Ponies favourites to beat Waitemata for 25th Gallaher Shield win

Since the end of the 1921 season, when a delegation of Ponsonby club old boys donated an ornate shield to the Auckland Rugby Union in memory of one of their own, Dave Gallaher, the famous club has easily been the most frequent winner of the trophy.

The Gallaher Shield was assigned to the Auckland senior club championship and the following season Grammar Old Boys were the first to win it.

But since then, Ponsonby have held the shield 24 times, and as defending champions go into today's final against Waitemata at Eden Park favoured to retain it.

Waitemata have won the shield just three times since the club was founded in 1927, the first victory being in 1958 and the latest in 1975.

The Henderson-based club went down to Ponsonby in a semifinal at Eden Park last season.

This year they returned there for a match that doubled as a Gallaher Shield qualifying fixture and the final of the Blues club competition, and Ponsonby won 20-13.

But Waitemata's bogey of not being able to beat the blue-and-blacks was laid to rest when they won a tough, gruelling second-round encounter on their home ground, 12-11.

The two sides have widely contrasting styles. Waitemata rely on the mobility and strength of their pack to set up chances, and Ponsonby have a brilliant backline who today will have Carlos Spencer in charge.

The biggest problem facing both sides is injuries to key players. Spencer left the field at halftime in Ponsonby's semifinal against Marist after a slight twinge in a hamstring, and lock Ali Williams had a similar problem.

But coach Jack Huch is confident both will start.

Waitemata midfielder Lee Stensness suffered a jaw injury at training on the Tuesday before the semifinal against Suburbs and missed that game, but is likely to play.

Ponsonby would be favourites to win at $1.60. Any odds over $2 for Waitemata would be attractive, and that is about where they rate.

If the scores are drawn at fulltime, the game will go into extra time.

NORTH HARBOUR Had the cookie crumbled in the other direction in the semifinals and Massey and Silverdale survived to make the final, Harbour rugby would have had a new look.

However, as a brew is judged on maturity and quality, today's final between the old brigade, North Shore and Takapuna, is the recipe for a pretty heady concoction.

Much has been written and spoken in the pre-match hype on who beat whom in recent exchanges. For the record, Shore last season stopped a seven-year Takapuna trot at the top.

Shore won both encounters this season. But past form will mean little when the two sides step on the North Harbour Stadium at 3pm to decide the best this year.

Harbour selector Russell Jones will take note of two big packs, Phil Weedon, Luke Hanvey, John Buchanan, James Hinchco and evergreen Paul Vegar in the Shore engineroom, Courtney Ireland, Travis Barker and Paul Vujcich in the loose.

Much will depend on the Takapuna loosies, skipper Gavin George, Blair Urlich and Sean Ingham, getting to the breakdown.

The tight five, Hamish Mackie, Francois Pienaar, Adrian Donald, Aquila Mata and Duncan Good will stand their ground.

Weather and tactics will dictate back play. If the ball is fed wide, Northland representative Brad Miller, at fullback, and wing Mu Mataafa perhaps give Shore an edge in the speed stakes.

Takapuna, however, have the old head of Jeremy Etheridge at first five-eighths to kick goals should Shore be forced into error.

The ifs, buts, pros and cons are many in what should be a classic meeting.

COUNTIES MANUKAU Ardmore Marist will play Waiuku today in the second-life semifinal to confirm who will play Pukekohe in next Saturday's premier final.

Playing at home, Ardmore Marist look to have a slight edge over Waiuku, having already beaten them twice this season in close games, 23-18 in the first round and 26-17 in the second.

Ardmore Marist have also been the in-form team this season and look to have the best balanced team in the competition.

They have a huge forward pack and classy backs who create trouble for most teams out wide.

But Waiuku can never be written off. They always enjoy good support and have arguably the best forward pack in the competition.

They are also expecting the return of promising young first five-eighths Stephen Donald from injury.

Donald was a member of last year's New Zealand secondary schools team, but has not played rugby since April because of an operation.

He has the ability to control games and has an excellent kicking record, which could prove the difference.

To win, Waiuku will need to control the big Ardmore Marist runners close off the rucks and in midfield. If they can dominate up front and provide good ball for their backs, they will be in with a good chance.