Rugby
History suggests Gladstone should beat Carterton in their Hodder Steffert Cup premier division plate rugby final at Memorial Park, Masterton, tomorrow.
Gladstone have won their two previous clashes this season, the first by 15-12 and the second by 28-18, but the contest was tight enough on each occasion for Carterton to hold realistic hopes of turning the tables here.
It is up front where Carterton will look to call the tune. The McFadzean brothers, Johnie and Lachie, are proven ball winners at lineout time and powerful runners in broken play, front rowers Blair Heming, Hone Vella and Dylan Higginson are a formidable front row and Luke Jones is a lively loosie capable of making his mark at a higher level.
The danger man in the backs is centre Paul Tiko, a former Poverty Bay representative just starting to hit his straps on the local scene.