Internationals seek perfect season
The MSP Internationals will play for the Alan Seerup Cup in the Reserve Grade final for the second year running when they meet their traditional rivals Upper Hutt J8’s on Saturday.
The Internationals will look to ice an unbeaten run in their 15th season with a home final on Evans Bay Park, the perfect way to finish on a high.
Encompassing the team motto of ‘Get the Dog’ the lads know they will have to be on the ball to overcome a notoriously tough J8’s outfit. Although the Internationals have beaten them in the last four encounters, last season they needed an extra time piece of brilliance to bury them in the semi-final. They have also lost an away semi and final to the J8’s in 2018 & 2019, making them one of their greatest foes.
Keys to victory for the Internationals will no doubt start with their pack like defence, which has conceded only 3 tries in their last 3 outings but also with the 8 up front responsible for setting the platform. The set piece has been their strength all year and has given them a long leash for their exciting backline to launch, comprising a solid mix of wily old dogs and fleet footed young pups.
Players to watch include the dynamic Sam Baylis a.k.a Cheat Code at 15, Sam has broken the Internationals try scoring record in 2022 jogging in 20 tries, our Captain Mike Bridges is in fine form and the wise old heads of Pena Fretton, Nathan Simpson and David Isaia bring over 500 games for The Internationals worth of experience to the starting line-up.
The evergreen Numi Mika, Aaron Bouzaid and Cameron Bath will be riding the pine along with the bash brothers of Mike Faaumu and Junior Fanatanu they will look to provide the second half sting they’ve bought all season. In the end though, it’s a pack effort and without the full squad of 35 this season, we wouldn’t be in this final.
The Internationals would like to recognise this years injured players and those not selected to play this weekend, there have been 4 players requiring surgery for season ending injuries, they’re really hoping to bring home a title for these guys.
Lastly the International would like to extend a big thankyou to the team sponsors, In-Depth Builders, Sugarwoods Bar and H2Flo Plumbing solutions for their ongoing contributions but also to the club for their continued support, especially GDO Li’I Alaimoana for his tireless effort and the time he has put into The Internationals has been immense. Let’s bring some silverware home for MSP in 2022! Get the Dog!
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