Six Teams Chasing Three Spots In Last Cup Round

Round 7 Preview For six clubs there is plenty to play for in this week?s final round of the Jubilee Cup. At stake is a berth in the semi-finals, and for Petone and Upper Hutt second place behind top qualifier Northern United and a home semi-final next Sunday.

Norths have a six-point buffer at the top of the table, and are already assured of hosting one semi-final, while second placed Petone also secured their playoff berth last week and will either finish either second or third. Upper Hutt, Poneke, Avalon, Marist St. Pats and Tawa are all also still alive in various capacities heading into round seven, with only Western Suburbs out of contention - meaning the stage is set for a pulsating round-robin finale with all four games equally important.

Five of the six contenders will have a clear idea of their chances before their games kick off, as the Norths-Avalon encounter at Porirua Park is at the earlier time of 12.30 pm, being the curtain-raiser to the Wellington XV versus Taranaki pre-season NPC fixture at 3 pm. While Norths should win, Avalon will have everything to play for, and two points or more for them will put the onus on Poneke to respond.

Upper Hutt and MSP will both be desperate to win their game at Rugby League Park. While MSP have to win to put themselves into contention for fourth, bonus points may not be enough for Upper Hutt, because both Poneke and Petone will qualify above them if they finish on the same amount of points by virtue of both of them beating Upper Hutt in the round-robin. It would be a cruel blow for Upper Hutt to miss out after their fantastic season, so victory over the only team that defeated them in the Swindale Shield round (12-11) would be justified.

Current fourth placed Poneke will fancy their chances against Wests at home at Kilbirnie Park, especially after knocking over MSP and Upper Hutt in their previous two games. But Wests, who finished fourth in the Swindale Shield, will be anxious to complete their Jubilee Cup campaign on a winning note.

Meanwhile, Petone are probably in the box seat to secure the second home semi-final, but must overcome a plucky Tawa at Lyndhurst Park. Four points will be enough, so it won?t need to be flashy for the visitors. Tawa?s chances are only slim, they need to beat Petone and earn a four-try bonus point and also rely on Avalon, Poneke and MSP losing.