Premier Two side looks ahead to Hardham Cup
Our Premier Reserves are now our 'Premier Two' side as they took out the Harper Lock Shield and will now compete with Premier sides in the Hardham Cup second round competition.
The first round was the picture of consistency with the side taking out 12 of their 13 matches to win the grade by 11 competition points over second place. The Shield win also marks the seventh consecutive first round title for coach Andrew Robinson, who won six straight JC Bowl trophies with the Under 85 Blues.
Captain Paul Churchman credits Robbo and his coaching team for putting together such a consistent team. Despite using no less than 56 different players, Paul rates this years side as the best organised he's seen in his time at the club and gives full credit to the the coaches and management.
Paul also puts the success down to the focus on player development is huge at Marist St Pats. 'We train as a wider group with the Premiers and have had players like Jeff To'omaga-Allen and Loni Uhila at forwards training and in the backs you can't go past Fa'atonu Fili for inspiration and development. We also have multiple players involved in the MSP academy working with ex-Lion Arden David & current Lion Isaac O'Connor.'
Having missed the final round to attend his sisters wedding, Paul is frothing for Hardham Cup action, the team will be aiming to upset Premier sides (which will include Petone, Norths and Hutt Old Boys Marist).
'There are some huge Premier sides in the Hardham Cup this year, the opportunity to beat them is fantastic. We also have the chance to play against current Hurricanes and to prove ourselves - the Hardham Cup is full of opportunity for us.'
The Premier 2's open their Hardham Cup campaign against Petone on Saturday...
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