I just finished watching the England v Argentina semi. What did George Gregan say? 'Four more years!'
The ABs continued on their
winning way at the Cake Tin against Italy last Saturday. Far from a flawless display, but I do like the way they want to play with the ball rather than box kick it away. It creates its own pressures but it's a far better spectacle (as long as they win!). This Saturday will be a good measure on how far they have come, against a full-strength Ireland team before the big trek to Africa. It will be compulsory viewing with probably another eye on the game at Mt Smart which also has a evening
kick-off.
This Saturday's club footy will also be compulsiory watching after an unscheduled pause last weekend.
Wainuiomata, supported by other clubs, had lodged an appeal against the decision to cancel the Premier Men’s Jubilee Cup quarter-finals (and likewise in the Hardham
Cup and Premier 2) and progress higher-seeded teams directly to the semi-finals. The Club Council met on Wednesday night and voted not to forward it to the Appeal Committee. I do feel for the clubs like Ories and Wainui who for no fault of their own have not been able to end their season on the paddock.
Onto this Saturday.
We have two teams who are in semis and one playing its final!
The Premier 2s are at the home of rugby Lyndhurst Park against Johnsonville, kicking off at 1.00pm. The winner of this match will play either Avalon or Wellington for the HD Morgan Memorial Cup.
The Premiers are travelling to the Hutt Rec to play HOBM, with kick-off at 2.45pm. The winner of this match goes to the big dance against either Upper Hutt or Petone for the Jubilee Cup. In the Swindale Shield round this was a ding-dong encounter with the lead changing several times before we came out the winner
36 - 32. Lets hope for a similar result this week.
The other big match is the Paul Potiki Memorial Shield final between Pōneke and the Ducks at Kilbirnie Park, with a 2.45pm kick-off. This should be a classic. The Ducks had a convincing win against Pōneke when winning the first round, but have had mixed results in the second round. This again should be a good game as
the Ducks set themselves up to play in the National U85 knock-out competition.
2025 Paul Potiki Memorial Shield winners - the Ducks!
In our other match, the Colts who still have a chance to make the play-offs play MSP at Redwood Park with a 1.00pm kick off.
There is plenty of choice, so please get out and
support your club this weekend. Remember - it's ok to be vocal in your support, but keep it clean and make it enjoyable for all.
No one condones referee (and assistant referee) abuse and it is something that we as individuals control.
