Rebuilding Leopards already started
The Otahuhu Leopards are already over their relegation from the Fox Memorial Trophy to the Sharman Cup.
The axe fell after their 46-22 loss to Mt Albert Lions at Bert Henham Park, Otahuhu last Saturday a result that cemented their position as the Fox wooden spooners.
The club which claims to have never played Sharman Cup in it’s long and distinguished history were never good enough as their three win/15 loss record suggests. Even a change of coach could pull them out of the fire.
Yet as crushing as the slide down to the second division of Auckland Rugby League, the club is upbeat and positive about their future.
Club president Bruce Shaw says the planning to get back into the Fox has already begun.
‘‘It is what it is. We’ve accept that we we’re good enough and we’re moving on. We had a formal meeting of members an have come up with a plan.
‘‘We’ve asked the players to commit to another season with us so we can win the Sharman next year and regain our premier status. We have a talented group of 15, 16 and 18 year olds playing finals football this weekend and our under-20s are minor premiers in their grade and the first team into the grand final.’’
The Papatoetoe Panthers are a long shot at succeeding the Leopards.
They beat the Otara Scorpions 30-16 in the first round of the eight team playoffs last Saturday and face the Bay Roskill Vikings the elimination final at Blockhouse Bay Reserve on Saturday at 2.30pm.
SCOREBOARD: Fox Memorial Premiership final standings:
Papakura 32, Pt Chevalier 29, Mt Albert 26, Glenora 22, Marist 19, Howick 15, Mangere East 10, Northcote 10, Richmond 9, Otahuhu 6.
Otahuhu demoted to Sharman Cup. Semi finals:
Papakura v Pt Chevalier, Mt Smart Stadium. August 20. Start: 2.30pm. Mt Albert v Glenora, Mt Smart Stadium.
August 20. Start: 11am.
Date: Date: Women’s Date: Date: premiership:
Marlins Wahine v Papakura Sisters, Mountfort Park, Manurewa. August 21. Start: 2pm. Richmond v Otahuhu, Grey Lynn Park, Grey Lynn.
August 21, Start: 230pm