AVALON V PONEKE

Semi Final Defending Jubilee Cup champions Poneke have had another solid season in 2004. After finishing second in the Swindale Shield behind Petone they come to the semi-finals with the best for and against scoring record of the other contenders and have only conceded 84 points in their seven round-robin games.

But if the cup is going to stay at Kilbirnie Park for another year they first must overcome an Avalon side that beat them 18-15 just last week. And it won?t be easy in front of a partisan Fraser Park crowd and against an Avalon pack, led by evergreen lock Jason Goble, which has been hitting its straps nicely of late.

Avalon will have to be on their game this week as well, as Poneke can be clinical and know how to turn the screws and shut opposing sides down. After losing to Norths 6-3 in the mud in the first round, Poneke then strung together five impressive, if not spectacular wins, including an emphatic 31-13 thrashing of arch-rivals Marist St. Pats in round three.

Look out for exciting young openside flanker Maseafou Leuluniu who will be a handful, and for their inside back pairing of Steve McColl and Jamie Stewart-Mcdonald to control their play. They also have depth and coach Ross Bond isn?t afraid to empty his bench.

Avalon, even without the dynamic Waldrom brothers are an enterprising side. They have genuine talent out wide with the likes of Willie Collins and Finau Hopoi and halfback Peter Sciascia is a star in the making. If their forwards can create a solid platform, then they could be too tough for the red-and-blacks again.