Critical round of Swindale Shield rugby tomorrow

All senior teams and match referees will be wearing black armbands and observe a moment silence this weekend in memory of Wellington Colts representative Daniel Baldwin. The Axeman Colts and Under-85's games will also be moved to Hataitai Park. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of Daniel's friends, family and teammates.

There are a couple of milestones this week. Upper Hutt's Joyner Key celebrates his 100th game against OBU. Key has been in excellent form as the competition's third-leading points-scorer. Wainui hooker Dion Lealofi also celebrates his 100th match in front of his loyal fans.

The Petone v Poneke encounter is looming as the match of the round. Poneke must win to keep their Jubilee Cup hopes alive. Petone, currently in eighth place, have Upper Hutt breathing down their necks so a victory is crucial.

The Harper Lock Shield is nearing its climax. It's a big weekend for OBU and HOBM as they try to secure first place with a victory against Upper Hutt and Ories respectively. There is also a bit of a logjam in mid-table which needs sorting out.

The Victoria Tavern Trophy starts its second round. It'll be intriguing to see how Ories perform, following their outright dominance in the first-round. The black'n'white play Wainui, who must improve to stand a chance.

In the Paris Memorial Trophy, Petone are looking to continue their unbeaten run against Poneke. The rest of the table is fairly even, with only 6 points separating the 2nd and 5th placed teams.

In the JRD Cup, Paremata-Plimmerton continue to hold onto first place. However, Johnsonville, HOBM and Wainui will be determined to chase them down. It'll be a big match between Wainui and Johnsonville, with only four points separating the teams.

Swindale Shield

Petone v Poneke

Playing for: F.J Tilyard Memorial Shield

This is shaping up as the match of the round, given the importance of victory for both teams. Petone were exceptional last weekend against HOBM, showing plenty of composure to win. Watch out for Lester Maulolo, who is a big threat on attack.

Poneke will be disappointed not to have secured a win against Tawa last week, after leading 15-7 at the break. Expect extra intensity from the away side. Watch out for 2016 Wellington Lion Galu Taufale, who is powerful with ball in hand.

Hutt Old Boys Marist v Ories

Playing for: Bondy Memorial Cup

This should be a great match between two in-form sides. Marist will need to shore up their defence against an Ories side who will convert their opportunities. Ories have proven they can absorb pressure with suffocating defence and they'll hang in for the full eighty.

Watch out for Ories prop Alex Fidow, who is finding his best form following recent performances for the New Zealand Under-20 team.

Marist St Pats v Norths

This is a key game for MSP, who have slipped to sixth on the table. The home side face another tough battle against Norths, who come into this game with confidence. MSP will miss talented lock Sean Bridge, who broke his leg in last weekend's match.

Expect Norths to play a physical game, relying on their big ball-runners and hard-hitting loose-forward trio. The away side must fix their place kicking, after missing most of their conversions last weekend.

Paremata-Plimmerton v Tawa

Tawa approach this game with confidence, following their come-from-behind victory against Poneke. The away side will be aiming to secure a bonus point victory to stay ahead of the chasing pack on the table.

Paremata-Plimmerton were unlucky not to secure a win against Wellington and they'll put up a big fight. Watch out for Blake Neve, who scored two tries last week and is a highly rated player.

Avalon v Wellington

Avalon will need to improve their discipline and consistency to beat Wellington. The home side were unable to capitalise on a good start against Johnsonville, not helped by a red card to Kenning Barribal.

Wellington have the attacking ability to score plenty of points and they'll be full of confidence following their recent win against Paremata-Plimmerton. Expect a passionate performance from the Axeman, who'll want to put in a big performance in memory of their club representative.

Upper Hutt v OBU

Upper Hutt took 60 minutes to come to life against Norths last weekend and they nearly pulled off an unlikely victory. The Rams will be lucky to get away with such a slow start against OBU, who are clinical. Watch out for Upper Hutt's No.8 Sio Luamanu who bumped off defenders for fun last weekend. OBU are a patient side who'll rely on their tough defence to suffocate the Rams. Expect this game to go to the wire.

Wainuiomata v Johnsonville

Wainui will be aiming to secure maximum points against Johnsonville. The home side used their big forwards to grind out a victory against OBU last week and expect a few more rumbling mauls against the Hawks.

Johnsonville enjoy playing expansive rugby and expect a few wide balls to test out Wainui's backline defence. This should be an entertaining encounter, particularly if the weather holds.

Womens Rugby

In the second round of the Victoria Tavern Trophy, OBU host Norths; while Ories play Wainui. OBU will be delighted with their win against Wainui last week although they can expect a stern test against Norths.

In Division 2, Poneke host Petone; while HOBM play Tawa.

Colts Rugby

In the Les Mills Paris Memorial Trophy; MSP hosts Norths; while Tawa play Ories. In other games, Petone host Poneke and Upper Hutt play OBU Green. The Tawa v Ories match is shaping up as a big game, as 4th play 2nd of the table. 

In the JRD Cup, HOBM host MSP B; while Kapiti play OBU Black. In other matches, Wainui host Johnsonville and Avalon play Wellington.