Early Frontrunners To Clash At Maidstone

This week’s feature game sees Western Suburbs travel to Maidstone Park to play Upper Hutt. Wests and Upper Hutt both enjoyed first up Swindale Shield wins over two of last year’s Jubilee Cup semi-finalists, Avalon and Petone. Wests held off a late Avalon revival to win 24-22, while Upper Hutt pipped Petone 30-27 in a ding-dong battle, and earned a try-scoring bonus point in the process.

Both these sides will be eager to kick-start their seasons with two wins from their first two games as they will be desperate to challenge for the Jubilee Cup later in the year. Upper Hutt finished ninth in the Swindale Shield in 2004 and then went on win to the Hardham Cup, while Wests had a disappointing season, finishing tenth in the Swindale Shield and only winning three games.

Upper Hutt look to have a balanced side this year. With an exciting array of backs, including Cory Jane, Cory Aporo, Ben Aoina, Fraser Tane, Brad Baker and Chris Puketapu scoring tries won’t be a problem. They have shored up their loose forwards with the acquisition of long-time Wairarapa Bush NPC captain Mike Robinson and the Mei Brothers, Damien and James, both from the Rimutaka club. With this trio and a solid tight-five, which includes two powerhouse props in Justin Va’a and Tui Hunt, Upper Hutt appear strong.

The Roosters have more depth in 2005 too. Wellington NPC and Marist St. Pats hooker Luke Mahoney has joined their ranks this year, as has lively halfback Nigel Moresi, who has transferred from Old Boys-University. They have also picked up several players who have previously played their rugby in Otago. Along with Mahoney, No. 8/flanker Hemi Pou and lock/flanker Kane Thompson are their standout forwards. In the backs look for first five Scott Leighton to kick the goals and for wing Tristian Meo and midfielder Jack Tarrant to cause trouble if given space.

In other round two matches, defending champions Petone take on Poneke at Kilbirnie Park. Both these teams had first up losses and will be eager to open their accounts this season. Hutt Old Boys Marist and Avalon will be equally keen to register their first wins this week. HOBM travels to Helston Park to tackle Johnsonville, while Avalon hosts Tawa at Fraser Park. Oriental-Rongotai enjoyed a comprehensive round one win over Old Boys-University, but will be pushed a lot harder at home by a Marist St. Pats side that impressed last week in their victory over Poneke. Meanwhile, Northern United should be far too strong for OBU at home at Porirua Park.