Gallaher Shield in sight of Suburbs
Two semi-finals, two victories for west Auckland’s premier rugby clubs as both Suburbs and Waitemata advanced to their respective finals.
The Suburbs Spiders are off to Eden Park to contest the 2016 Gallaher Shield following a tough 18-7 win over Ponsonby.
Despite atrocious weather, a bumper crowd turned out to watch Suburbs play with confidence and move the ball across the ground.
Hooker Leif Schwencke crossed for the side’s first try late in the first half.
The 11 point win was enough to book their first appearance in the finals since 1992.
Suburbs captain Carl Perry says it is an opportunity the side aren’t taking lightly.
‘‘To make an final is pretty special but to have to opportunity to play for the Gallaher Shield is something not everyone gets to do,’’ he says.
‘‘We have an awesome group of boys who have come together really well this year and we are doing our best to make the club proud.’’
‘‘We have an awesome group of boys who have come together really well this year and we are doing our best to make the club proud.’’
They will face 2015 champions Grammar Tec who upset competition frontrunners College Rifles 27-19 in the other semi final.
The defending champions are boosted by the return of former Auckland Blues first fiveeighth Simon Hickey.
Perry says shutting down his combination with older brother Jono Hickey will be key, but one he is ready to tackle.
‘‘I’ll just be focusing on my role in the team and doing everything I can to get the job done.’’
Waitemata also advanced in their semi final, overcoming cross-town rivals Pakuranga 28-25 to advance to the Jubilee final.
A hatrick to Samoan Sevens international Eddy Fidow proved the difference as the home side held on to book a spot in the second-tier final against Marist.
That match kicks off at 2.45pm from Waitemata Park 1.
The Gallaher Shield show down is also at 2.45pm but at Eden Park.