News

Counties Power Game of the Week - Waiuku v Pukekohe in club finals

15 July 2010

This weeks Counties Power Game of the week just doesn't get any better than this with Counties Power Club Finals between two neighbours Waiuku and Pukekohe.  Bayer Growers Stadium will be bulging and the atmosphere will almost match that of a Springboks v All Blacks test.

Both of these sides have peaked at the right time of the season, have got experienced players, great forwards and dynamic backs so it is going to be a must watch match.

The only issue for both sides will be the Steelers pre season game against Auckland at Waitakere Stadium on Wednesday night but all the coaches are relieved to have their best players available for the club finals on Saturday.

Waiuku are in the finals for the second year running and will be looking for a different result from last year.  This season both teams have beaten each other with close margins but as we all know what happened in the past all goes out the windows on finals day.

On the Sunday after winning their finals berth Waiuku had six buses confirmed for supporters and you can guarantee by the weekend this will have increased.

Waiuku's front row has about 350 games between them and includes Captain, Grant Henson who is an inspirational leader, he is supported by Counties Power Club Rugby joint equal top try scorer Simon Lemalu.  Some other key players for the Green and Red side are Baden Morey who has been kicking at a rate near 90% all season, lock Tony Misa who has had a great season, and winger Willie Heperi who has made stella transition from reserves last year to the top side this season.  Coaches John Bell and Peter Summerville are calling for the whole to town to make to trip to Pukekohe and get in behind the Waiuku reserves who are in the curtain raiser and then stay on for the main event as Waiuku take on Pukekohe for the McNamara Cup.

Pukekohe will be counting on their senior players such as Captain Mark Price, Taisina Tuifua and Kevin Farrell to set the platform for this weekends match.  This is a side that has continually improved and played some impressive football particularly in the last round.  One of the most consistent players in the Pukekohe side is Armyn Sanders who has been solid all season and another one the team can depend on is Rob Dennison.  Dennison is the top point's scorer for Counties Power Club rugby season on 201 points and the accuracy of his boot will be a crucial ingredient to Saturdays score.

Hopefully the final will also decide who will be Counties Manukau's top try scorer.  Will the finals rugby be able to separate Waiuku's Prop Simon Lemalu and Pukekohe's winger David Raikuna who are both on 12 tries and give an outright winner for the 2010 season.

Coaches Rhys Cullinane and Kerry Newson know they will need a complete team effort to beat Waiuku and the boys are ready for it. They are calling the whole of Pukekohe to the stadium to cheer on the green and gold on Saturday, firstly for the U21's who play Patumahoe who are also always well supported at 1.00pm on Bayer Growers Stadium #2 field and then for the main event at 2.45pm - the premier finals at Bayer Growers Stadium.

Tickets $10, Children under 15 years old are free and gates open at 12.30pm.  There will also be a 2009 Merchandise and gear sale at the game.