Upper Hutt Set To Continue Magical Season

Can Upper Hutt continue their fantastic season and win the Swindale Shield ? Jubilee Cup double? It would be a great achievement if they can and would complete a spectacular turnaround from premier battlers to powerhouse in such a short space of time. Just a year ago they were preparing for a not unfamiliar season in the Hardham Cup.

Debut coaches Mark Purdy and Sam McLean have brought together a well-balanced side this year. Strong up front, with Justin Va?a (currently away with Samoa), Joe Duffy and Tui Hunt, the boys in maroon also have depth and experience in the loose, with veterans Mike Robinson and Nathan Russell backed up by the Mei brothers, James and Damien. Then there?s their dynamic backline, which includes such players as fullback Cory Jane, midfielder Brad Baker and speedster Chris Puketapu on the wing.

Chasing Upper Hutt will be defending champions Northern United, who are stacked full of talent. The pride of Porirua knows what it takes to win the Cup now and will be hard to beat. Norths have an array of game breakers such as flankers Serge Lilo and Faifili Levave, halfback Lua Vaoloaloa and wing Siaosi Anamani in their squad and when at full strength will be formidable. Up and coming players to look out for include lock Api Naikatini and fullback Tama Makamaka.

Such is the tough nature of the Jubilee Cup that picking the four semi-finalists would be a fortuitous task. With the exception of the frontrunners, Upper Hutt and Norths, very little separated the other six contenders in the Swindale Shield. Wests, Petone, MSP, Poneke, Avalon and even Tawa ? particularly with halfback Nigel Hunt and second five eighth Willie Lafaele in their ranks ? all proved in the first round that they are capable of success. MSP, Petone and Poneke are sure to feature though. This trio have dominated the Cup, winning 18 of the previous 26 titles between them.

MSP, Petone and Poneke will also know better than most that getting off to a fast start will provide for a much more advantageous position come the business end of the season in August, so expect a hotly contested opening round. First up Norths host Wests at Porirua Park, Petone and Poneke meet at the Petone Recreation Ground, Tawa travel to Rugby League Park to play MSP and Upper Hutt and Avalon square off at Fraser Park.