Hankins Shield Semifinals

Article by Emma Gribben

It's Semi-final time and this Saturday top of the table Varsity face off against College Old Boys whilst Feilding Old Boys Oroua takes on defending Hankins Shield Champions Kia Toa.

All  four semi-finalists won 7 out of 9 games in the second round of the Senior 1 competition with Kia Toa claiming the Jubilee Cup for the first round.

Current point standings make no difference with the semi-finals, so whoever knocks over the opposition secures their spot in next weekend's final. The top four all have a good chance to claim a spot to battle it out for number one but it would be wise not to bet against extra time between Feilding Old Boys Oroua and Kia Toa- the two teams having had a couple of very close matches throughout the season.

Feilding Old Boys Oroua has stepped up their game this season and has grown into a very strong side after having finished eighth on the table last season.

Varsity and College Old Boys will be without a number of their experienced players as they front up for the Turbos v Southland ITM Cup game on Saturday afternoon. Varsity is also slowly filling up their trophy cabinet having claimed the Centennial Shield along with Massey University RFC securing the Abraham Cup with final points standing at 132 points for all club teams.

Both Hankins Shield Semi-final matches are being played on the back fields at Arena Manawatu with kick-offs at 12pm.

The Turbos play Southland at 2:35pm at FMG Stadium.

Access to the Club Semis is via Marist Sports on Pascal Street. Cars will not be able to Park in the FMG Stadium complex.

After the Club Semis, spectators with an ITM Cup game ticket will be able to move from the back fields into FMG Stadium via an internal gate. Spectators without an ITM Cup game ticket will need to go around the roads to buy tickets on the gates.
 
Click here for Senior Club Rugby Draw and Match Details.