Rampage hoping to chop down the Eagles

Above: Jarrod Adams in full flight for Petone in a recent match against Paremata-Plimmerton for the Ken Gray Cup. On Saturday Petone play Hutt Old Boys Marist for the McBain Shield.

“It's going to be one helluva match up,” Petone wing Jarrod Adams predicts when asked to discuss prospects for this coming Saturday’s McBain Shield fixture against Hutt Old Boys Marist.

In addition to the fanfare that surrounds the annual ‘Battle of the Bridge’ both clubs are riding high at the top of the Swindale Shield standings after a month.

“Both clubs have been through a development stage, but have managed to keep a core group of players together which has improved results. Petone and Hutt aren’t peaking yet, but they are certainly rising,” Adams examines.

Two years ago HOBM beat Petone in the Hardham Cup final.

In 2018, HOBM have won four matches in a row and scored over 40 points in each outing.

Following a last minute defeat to Norths on March 17, Petone have scored resounding victories over Paremata-Plimmerton (55-0), Upper Hutt (43-14) and Tawa (36-9).

“Hutt have always been an attacking side. They like to throw the ball around and because their forwards are going forward they have scored a lot of points. We have the best defence in the competition and will be looking to stop their roll,” Adams observes.

HOBM boats the best attack, having scored 28 tries. Petone has only leaked 45 points and held two opponents tireless.

“We really pride ourselves on our defence. Our loose forward trio has been outstanding this season. Mateaki Kafatolu, Tupou Sopoaga and Jake Quin are really important players for us,” Adams stresses.

Adams has played in the last three McBain Shields and all the matches have been high scoring affairs.

In 2015, Hutt prevailed 32-25, despite 20 points from Jared Kahu.

The Villagers have triumphed in each of the past two seasons. In 2016, Petone won 27-23 with Willie Fine scoring three tries. Last year Petone won 49-31 with Losi Filipo crossing the chalk twice. The Wellington Lion will be a key figure on Saturday.

“He’s such a natural talent in the midfield or on the wing. If we can involve Losi it will cause Hutt trouble,” Adams warns.

Less than two years ago Filipo’s career appeared to be over after he made headlines in a night time altercation in Courtney Place. Adams was closely affected by the subsequent publicity.

“I’ve known Losi since he was 13. I know he’s good person. He made a bad mistake, but I support my friends and am proud of the way he has bounced back. Losi was pushed to the brink, but I believe people deserve a second chance and the way they learn and behave after that second chance is the way they should be judged,” Adams says.

Adams has played 42 games for Petone and scored 18 tries. He works for ANZ Bank and in his spare time enjoys break dancing and hunting.

Adams was educated at St Patrick’s College Silverstream where he played 53 games for the First XV and scored 19 tries. In 2012, Silverstream won the Premier I championship. In 2014, Adams was captain of the New Zealand Barbarians Schools who beat Fiji and Australia.

Jarrod’s younger brother Kahil Adams was a promising rugby and softball player, but has succumbed to serious injury and is unlikely play either sport again. However the Adams family has a long history in wood chopping.

“I’m from a farming background and we’ve had generations of good choppers. The best would be my aunty Elma Wallace and my uncle Patrick Wallace who have represented New Zealand. Kahil is getting into it and I do if for pre-season training,” Adams concludes