Premiers preparing to go one further this season
Brendan Reidy and Ross Bond are entering their fourth season as coaches of Marist St Pats' Premier side and have their sights firmly set on Wellington rugby's biggest prize. This season they will be joined by former Jubilee Cup winning first five James McHardy.
The 2016 season comes with an added challenge from recent years with the Swindale Shield round being extended by two games to accommodate the 2015 promotion of two clubs to Premier status. Last season club's only played against 11 of the other 13 sides. The extra two games will be integrated as Wednesday night fixtures with clubs playing eight rounds in the first six weeks of the competition.
Brendan says the coaching team is well prepared for this challenge and with enviable depth in the top squads a number of players will see Premier action. This will give a number of players the opportunity to stake their claim for playing time as the season progresses.
The additional games will also give the team opportunities to run different systems, something Brendan says James has brought a new perspective to: 'James has come in and added a new perspective on how we can widely implement a number of successful systems we already had.' The side will be looking to play an exciting, expansive brand of rugby this season.
While the extra games will give game time to more players, Ross acknowledges that like most clubs the team is carrying a few preseason injuries. But having the luxury of being able to slot in other players points to a strong side. With Ken Kapeli and Mike Buckley likely nursing injuries for the opening round, newcomers Regan Sword (2015 Hato Paora 1st XV) and Ryan Saunders (right, previously Wellington Axemen) will probably be among those who get opportunities on Friday.
Friday will likely also give supporters a look at some of the other new and returning faces that will bolster a fairly settled Premier side. Brendan noted those players include high scoring back Tyler Tane (left) who has made the move from Wainuiomata and impressed with over 40 points scored at Spillane Cup; along with the highly regarded, industrious loose forward Lucky Tuia who returns from Oriental Rongotai. Young front-rower Ivan Fepuleai (2015 Silverstream 1st XV) and Paul Churchman (injury) will be among a number of other new names on the team sheet from last season!
On the other side of the ledger lock Dan Turner has retired, hooker Sefo Setefano has moved to Hamilton and fullback Manu Quintane has returned to France.
The coaches echo the positive atmosphere we've been hearing about all summer. The pleasing mix of experience and youth, including some of the younger players from last year stepping up, will see plenty of healthy competition within the squad.
After a balmy Wellington summer, club rugby is back!
Marist St Pats face Paremata-Plimmerton in round one of the Swindale Shield on Friday 25 March at Evans Bay Park. Kick off at 2.45pm.
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