Pride of old boys on line

Martinborough will have two good reasons to come up trumps against Pioneer in their Kapene Cup premier division rugby match at Martinborough tomorrow.

Firstly it will mean they stay firmly in the reckoning for the trophy donated in memory of one of their club's favourites sons, Chris "Moose" Kapene, and, secondly, they are celebrating old-timer's day.

What better way to make the beer taste better than to maintain their unbeaten record against opposition which have also yet to taste defeat.

Martinborough's tactical approach will be interesting. The temptation could be to place the emphasis on forward domination with the idea of starving the potent Pioneer backline of quality ball but they will also be aware that their own backs are quite capable of making a statement.

With a couple of tough nuts in front rowers Wilba Davies and Adam Marshall setting the example, Martinborough won't lack anything in the tighter exchanges up front while the likes of Jared and Josh Hawkins will be equally prominent in the loose.

Pioneer's forwards are at their best when play breaks up and they can use their considerable ball-running skills.

Ihe Namana, Porky Henare, Charlie Naera, Lee Ewe and Nathan Rolls are all hard men to stop when allowed to work up a full head of steam.

In national touch rugby rep Kieran te Whare Martinborough have a utility back capable of sparking attacks from anywhere on the field and Greg Dennes and Eli Telford can be just as lively when the opportunity presents.

The Pioneer rearguard have consistently captured the imagination with their ability to create tries out of nothing and Martinborough will know the dangers of allowing playmakers Tipene Haira and Tommy Harmon to call the shots on a regular basis.

Just how successful the Hawkins boys are in shutting them down will undoubtedly have a big say in the end result of a match which, on paper, could go either way.

The other unbeaten side in the premier division grade, Bush Sports, will be returning to action after a two-week break when they host Greytown at Pahiatua. Bush Sports will start warm favourites but this shapes as a dangerous game for them, not only because they might be short of a gallop but also because Greytown will have taken much needed confidence from their win over Eketahuna last weekend.

The big question for Greytown will be whether they can grab enough quality ball from the set pieces to give a pacy backline the chance to consistently test the Bush Sports defence.

Puketoi and the Rams are set to do battle at Pongaroa in a game sure to attract a big crowd of locals keen to see their team overcome the sadness of the past few weeks with a good win. A shortage of specialist front row forwards saw the Rams forced to weaken scrums in their loss to Gladstone last weekend and Puketoi will be aiming to take advantage of any deficiencies they have in that department.

Eketahuna and Carterton will both be looking to bounce back from last weekend's defeats when they meet at Eketahuna. The home side are likely to rely on a rugged pack spearheaded by in-form loosies Johan Van Vliet and Rupeni Tamani to call the tune while Carterton will want to expose the attacking capabilities of backs such as Tui Vatuloka and Inkoe Rasabale. A close match is in prospect.

Gladstone got their campaign on track with their big win over the Rams last Saturday and while they must improve if they are to successfully defend the Tui Cup, they should have too many guns for Marist at Memorial Park.