07 FEBRUARY
2004.
Fatty Po Po’s keep in touch
Brent Firmin breaks away and scores for Fatty Po Po’s. |
By Andrew Koubaridis
MASTERS GAMES: The
name Fatty Po Po’s is something of
a legend in Wanganui sporting circles, for it’s drinking
ability as well as the odd game of touch footy.
The team has been linked with Wanganui’s Masters Games
since 1983, it’s leader Jim Somerville said.
"
We have 15 fulltime members and get together every two years
for a reunion," he said.
Fatty Po Po’s even has the honour of having former All
Black Earle Kirton as patron.
The team’s preparation for tournaments like the Masters
Games, with some members doing the hard yards at the bar,
underlines the social approach to training that Fatty
Po Po’s are renowned
for.
Somerville and John Karatau are the only original Fatty Po
Po’s left – not that getting into the side is an
easy thing.
"
It’s a bit like the Masonic Lodge, you’ve got to
wait for someone to die to join," Somerville said.
For the record, both the over 35s and over 40s teams won
silver medals at the Games yesterday.
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