It’s a pure fight for position with a little nod to recent history in the Pa on Saturday, as the home town boys are determined to do themselves justice against a team riding high on long overdue success.

With unbeaten Tasman Tanning Premier points table leaders Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau taking the last bye of the first round, with the Paul Mitchell Cup and Barracks Challenge Shield in their coffers, the four sides on the congested standings underneath them want to get crucial track position as the race for a home semifinal or even qualifying begins in earnest.

The old rivals Waverley Harvesting Border and Byfords Readimix Taihape will resume their east vs west battle at Dallison Park, while at the Pa, Tāmata Hauhā Rātana prepare for Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist in a rematch of one of 2024’s great club games.

Back in the top flight for the first time since 2019, Rātana met Marist in the final round robin fixture in a battle of fifth vs fourth last June, and got home 22-19 when current skipper Brooklyn Herewini smashed his way over to score with five minutes left - leapfrogging his team over a gutted Marist into the semfiinals.

This year, Rātana have been a little uneven, getting the only on-field victory over Marton before their sabbatical while staging a remarkable comeback to draw with Border, but then in consecutive games seeing potential victories over Taihape and Kaierau slip away in the final minutes.

Marist, meanwhile, have likewise had a tough opening round, but it was all worth it when they defeated Border last weekend at Spriggens Park 26-24, for their first victory over the South Taranaki team in six years.

Appreciating Marist’s confidence boost, Rātana co-manager Tyson Tauri is expecting yet another willing clash in a very competitive season where there are now few blowouts.

“Everyone’s feeling good, obviously a couple of key injuries with old fella Leon getting injured in the Kaierau game, he could be out for a little bit.”

The 47-year-old club legend Leon Mason, 62 Steelform Whanganui and two NZ Heartland XV games, is part of the senior contingent including players like Marius Joseph and incumbent Whanganui prop Kereti Tamou looking to support a very fast and talented Rātana backline.

“It’s always good having those older guys in the team, just to boost the boys and give them a bit of confidence, especially going against a Marist team that’s quite young as well,” said Tauri.

“Obviously the boys are wanting to get over the line and get that ‘W’.”

Herewini, first-five Te Atawhai Mason, and fullback Rangi Kui have great talent with ball in hand, but the team has lacked somewhat in building sustained momentum, especially at the sharp end of their recent games.

“A lot of it is learning, especially when it comes to penalties and you don’t need penalties,” said Tauri.

“Just having a little bit of that composure and discipline when it really counts, but the boys are really juiced up to finally get over that line.”

The 16th man in their corner is always the Pa faithful, who will park the cars up on the sidelines to cheer on their team.

“It’s good to see too, we had similar support last year, so it’s good to see that supports back in our community again,” said Tauri.

“Anything can happen on a Saturday.”

Draw

May 17th, 2:35 pm kickoffs

Marist vs Border, Spriggens Park; Rātana vs Marist, Pa (Challenge Shield). Bye: Kaierau.
 

By Jared Smith