Cambridge claim Gwynne Shield honours
The future stars of All Black rugby could come from Cambridge after the town’s junior players claimed the Gwynne Shield for just the fifth time since 1921.
The Cambridge team defeated Te Awamutu 12-5 at the grand final of the week-long tournament at Memorial Park on Saturday.
Cambridge team coach Jason Cameron said he was pleased with the victory but also the fact 11 of his players have been selected to trial for the Waikato Roller Mills team.
‘‘It’s just a fantastic feeling have that [Gwynne Shield] trophy as so many players heading for Roller Mills trials.
‘‘My phone hasn’t stopped ringing since we won, supporters and sponors have been wishing us the best which is a great.’’
The Cambridge team will be presented the Gwynne Shield at the half-time break during the Waikato provincial rugby team’s first home game on August 27, at Waikato Stadium.
Cameron said there would also be a special presentation for the team so the young players could be recognised for their efforts.
He said the grand final match between Cambridge and Te Awamutu capped off a wonderful week-long rugby tournament.
‘‘The whole team performed exceptionally well during the tournament. They had lost against Te Awamutu a few days before the final so I think the boys really wanted to pull back a win against them when the met again in the grand final.
‘‘Both teams played very well in the final and Cambridge just managed to stay ahead towards the end of the game.
‘‘The kids were just ecstatic, I’ll never forget the look on their faces when they realised they had won.’’
An MVP is selected from each team at the tournament at the Cambridge player named for the honour was the team’s first-five, Dre Marsh.
Cameron said he had an excellent team of managers and sponsors who had been committed to help the young players achieve the top title this year.