OBU in box seat to win Swindale Shield
It's the final round of the Swindale Shield and the title is up for grabs. OBU are favourites, as they host Avalon and hold a two-point advantage over second-placed Wainui. Ories and Norths still have an outside chance, should results go their way.
It's a big weekend ahead for Petone and Poneke, who are fighting it out for the one remaining Jubilee Cup Spot (8th place). All other teams will be using the final game as preparation for their respective second-round competitions. Wainui will be especially motivated, as Teru Time celebrates his 100th game against Tawa.
The Harper Lock Shield is on the line and it's a two-horse race between OBU and HOBM, with the former holding a 4-point advantage on the table. This weekend, OBU host Avalon; while HOBM play Norths.
The Colts competitions reach the final round. In the Paris Memorial Trophy, Petone have already secured the title, as they hold a 7-point advantage over second-place Ories. The competition's two top sides face off this weekend in what should be the match of the round.
The Women's Competitions- The Victoria Tavern Trophy and Second Division- take a mid-season break until play resumes on the 10th June.
Swindale Shield
Petone v Upper Hutt Rams
This is almost certainly a must-win game for Petone, who'll be expecting Poneke to secure a win against Paremata-Plimmerton. They'll be favoured to win at home although the Rams are no easy win.
Upper Hutt are a tough, proud side who'll refuse to give in. Their loose-forwards, led by Sio Luamanu, are capable of causing havoc. This is certainly the match of the round.
Poneke v Paremata-Plimmerton
Poneke realistically must win this game to keep their hopes alive for a place in the Jubilee Cup and they are certainly favoured to do so (a draw could be sufficient should Petone lose without a bonus point and dependent on points difference).
The home side will be looking to put as many points as possible on Paremata-Plimmerton, to put the pressure back onto Petone. Watch out for Michael Sage, who is in great form following his hat-trick last weekend.
OBU v Avalon
OBU are heavily favoured to secure the title against Avalon, who are yet to win this season. The Goats deservedly lead the competition, they're a well-balanced team led brilliantly by Dale Sabbagh. Watch out for second-five Matt Goosen, who has a keen eye for the try-line.
Tawa v Wainuiomata
Both teams can play freely this weekend having already qualified for the Jubilee Cup. This should be a great clash, with both teams possessing powerful packs. Watch out for Teru Time, who plays his 100th game. He is a big ball-runner, who is tough to take down once he gets a bit of momentum.
Oriental-Rongotai v Johnsonville
Ories will be disappointed to have lost their last two matches so expect a big performance. Similarly, Johnsonville are much better than last weekend's heavy loss suggests. The away side can play expansive rugby, so expect a great game. Watch out for openside Tukia Purcell who has a powerful fend and pace with ball-in-hand.
HOBM v Norths
Expect a physical encounter, as two big packs face-off. HOBM will need to find a way to subdue Norths powerful loose-forward trio. The home side have plenty of strike-power themselves, led by tight-head prop Joe Apikotoa who is destructive with ball-in-hand and tough on defence. Expect this one to go to the wire.
Wellington v MSP
The Axeman will be looking to end on a positive note, following an up-and-down season. They have plenty of talent, led by No.8 Sam Gard'ner who has been a consistent performer.
MSP have the freedom to play attacking rugby, having already qualified for the Jubilee Cup. This should be an entertaining game if the weather holds.
Colts Competition
Congratulations Petone, who head into their final match against Ories having already secured the Paris Memorial Trophy. In other matches, MSP host Upper Hutt; while Norths play Tawa. Finally, OBU host Poneke.
In the JRD Cup, it's a two-horse race between Paremata-Plimmerton and HOBM. Paremata-Plimmerton hold a slim 4-point lead on the table and they host Johnsonville while HOBM face a tough away match against Wainui. In other matches, OBU Black host Avalon and Wellington play MSP B.
