BOWMAN TODD MEMORIAL
A Brief History
On the 19th of May 2006 34 year old Matt Todd, a young Kapiti Coast father of two, lost his battle with a brain tumour. Five weeks later on the 25th of June, his friend 36 year old Dave Bowman, also a young Kapiti Coast father of two, lost his battle with a brain tumour. They both fought long and hard against debilitating and cruel illnesses.
Prior to his illness Dave BOWMAN was a Police Sergeant, his wife a non-sworn member, his father a retired Police Senior Sergeant and his sister is still a Detective. Matt TODD was the husband of a Police Sergeant. Both the BOWMAN and the TODD families are still heavily involved with the Police.
Dave and Matt wore the Waikanae Rugby Club colours with Matt heavily involved with the club for many years.
Both Dave and Matt were cared for in their final days by the wonderful staff at the Mary Potter Hospice in Wellington. The staff there treated them with dignity and respect and will forever hold the thanks of their families and friends.
The Hospice receives a mere two million dollars in Government funding per year to operate and relies heavily on donations.
Tragically, on the 16th of April 2008, Matt's 7 year old son, Liam was diagnosed with an aggressive malignant tumour located in his sinus cavity.
Liam and his family stayed at Ronald McDonald House on a number of occasions throughout his treatment. They describe it as a wonderful place to be during such a difficult time.
Liam has battled his rare cancer for 18 months and has recently appeared on the front page of the Dominion Post in an article describing his ordeal and his triumphant return to junior Rugby, wearing the red and black colours of the Waikanae Rugby Club. His fight was also screened on TV1's Close Up programme.
In honour of Dave and Matt, a rugby match between the New Zealand Police and Waikanae Rugby Club was introduced in 2007. Aptly named “The BOWMAN TODD Memorial” it is now played annually.
The Trophy bares the inscription:
"In memory of two loved young Sons, Husbands, Fathers, Brothers and Friends
who were taken too early and are deeply missed.
Their courage and determination will not be forgotten."
This inscription portrays well the meaning of the event.
The first match held in 2007 attracted one of the largest crowds to Waikanae Park for some time, comparable to an NPC match played there the year before. The atmosphere was amazing. Unfortunately Waikanae fielded a Senior A side that went on to win the Horowhenua Championship and the game itself was a one sided drubbing of the Police team.
In 2008, the match was more evenly contested with the Police inching out a win over a Senior B side by 2 points.
This year, the weather wasn't on our side and the smaller than usual crowd had to watch from under their umbrellas or from the large marquee.
The game itself offered some fantastic rugby with two even sides battling for the full 80 minutes.
The Police ended the first half up 21 - 19 after scoring 3 converted tries. The second half showed the social sides lack of match fitness and Waikanae struck back early with 5 points taking the lead 24 - 21. The score remained unchanged for most of the second half as neither side took opportunities to kick penalties instead pushing for more glorious points. Waikanae managed to dot down again with seconds on the clock and took the 2009 Bowman Todd trophy 29 - 21.
The event will continue to be held each and every year and if you feel that you can contribute or have any good ideas for building the event in the future please don't hesitate to contact Ty Davidson through the Kapiti Police.