News

Counties Power Game of the Week

09 July 2010

This weeks Counties Power Game of the Week is the semi-final match between Pukekohe and Ardmore Marist. Kick off is at the different time of 12.30pm Ardmore Marist.

It is a big weekend for Pukekohe rugby with their Premier, Premier Reserves and U21's all in semi-finals. Pukekohe's premier reserve coaching team of Mark Needham and Dennis Williams are in their first year with this side but have a fair bit of pressure rugby experience under their belt, having previously won a final and made semi-finals as a coaching pair. 

Ardmore Marist and Pukekohe have both won a game each against each other this season, so you can be sure it is going to be tight contest on Saturday.  Pukekohe have a strong forward pack who have been playing well as a unit and now their backs are starting to click at the right time of the season.

Coach Needham is expecting Ardmore Marist to provide an intense battle up front and acknowledge that their opposing backs will be working their size to their advantage in every way they can but also knows that his team is on form and have a good chance.  They have had five wins, a draw and only one loss this round but Needham says "Semi's are a clean slate and anything is possible, but we are ready for the challenge".

Ardmore Marist will have their whole club in support at their home ground this weekend as they fly the flag for their club in the business part of season. Coach Murray Campbell is in his second year with this side which has three quarters of the same players from last year which Murray credits for the side's great team spirit.  Last time they played Pukekohe earlier this year they lost by two points and also know they have every opportunity to secure a finals berth if everything goes according to plan.

Captain, hooker, Jarrad Tipene is no stranger to semi-finals tension -his team was knocked out by Manurewa last year. Ardmore Marist, like most teams have been affected by injury and absent players so they are looking forward to fielding their full strength side on Saturday. One of their only forwards to start every game has been flanker David Neru.  Neru is a committed player who goes that extra mile for his team and will be play a pivotal role this weekend as will first- five Glen Rowe who has been steering the ship well according to Coach Campbell.  Campbell is pleased that his side is peaking at the right time after a solid start and a lull in the middle of the season.  They have had a tough build up to this weekends match which he believes is valuable and hope will prove an advantage for this weekend.

For a great rugby spectacle in this weeks Counties Power Game of the week head to the Ardmore Marist grounds for a 12.30pm kick off this Saturday.