Federation League.

After securing a 4-2 win against Havelock North on Saturday, players had an anxious wait to hear the result of the Whanganui Athletic and Palmerston North Marist match, which kicked off later.

Rangers captain Matt Hastings said the team heard the news while travelling back to New Plymouth after receiving score updates. The two vans managed to find a unique spot to celebrate together.

“It was emotional. We found out in the van and we had to pull over at Waipawa BP, of all places, to celebrate as a team and it just erupted. I’ve never celebrated in that way before.”

The celebrations were so loud, a BP forecourt attendant asked the team to leave.

“I’ve never won a league based on another result, never won a league having to wait like that an hour and a half after the game. It was a strange feeling but a great feeling.”

After the game, Hastings said the mood in the changing room was unusual knowing they were leading but had to wait for the other result.  

“We knew it was nil-all at halftime. Sitting in the van was bloody tough.”

Team Taranaki won back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016 but what makes the win even more distinctive was the presentation of the trophy.  

“I called the league organiser Donald Piper to see whether or not we can get the trophy on the way through. Because it was in Whanganui, Palmerston North Marist had it bring it through for us and we met at the Rat Hole in Bulls. We were presented with it and we went nuts again.”

Hastings said it was a special moment because both teams celebrated even the Whanganui heartland rugby team, who were coming back from a match.

“I feel sorry for the punters at the pub. They were expecting a pretty quiet afternoon with a few quiets to watch the rugby on the screen and we turn up. The owners were appreciative.”

During the match, Havelock North put pressure on Rangers in challenging conditions.

In the second half, striker Mark McGrath scored a double and bagged the golden boot for 18 goals for the season.

A fitting end to the season after being unbeaten for 17 weeks.

After the celebrations, Rangers will prepare to face Wainuiomata in a home and away play-off for Central League entry.