MSP And Poneke To Meet In Key Round Five Clash

Round 5 Preview Marist St. Pats and Poneke will reignite their Jubilee Cup rivalry when they meet at Kilbirnie Park in round five on Saturday in what shapes as a crucial encounter for each other?s playoff hopes and also the overall points table. Pending other outcomes, a clear gap could emerge between the top four and the rest if MSP can continue their solid recent form and overcome Poneke. If they do, fourth placed MSP who are two points clear of fifth placed Tawa, could join the leading trio of Northern United, Petone and Upper Hutt well out in front of the chasers - with a game in hand heading into the final fortnight of round-robin play.

This is because the result at the Petone Recreation Ground between second placed Petone and leaders Norths won?t have any bearing on the middle of the ladder, while Upper Hutt will be hot favourites to beat Tawa at home at Maidstone Park, despite Tawa coming off two wins in a row.

Poneke-MSP games are always close affairs, and while recent form certainly suggests MSP should repeat their 35-22 round one Swindale Shield win, the home side will be desperate to remain in contention for the playoffs. After a promising midseason winning streak, Poneke have lost three of their four Jubilee Cup games so far, with their only win coming against Avalon (41-20) in round two. But three extra bonus points means they can still make the playoffs ? at MSP?s expense.

In the round?s other big clash, both Norths and Petone will see their game as no less important. While both are virtually assured of semi-final spots, neither will want to have to face each other again before the final. Both come off titanic clashes with Upper Hutt in recent weeks, with Petone going down to Upper Hutt 21-18 in round three and Norths overcoming the Swindale Shield Champions 10-8 last week. Petone and Norths are both powerful out wide, but if the Porirua based side can repeat their outstanding defensive effort from last week, their attacking hand will prevail.

Meanwhile strugglers Western Suburbs and Avalon square off at Ian Galloway Park. Avalon has a faint chance of making the semi-finals if they win this clash and their last two games, while winless Wests are out of the hunt.