It?s Sink Or Swim Time For OBU In Swindale Shield Round Four

Round 4 Preview Old Boys-University will be desperate to kick-start their 2005 season when they travel to Fraser Park to play Avalon in this weekend?s fourth round of the Swindale Shield. Although it is still early in the competition, a fourth straight loss for OBU would make it a tough road ahead for them. OBU come off losses to Oriental-Rongotai (29-9), Northern United (56-3) and to Johnsonville (14-10).

In contrast Avalon have had two wins since narrowly losing to Western Suburbs (22-24) in the first round. They bounced back to thrash Tawa (44-7) and then account for Hutt Old Boys Marist (27-13) last week. Avalon will want to win to remain near the top of the table, as the four games following this won?t be any easier. With Marist St. Pats, Petone, Upper Hutt and Poneke to play in the next month, five points against OBU could be vital.

Recent history between Avalon and OBU also favours Avalon. The students have only beaten Avalon once in their previous four encounters, and that was in the Jubilee Cup round in 2003. Last year Avalon won this corresponding clash 41-7 and also triumphed 31-14 in the Jubilee Cup round.

In other round four games, Petone will be looking to carry their momentum from last week?s first win against Ories onto Porirua Park for their clash with leaders Norths, and much attention will be on Johnsonville as they seek to continue their dream start when they host MSP. Helston Park will be buzzing if Johnsonville can upset the perennial table toppers. For their part, MSP will be looking to remedy their untidy performance against Norths last week.

Upper Hutt will be making their first trip out of the Hutt Valley this season where they should get win number four against Ories at the Polo Grounds, while Poneke clash with Wests at Ian Galloway Park and early strugglers Tawa and HOBM vie at Lyndhurst Park.