Exciting Rugby Ahead in Week Two
Round two of the club rugby season kicks off with some great clashes again this weekend. The highlights include 2016 Jubilee Champions Tawa taking on Old Boys University; MSP hosting Petone and Upper Hutt Rams battle against Wellington.
Again, Reserve games start at 1pm leading into their first teams game at 2.45pm.
So, who are you backing in round two?
Swindale Shield
Northern United Vs Poneke
Porirua Park 1
Playing for: Cyril Collett Memorial Shield
This will be a tough ask for Poneke who travel to Porirua to face Norths in front of their passionate fans. Norths are coming off a tight win against Petone and if they can improve their discipline they'll be a formidable opponent. Similarly, Poneke struggled with discipline last weekend and they'll be looking for more spark on attack. Expect an improved performance from both sides.
Key players:
Norths Perry Hayman has an eye for the try-line and his attacking ability will be a threat once again. Poneke were put under immense defensive pressure last week and they'll need openside Greg Foe to make a nuisance of himself at the breakdown.
Upper Hutt Rams v Wellington
Maidstone Park 1
This is a mouth-watering clash given the form of both teams in round one. Both teams upset more fancied rivals and held their nerve under pressure. Upper Hutt will be looking to get off to a stronger start and maintain their discipline following two yellow cards last weekend. Wellington will be looking to build on a solid performance, where they showed a glimpse of their outstanding counter-attacking ability.
Key players
Wellington captain Sam Gard'ner- son of a former Wellington Lions lock Brendan - plays a key role in the success of his team. He is a skilful player whose plays a key link role between backs and forwards. Upper Hutt Rams will again rely on Hayden Schrijvers to direct his team from halfback. Schrijvers- who comes from a talented sporting family- is dangerous in open play and must be shut down.
Marist St Pats v Petone
Evans Bay 1
Playing for: Bill Elvy Memorial Trophy
Both teams are playing for the Bill Elvy Memorial Trophy in this intriguing matchup. MSP head into this game in a confident mood following their dominant display against Tawa. They were clinical and showed composure to come back from an early deficit. Petone will be disappointed in their inability to capitalise on their opponent's ill-discipline last week. Expect a sharper Petone team this time around.
Key Players:
MSP's lock Sam Bridge was outstanding against Tawa. He was dominant at lineout time and ran like a back in open play. Petone require first-five Carne Green to provide more direction for his team in a tough away fixture.
Tawa v Old Boys University
Lyndhurst Park 1
Tawa will be determined to make amends for last week's loss to rivals MSP. Last year's Jubilee Cup champions will look to set their talented backline alight against OBU. In contrast, Old Boys University will be looking to replicate a strong first-round performance, particularly on attack where their back-three was a constant threat.
OBU will be keen to remind their rivals of last year's epic 1-point victory in Round 10!
Key Players
Player/coach Shaun Treeby remains a steadying influence in Tawa's talented backline. Tawa rely on his straight running and strong defence to create opportunities for the outside backs later in the game. OBU's Tomasi Palu sharp passing and sniping runs will be crucial for his team.
Johnsonville v Paremata-Plimmerton
Helston Park
Both teams are coming off disappointing results and fans can expect better performances in round two. Johnsonville came unstuck last week after some great counter-attacking play from Wellington. They will be determined to have more control against Paramata-Plimmerton this weekend- who themselves are coming off a big loss against Oriental-Rongotai.
Key Players
Experienced Johnsonville number-eight Kane Thompson is critical to a team looking to build their confidence. Paremata-Plimmerton needs a big performance from versatile back Jonathan Sabo who must provide stability and direction to the backline.
Wainuiomata v Hutt Old Boys Marist
William Jones
Expect a much better performance from Hutt Old Boys Marist- who lacked composure at times against Upper Hutt. They will have been disappointed with their lack of accuracy in the first-round. In contrast, Wainuiomata will be relieved to have sneaked in for a win against Avalon where they remained calm under great pressure.
Wainuiomata will be hoping to replicate last year's dominant 31-5 victory in Round 3.
Key Players
As last year's Jubilee Cup second-equal leading try-scorer, Michael Lealava'a clearly knows how to get over the chalk and his team need more of the same this season. HOBM will again rely on talented first-five Brandyn Laursen who will be determined to rediscover last year's Swindale Shield form.
Avalon Wolves v Oriental-Rongotai
Fraser Park Artificial
Oriental-Rongotai head into this game with confidence following a dominant display against Paremata-Plimmerton. Ories will look to gain the ascendency early and wear down their opponent. Avalon had their chances to win last week and must be more accurate this week- particularly at lineout time.
Key Players
Avalon first-five Thomas Kiwara must be at his best to give his team the direction and territory they need against a strong Ories team. Oriental-Rongotai will again rely on Andrew Ellis to spark his team's attack.
Harper Lock Shield
Some big rivals go head-to-head this weekend including a bumper match with last year's winners MSP up against second-placed Petone at Evans Bay. Other highlights include Tawa v Old Boys University and Norths v Poneke amongst others.
This grade is already proving to be an even, unpredictable tournament with Johnsonville, Poneke, Tawa and Norths all producing unexpected victories in last weekend's opening round. What better reason to head to the grounds early to support your club's reserves team!