Field of Dreams

Mangatainoka farmer Neil Symonds has taken his fanaticism for rugby to a new level. There are Test centuries and famous tries scored in many a backyard but not many play host to actual sporting showdowns. The Mangatainoka rugby club closed in the 197s, and Symonds, not to be defeated, bought the ground, raising $6, to maintain its old grandstand. His paddock usually features some fearsome creatures — some of the 25-odd bulls he runs on two farms in the district. Today, it is a temporary home ground for his beloved Hurricanes, who for the second year in a row are playing a Super Rugby trial game at his place, this time against the Chiefs. “I graze stock on the field outside the time of the game … it is actually in good nick,” Symonds said. “We probably spend two and a half months before the game getting it ready. I do all the spraying and fertilising … roll it a couple of times. From then on it’s just gradual preparation.”