All teams underway this Saturday in women?s rugby

Above: Defending champions Oriental-Rongotai host Wainuiomata at the Polo Ground in the second round of the Fleurs Trophy this Saturday.

The second round of the Wellington women’s competition gets underway this Saturday, with Poneke taking the field for the first time after having the first week bye. All matches are at 11.30 am.

Match Previews

Poneke to kick-off season against Northern United
The Red and Blacks travel to Onepoto Domain for their first game of the season to the fancied Norths. Poneke aim to start their season well. Norths were clinical in their first game last week against new team Hutt Old Boys Marist. Will be a stern test for Poneke.

Doesn’t get any easier for Johnsonville
The Old Boys University Impalas will be running full with energy for 80 minutes. After a close one with defending champions Oriental-Rongotai last week, they will be looking for a more positive result on Saturday. Johnsonville’s introduction back into the competition was a tough lesson. But the ladies aim to rally each other for their first game on home soil at Helston Park.

Tawa looking forward to taking on HOBM
Both beaten teams after the first round, this game will be a good one at Redwood Park. Tawa had a tough one last week against Wainuiomata so will be hoping they can get it together for this encounter. The Eagles on the other hand looked good in their first game after 20mins, so the need for a full performance is a must.

Magpies at home against Wainuuiomata
Game of the round. Last year’s champions Oriental-Rongotai take on the impressive first round winners Wainuiomata at the Polo ground. Ories have the personnel with players on both sides of the ball. But the opportunity is there for Wainuiomata as they look to surprise in this important Challenge Cup game.

Avalon with the Bye

General news, information, noticeboard and milestones

Challenge Cup
Introduced by OBU in the first round of competition. Oriental-Rongotai were the inaugural winners and will defend it against the visitors from Wainuiomata on Saturday at the Polo Ground.

Wellington Pride
The new Pride management has communicated to all club teams with testing starting this month. It is getting the ladies better prepared for their representatvie season.

Aimee Sutorius travels to the Netherlands
Norths, Wellington and former Black Fern Aimee Sutorius recently left our shores to take up an opportunity playing and coaching the Dutch 7s overseas. She aims to be back in August. We wish her well.

College Sport Rugby for Girls introducing 12-a-side rugby this year
College Sport will introduce 12-a-side for Premier 1 grading games with the hope of transitioning the game for regular season. Premier 2 & 3 will continue be 10 a side.

Player profiles
Where possible, we will again be naming the starting teams ahead of each round for the Fleurs Trophy and Victoria Tavern Trophy competitions. Every player’s name is a live link to a player profile page, so photos and bios are welcome to fill these up. Hoping to develop this section further in the future. Please email editor@clubrugby.co.nz

Fleurs Trophy 2015 Season Draw
For the first time a Season draw for the Women’s has been released. Highlights of the draw include at least two games per week on a Premier field and every third week games on Friday Night under lights. The first round is a round-robin, culminating on Friday 12 June. Last year’s championship finalists Norths and Ories clash on Saturday 16 May at the Polo Ground. The first round draw can be viewed by clicking on Draws & Results across the top of this page and selecting Fleurs Trophy