Senior 1s secure Harper Lock Shield
Senior 1 captain Paul Churchman holds the Harper Lock Shield after it was presented to the team by WRFU President Mick Robbers (right).
Despite faltering with an 11-8 loss to Petone in the last match of the round on 9 June, the senior 1s topped the Harper Lock Shield table by three points ahead of second-placed OBU.
Two missed shots from in front were the difference in the Petone game, but overall the side had the best attacking and defensive records in the competition with 315 points for and 155 against. Happy coach Mason Lawrence lists several factors in the team's success.
'Our results are a credit to the club's pre-season training programme. We often finished more strongly than the opposition.'
Training with the premiers is also a big bonus. 'I enjoyed working with [premier coach] Clayton and there are a lot of benefits in the cross trainings.'
Several senior 1s, including Isaac O'Connor, Sean Bridge, Leif Johansson and Declan Hay have gained premier starts. The team, now premier 2, begins its Hardham Cup campaign this week against Rimutaka. Having two premier sides will test the club's resources, says Mason, but it also gives new talent a taste of premier rugby.
Here's more photos of the match and presentation >>
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