CLUB RUGBY - Wellsford welcome test of character

With seven players sequestered in the Northland provincial rugby squad and yet another on tour of duty with Tonga and a further seven carrying injuries, Wellsford could be forgiven for approaching the Joe Morgan Memorial Trophy closing rounds with some trepidation.
Instead, coach Adriaan Ferris says, his Northland-wide competition front-runners are learning to relish a test of character and playing depth.
Wellsford was on the receiving end last week of a comprehensive lesson from Mid Northern who along with defending champions Hikurangi trail them by two points on the ladder, but Ferris says he always knew this was going to be the sternest part of the year.
"I'd like to make the point that Fetu Vainikolo (Wellsford try-scoring sensation) didn't disappear on us. We were asked by Mark Anscombe to rest him, and in any case we have to face life without him for the rest of the competition," Ferris says.
"Anyone can see that with the depth and experience Mid Northern have with players like David Holwell, Brad Miller and Vula Maimuri, it was always going to be a very hard ask for us last week. Having said that, the boys have learned and they want to demonstrate that this week against Hora Hora. Hora Hora are an exciting young team, I'm pleased were playing them and Kamo before the semifinals and I wouldn't want it any other way."
Mid Northern, on the bye this weekend, will have to sit back and take in what happens at Hora Hora and Hikurangi who, on form, should take maximum points at home against the Western Sharks.
In other games, Moerewa hosts Marist and Waipu should continue their semifinal run against Kamo at the Caledonian Ground.