Second-round competitions commence
The second-round competitions commence this weekend, as teams continue their busy season. The Premier competitions- the Bartercard Jubilee & Hardham Cup- are again shaping up to be hugely competitive.
We have introduced some changes to the Hardham Cup format, which is reduced from eight teams to six and only Premier teams will be competing. The round robin will last 10 weeks and there will be no playoff competition. The Jubilee Cup format remains unchanged.
The Premier Reserve competitions- Ed Chaney Cup & HD Morgan Memorial Trophy- will be great to watch. As a reminder, clubs whose Premier sides compete in the Jubilee Cup will have their respective Reserve teams compete for the Ed Chaney Cup. Similarly, clubs with Premier sides in the Hardham Cup will compete in the HD Morgan Memorial Trophy.
The Women's Competitions- the Victoria Tavern Trophy and Second Division- resume play after a mid-season break. The match of the round sees Marist St Pats play Ories- with the latter team looking to continue their dominant form.
The Colts second-round competitions- the Les Mills John E Kelly and Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup- also commence. Petone will be the team to beat in the Division One competition, following their Paris Memorial Trophy triumph.
Jubilee Cup
Northern United v Old Boys University
This is another epic match to look forward to. Norths play an exciting brand of rugby, where you can always rely on big ball-runners and tough tackling. OBU head into the second-round in confident spirit, following their Swindale Shield Triumph. Watch out for Teegan Minkley, who scored a brilliant solo try in OBU's last match.
Oriental-Rongotai v Hutt Old Boys Marist
This should be a big clash against two teams who'll be favoured to be right up there in the business-end of the tournament. Both teams play a patient, structured game mixed in with a good dose of physicality and counter-attacking ability.
Watch out for versatile back Brandyn Laursen, who regularly cuts open opposition defensive lines.
Petone vs Marist St Pats
Petone are on a high following their dramatic 43-32 win against the Rams to sneak into the Jubilee Cup. They'll face a tough encounter against Marist St Pats, who scored some great tries in the Swindale Shield led by the attacking brilliance of Mike Buckley. Expect an entertaining, opening game.
Wainuiomata v Tawa
Tawa head into this game with confidence following their 24-12 win against Wainui in the final round of the Swindale Shield. Wainui will be tough to beat at home, where they can rely on their big pack and the powerful Teru Time. This could go to the wire.
Hardham Cup
Upper Hutt Rams v Poneke
This is shaping up as the match of the round. Poneke, in particular, were unlucky to miss out on the Jubilee Cup and they'll be determined to win. Upper Hutt were equally impressive in the first-round, led by their impressive loose-forward trio and talented backline.
Wellington v Avalon
Wellington will back themselves to win at home, following a tough start to their season in the Swindale Shield. Avalon play with plenty of passion and they'll be expected to fight hard again.
Watch out for Avalon No.8 Mose Samuelu, who impressed in their last match.
Paremata-Plimmerton v Johnsonville
This should be a great game between two sides with plenty of attacking potential. Johnsonville, in particular, threatened some of the top sides in the Swindale Shield with their ability to break the line. Their winger/fullback Jacob Walmsley is one to watch with ball-in-hand.
Women's Rugby
In the Victoria Tavern Trophy, Marist St Pats host Ories while Norths travel to Wainui. Ories remain the team to beat, following two comfortable victories. In the Second Division competition, Tawa play Paremata-Plimmerton while Poneke host Hutt Old Boys Marist.
Colts Competition
The opening round of the Les Mills John E Kelly Memorial Cup offers up some great clashes. In a big match, first-round winners Petone host Marist St Pats. In other matches, Ories host Paremata-Plimmerton and Norths play OBU Green. Finally, Poneke play Tawa.
In the Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup, OBU Black play Kapiti and Wellington host Avalon. In other matches, Wainui host Johnsonville and HOBM play the Upper Hutt Rams.
