Sideline Sid Sports correspondent & historian www.sunlive.co.nz

Four Hundred is a big number in rugby. Four hundred points is a lot touchdowns and kicks over the crossbar - so it's hard to contemplate 400 senior games for the one club.

Last weekend, Judea Rugby Club legend Tamehana Heke achievement of playing 400 senior games, was recognised and celebrated at the rugby club-house tucked away at Maharia Winiata Park, near the inner-harbour in Tauranga.

Judea Rugby Club has been around almost from the start of organised rugby competition in Tauranga, having been established in 1910.

The promotion of Judea to the Baywide premier competition for the first time this season, revives the memories of when they were Tauranga Rugby Union champions in 1944 and 1945.

Family, loyalty, brotherhood on the field and pride in the royal blue and white uniform, are the cornerstones of the club, which has held a big presence in Western Bay of Plenty rugby for 112 years.

The tight Judea community embraces the rugby club with genuine pride and enthusiasm, with the majority of the clubs players and supporters within walking distance of the ground.

Tamehana Heke started playing senior rugby for Judea 20 years ago, after a stint playing for the Tauranga Boys' First XV while at secondary school.

In his early days, he travelled to the northern hemisphere to hone his skills playing for Colwyn Bay in Wales.

Versatility has seen Heke play in every position in the forwards and slot in at first or second-five on occasions if required.

The loyal Judea club man has simultaneously coached his club's junior teams for many years.

Longevity in the game is a strength at Judea.

Terrance Tata stated out playing for his clubs reserve grade side in the early 1990's and came off the bench against Arataki last Saturday.

Current Development team coach, Phillip (Razz) Tukaokao is another to play in the 1990, and will join his charges if required.

Other current long-serving Judea players include Rana Kapene-Paitai and Jacob Matthews, who are closing in on the 300 game mark.

The Heke name is synonymous with Judea, with Nigel, Ants and Justin all pulling in the big numbers in appearances.

The Judea Roll of Honour includes Marsh Tawa, George Aporo, Hector Tukaokao, Des Tata, Paul Woller, Hec Toma, Bonkie Nepia, John Jack-Kino and Gary Lonergan.

The current strength of Judea is the blending of experience with youth, with a number of Judea young men enjoying the opportunity to play Baywide rugby.

Today's young players need to look no further of the success of the Judea pathway than Josh Heke.

Starting with Judea in 1990, Josh would go on to play professional rugby for Auckland and later Wellington and Counties Manukau, and also playing in the Heineken Cup in France.

Pulling the blend of youth and experience together in the last two seasons, has been player/coach Luke Braid, who has been able to call upon his Super Rugby and Maori All Black appearances to mentor his troops.

The future looks bright for the Judea Rugby Club.

They have retained a berth in next seasons Baywide premier competition, after two wins and competitive performances against the big guns this season, and will want continue to test their abilities against the best in Bay of Plenty club rugby in the future.