Rugby: Otahuhu should break drought

Otahuhu will be searching for their first Gallaher Shield title in 18 years when they take on Ponsonby in the Auckland club rugby final at Eden Park today.

Otahuhu's last great era was from 1959 to 1969, when they won the shield six times, but it was one of the lean periods for Ponsonby, who have been the Auckland club champions on 23 occasions.

On this year's results between the two sides, today's final should be an even battle. Ponsonby triumphed 18-17 at Western Springs, while Otahuhu held sway by 28-18 at Sturgess Park.

Both sides will contain members of the New Zealand Colts side who won the international tournament in Auckland.

Blues first five-eighths Orene Ai'i and hooker Keven Mealamu and Ponsonby fullback Gavin Williams , will be key performers.

In the Counties Manukau final, Waiuku have been hit by the loss of representative squad prop Dave Stewart, who is out with a hamstring injury. Papakura, with Steelers loose forward Hare Makiri expected to be a key factor, will start as favourites.

Papakura won 15-8 in the last meeting between the two sides.

It is 42 years since Waiuku last won the union's club title, when they shared the honours with Papakura.

Takapuna will be chasing their seventh consecutive North Harbour title when they take on Glenfield today at North Harbour Stadium, parts of which were still under water last night.

Takapuna lost just one match last season and are unbeaten in 2000, but have lost Eric Rush through injury.

Glenfield's advantage area should be in the backs, with Walter Little obviously the key.

Otahuhu: Orene Ai'i, Tupo Fa'amasino, Mark Tasi, Robert Laban, Tia Suemai, Tupe Fonolua, Robert Rush (c); Luke Mealamu, Gareth Palamo, Bradley Mika, Sam McKinnon, Sika Poching, Kisi Pulu, Keven Mealamu, Ephraim Takafa. Res: Miko Potton, Junior Poluleuligaga, Taffa Ai'i, Junior Poching, Kaio Toaialoa, Alfie To'oala, Matele Misa.

Ponsonby: Gavin Williams, Sione Lafoou, Dale Rasmussen, Craig Innes, Taunaholo Taufahema, Quintan Sanft, Kevin Senio; Ed Langi/Finau Maka, Bevan Leckner (c), Stanley Afeaki/Maka, Dan Brown/Jason Chandler, Tane Brott, Tonga Nginingini, Nathan Kemp, Tonga Leaeatoa. Res: Amosa Amosa, Darren Kellett, Brett Williams, Tavita Finau, Brown/Sam Ananaia, John Meredith, Josh Robertson.

Referee: Glenn Wahlstrom.

Papakura: Alipato Tubu, Patrick Petelo, Lee Wihone, Dean Lendrum, Jeremy Pu, Phil Lewis, Sean Clotworthy; Dion Kingi, Hare Makiri, Tony Dowdell, Gavin Giles (c), Haydon Travors, Nathan Te Puni, Barney Devery, Alan McLean. Res: Arama Graham, George Vaihola, Peter Carpenter, Carwyn Chase, Beau Saunders, James Patrick, Tony Conroy.

Waiuku: Terry Meachen, Joe Kata, Andrew Thomson, Duncan Bell, Steve Irwin, Gavin Donald, Michael Scott; Maaka Tatafa, Colin Marriner (c), Jimmy Robinson, PJ Winchester, Ramon Lindsay, Mathew Enoka, Grant Henson, Paul Urlich. Res: Kane Lipscombe, Hayden Setchfield, Robbie Fleming, Mike Haywood, Raymond Hira, Willy Muir, TBA.

Referee: Phil Rollinson.

Takapuna: Darren Robson, Jerome Smith, Joe Faalogo, Sean Ross, Daniel Robinson, Jeremy Etheridge, James Young; Rodney Voullaire, Blair Urlich, Daniel Kane, Clayton Moors (c), Matt Lord, Heath Wallace, Cameron Thomas, Matt Duff. Res: Marc Camburn, Andrew Cheung-Fook, Charlie Beetham, Gavin Roberts, Aaron Humphrey, Hamish Mackie, Adrian Donald.

Glenfield: Alan Linstrom, Metu Egelani, Aisea Tuilevu, Lawrence Little, Baden Woodman/Adriaan Ferris, Walter Little, Faiva Manu; Tom Fifita, Paul Turner, Jerry Domu, Daniel Stead, Richard Shaw, Myles Ferris (c), Haydn Ferris, Mark King. Res: Karlheim Naera, Warren Hughes, Adriaan Ferris/Baden Woodman, Joeli Savou, Steve Doherty, Weaver Vagana, Peter Rokotakaua.

Referee: Stu Fluker.