30/08/2026
Armstrong Cup – Final Match Report 🏉
It was a perfect Wellington Sunday morning as the Hawks took the field for their final game of the season, playing in front of a fantastic home crowd at Helston Park.
The Armstrong Cup is an annual fixture between Johnsonville and Masterton Marist, with the trophy honouring the Armstrong family and the legacy of Wayne Armstrong’s father, who originally put the cup forward for competition. It was particularly special to have Wayne himself referee today’s match.
Marist started strongly, but the Hawks’ forwards quickly found their rhythm. Excellent ball retention, physicality and relentless work at the breakdown provided a powerful platform for our masterful backline to work from. The Hawks went into halftime with a commanding lead.
The second half saw the Hawks continue to extend their lead, with plenty of exciting rugby on display. We also got a glimpse of the future, with the Year 7 “South African Bomb Squad” of Caleb and Chops making their mark and showing that the next generation of Johnsonville junior rugby is in very good hands.
Tries today went to Harrison, Kiki, Levi, Honor, Noah, Nixon, Harley and Caleb, bringing the curtain down on a fantastic season in style.
But today was about much more than the result. It was the final chapter of a very special season for a very special group of kids. Led by our skipper Ben McLaughlin — a stoic leader, tireless workhorse and relentless defender — this team has shown incredible talent, but more importantly, they have built something bigger: a culture of brotherhood, sisterhood, friendship and genuine care for one another.
It was a bittersweet day. We are incredibly proud of what this group has achieved, but we’re going to miss seeing them take the field together every week.
A huge thank you to the mums and dads and all the volunteers who make this great club what it is, especially Galu and Ash, who do so much behind the scenes to keep junior rugby thriving.
And finally, to our superstar coaches Ben and Andrew — thank you. Your commitment, guidance and mentorship have been extraordinary. This team couldn’t have asked for better coaches, role models or mentors.
It has been an absolute privilege to be part of the Hawks this season. We leave this season incredibly proud of what this group has achieved and, most importantly, the people they are becoming.
The season may be over, but the future of the Hawks is looking very bright.
Go Hawks…T.Y Out 🥲🙏✊
