An unknown factor could have a big say in the result of Wairarapa-Bush premier division club rugby matches tomorrow.
Most teams will be fielding players who turned out for their union in the Ranfurly Shield game yesterday and how they recover from those exertions will be interesting to see. One thing is for sure though, with just three series of matches to be played before the semi-finalists are found results will count for plenty in that respect.
Currently the only teams basically out of the reckoning for the top four are Carterton, Eketahuna and Puketoi but they can, of course, still have a major influence on the outcome by taking valuable points off those placed above them.
A brief preview of tomorrow's action is:-
Marist (35pts) v Eketahuna (16pts), Memorial Park at 2.30pm: Eketahuna will be licking their lips at the prospect of taking on Marist in conditions tailor made for a forward-orientated battle. Marist simply have to win to keep their semi-final hopes alive and they will be relying on the play making skills of coach Nathan Couch to keep their noses in front. But even Couch can't weave his magic without the ball and that's why the impact made by the Eketahuna pack will decide this one.
Carterton (28pts) v Martinborough (39pts), Carterton at 2.30pm: Carterton have had a horror run with injuries but while their semi-final aspirations are down the dunny they will see this game as an ideal opportunity to claim a prize scalp in front of their loyal supporters. Here too it will come down to the forward battle with Carterton having enough old heads to make life difficult for Martinborough there. If it becomes a smash and bash type of game an upset is on the cards, otherwise the attacking skills of the Martinborough outside backs should get them home.
Greytown (35pts) v Puketoi (10pts), Greytown at 2.30pm: The form book says this should be a one-sided affair but yet again appearances could be deceiving. On an all-round basis you'd have to say Greytown have a clear advantage but you can bet your house Puketoi will fancy their chances of controlling the forward exchanges. Do that and Greytown's chances will depend on the ability of their backs to turn limited scoring opportunities into points on the board.
Gladstone (39pts) v Masterton Red Star (54pts), Gladstone at 2.30pm: A hugely important game for Gladstone this one and they will be rapt to be playing it on home territory. They will be relying on their forwards to call the tune with their tactics sure to revolve around keeping them on the front foot. Masterton Red Star, on the other hand, will be intent on moving the ball away from the set pieces with the ideas of their backs cutting loose on a regular basis. A battle royal is in store.
East Coast (57pts) v Pioneer (46pts), Whareama at 2.30pm: Pioneer will go a long way towards clinching a semi-final berth if they win while East Coast is already there. However, the Coasters will want to qualify as top seeds, so they won't lack incentive for a return to their best form after a surprise defeat at the hands of Greytown last weekend. Pioneer thrive on broken play situations so the onus will be on the East Coast forwards to protect possession and keep it tight. Another game which should go right down to the wire.
