News

Counties Power Game of the Week Waiuku U21 v Waihi U21

01 July 2010

This weeks Counties Power Game of the week is the last match of the season between the Waiuku U21 and Waihi U21, kick off is at 1.00pm this Saturday at Waiuku.

Waihi are the top Thames Valley U21 side and are looking to improve their ranking from sixth to fifth this year so in order to that they must get the win and the bonus point.  The side are coming of a 31-10 win against Papakura last week and want that winning streak to continue. 

The team is coached by Colin Walker who has coached this side from their U19's days and is assisted by Matty Matich.  They narrowly lost two crucial games this season which has cost them a top four spot but are keen to finish the season on a high note.   

Walker says his side has "Really enjoy the professionalism of the competition and the clubs, teams and Union have been great to us" and knows that in order for his team play to their full potential in this final game they need to play as one unit and not a team of individuals.   

Walker has plenty of talent in his side for Waiuku to be wary of which include loose forward Brett Runga who is having a very strong season and 2nd-five Harison Madsen who has shown he is as capable on attack as he is on defense. It is also a family affair for Colin as his son Reid plays hooker and has done a good job in this position this season under Captain Jethro Mears.

Waiuku coach Paul Graham has been coaching in Waiuku for 14 years in a row but this is his first year with this U21 team.  His side had a rough start to the season but have hit their gear and have won five games in a row and are also keen to finish the season with the win.

The have the services from two exchange players from London Irish, a prop Charlie Connor and a fullback, Paddy Oswell.  The internationals boys are going well and are enjoying their time at the club after having arrived half way through the season and from all reports the Kentish staff have been looking after them well!

Captain and open side flanker Brad Olson will be looking for his boys to do what Waiuku sides do best and that is dominate up front in the wet underfoot conditions.  

These two teams are even on points on the table so for their last match of the season it will be an intense clash worth watching.  Kick off is 1.00pm at Waiuku