Weekly Preview: Club legend Matt Treeby to celebrate 100th game
This is a critical round, particularly for Tawa and Poneke, who are under pressure to pick up their first wins this season. Arguably, the match of the round will be MSP v Upper Hutt, as last year's Jubilee Cup runners-up face an in-form Rams. Tawa fans will also be out in force as they celebrate Matt Treeby's 100th game against Oriental-Rongotai.
Oriental-Rongotai v Tawa
The stakes are high for Tawa as they fight for their first season win and play for skipper Matt Treeby. Matt- who started his career as a flanker- has been an outstanding hooker over the years. His family have rugby in their veins, with Matt's great Uncle Roy Roper representing the All Blacks in 1949-50.
Surely, Tawa have too much talent to lose three on the bounce? Ories might have something to say about that after starting their season in ominous form with two consecutive wins.
Marist St Pats v Upper Hutt Rams
The Rams will be buoyant after putting fifty on the Axeman and should give the red machine a run for their money. In-form Rams halfback Hayden Shryivers can't put a foot wrong this season and he'll be critical again. MSP will want to make amends for last weeks unexpected loss against Petone. Expect this to go to the wire.
Wainuiomata v Poneke
Playing for: Hakaraia Trophy
With the Hakaraia Trophy on the line, expect a passionate encounter. This trophy is in memory of Paul Hakaraia, who represented both clubs, and his son Peter who tragically died in a diving accident in 2007.
This game is lining up to be a cracker. The big Wainui pack outmuscled HOBM last weekend led by No.8 Toupou who swot off defenders for fun. Poneke come into this one after two losses on the bounce. Expect plenty of fight from this proud club as they seek their first win of the season.
Wellington v Northern United
Norths have a knack of winning tight games this season and they'll be looking for a repeat against an inconsistent Axeman side. Wellington need to get off the mark quicker to stand a chance. Expect Norths to take this game although it could be tight.
Old Boys-University v Johnsonville
OBU will be wary not to slip up against a dangerous Johnsonville team. Last year's competition winners have started their season with confidence and have an exceptional backline. Johnsonville's Kane Thompson continues to play out of his skin and he'll be a key figure. Expect a relatively comfortable win for the Goats.
Paremata-Plimmerton v Hutt Old Boys Marist
Expect two determined teams to slug it out as they both seek their first wins of the season. After being outmuscled against Wainui, the Marist pack will be keen to get the upper-hand. Paremata-Plimmerton will want to make amends for last week's gut-wrenching loss to Johnsonville after leading for the first sixty minutes.
Petone v Avalon Wolves
Playing for: Morgan Family Trophy
Watch for extra intensity as both teams play out for the Morgan Family Trophy. This trophy was donated by club stalwarts John and Trevor Morgan.
The Wolves just aren't getting the rub of the green after two close losses. Their season gets no easier against Petone who are in confident spirit after a tight win against MSP.
