Hutt Derby Key Round Two Clash

This week’s feature Swindale Shield match sees Hutt Old Boys Marist hosting defending champions Upper Hutt at the Hutt Recreation Ground. HOBM were the convincing first round victors in a set of otherwise close matches, with a come-from-behind 28-18 victory over Poneke at Kilbirnie Park. With four converted second half tries they were the only first up bonus point winners.

With Upper Hutt also starting their new season on a winning note with a 24-17 win over Old Boys-University at Maidstone Park both teams will want to maintain their positive starts. HOBM and Upper Hutt played each other once in both 2004 and 2005, with Upper Hutt on top 32-3 last year and HOBM winning 41-10 two years ago. The 2004 result was also notable as the last of a six-game winning streak for HOBM in that year’s Swindale Shield round robin.

Another early season form gauge will be noted at Fraser Park when Avalon takes on round one winners Oriental-Rongotai. Avalon will be grateful for a dry track at their recently resurfaced home ground, after heavy dew on the playing surface influenced their 0-7 loss to Northern United last Friday night at Porirua Park.

In other fixtures, OBU take on Petone at their temporary home away from home, Nairnville Park, Johnsonville play their second game at Helston Park, against Norths for the Barlow Trophy, while Western Suburbs and Marist St. Pats meet at Ian Galloway Park to contest the Viv Haigh Memorial Cup. Tawa and Poneke will be seeking their first wins when they clash at Lyndhurst Park.

All round two games return to the regular time of 3pm on Saturday. With the Hurricanes bye this week, look out for the possibility of several Hurricanes squad players turning out for their respective clubs this weekend.


85KG RESTRICTED WEIGHT GRADE
Previously known as 80/80 this grade has been revised in 2006 to fall in line with other Provincial Unions and simplify the old weight-restriction format. Previously, all players had to weigh in at 80kg or less before their first game, and during the course of the season could move up to a maximum weight of 84kg. Now, players must weigh 85kg or less, wearing full playing gear, (ie boots, jersey, shorts) throughout the season. To monitor this, flying squads will be conducting random weigh-ins prior to a game.