Young Judoka Wins Poetry Contest

[By STU PIDDINGTON - The Timaru Herald]
Budding poet Sam Dunn has been judged South Canterbury's number one All Black fan.
The 13-year-old will have a chance to met and be photographed with two All Blacks on Sunday at Caroline Bay as part of the MasterCard All Blacks Roadshow. He will also receive a framed 2009 All Black jersey signed by the team.
Sam's passionate poem from the heart impressed the judges and he saw off two other worthy applicants for the number one spot.
The delighted All Blacks fan responded with "cool" when told of his win.
"I'm really excited."
Sam plays on the wing for Harlequins, has just been graded as an orange belt in judo and likes writing poems at Timaru Boys High School.
He is also hoping to be accepted for a rugby referee's course during the school holidays.
His mum thinks he will get little sleep between now and Sunday morning.
"He's played since he was five and as soon as he got home from school wanted to check I had put his entry in."
Sam's favourite AB is Joe Rokocoko and he was pleased to see his idol regain form with a try on Saturday against Italy.
He reckons the men in black have some work to do ahead of the Tri Nations but is confident they can come through.
Waimate's Megan O'Neill nominated her husband Tom, a Buck Shelford fanatic.
Megan writes: "over the years Tom has named his jetboat and dog after Buck and if he could have got away with calling one of our daughters `Shelford' he would have."
"At our wedding in 1994 our best man presented us with a cardboard cutout of Buck and everyone cheered as they knew what Tom's great love for Buck and the All Blacks."
Tom also still chants "bring back Buck" when the occasion arises, she said.
A dedicated fan, Tom will get a chance to meet his hero face to face on Sunday.
Timaru octogenarian Daphne Smith lays claim to being the oldest number one All Black fan.
"With the onset of winter, I simply can't wait for those short days and chilly nights to watch the All Blacks.
The 81-year-old's passion runs high, too.
"Thanks to the All Blacks and the upcoming Rugby World Cup when my oncologist announced that my cancer was terminal I replied `not till after 2011 it won't be'.
"So thanks to the All Blacks for achieving my goal another few years of rugby-watching enjoyment."
The roadshow will be off Marine Parade from 11am to 3pm.
Sam's winning poem:
"Why I am number one All Black fan"
I await every game with excitement
I feel their anticipation
The national anthem plays

Unofficially, following the All Blacks vs Italy test, Sam is said to be revising his poem to read:
I await every game with excitement
The national anthem plays
Disappointed again!