Junior Red Devils aim for five Seddon Shield wins in a row

The Marlborough under-52kg rugby team headed for Nelson today intent on maintaining this province’s proud recent record at the nation’s longest-running interprovincial rugby tournament.

The annual Seddon Shield under 52kg primary school tournament will be staged in Nelson from Monday to Friday, June 30-July 4.

The tournament, conceived in 1933, is held each year on a rotational basis in one of the various district centres – Marlborough, Nelson, Golden Bay-Motueka, West Coast and Buller. Marlborough has been far and away the most successful union over the past nine decades, winning or sharing the title on 48 occasions.

In 2021 they shared top honours with Nelson, but have triumphed in the ensuing three tournaments since, including a win on home turf last year.

Guiding the team as it endeavours to retain the shield will be head coach Kyle Heagney, himself a former junior Red Devil in 1990. He will be assisted by Elliot Robinson, another ex-Marlborough primary school rep, Mako women’s player Courtney Finau, plus manager Jimmy Giles.

The Junior Red Devils head west with a strong team, boasting seven players returning from last year’s squad.

“With seven returning players we of course have expectations that we want to win the title. The new players that have come in have been fantastic – some were unlucky to miss out last year as year seven players but now it is their opportunity to shine,” said Kyle.

First up the team meet hosts Nelson, a quirk of the long-term draw, but Kyle is not about to focus on just one match.

“In recent years Nelson and Golden Bay have been a little bit stronger than Buller and West Coast but you have got to beat every team to win the Seddon Shield so we will certainly not be taking any team lightly. Because it is age group you never know what a team may have year on year so we have got to turn up, prepare well and be up for each game.”

Kyle says there are some nerves among the players but there is a definite air of excitement throughout the group.

“Some of the players have older brothers who have played in this tournament so there is some pressure internally to match their brothers … some others are year sevens who are hoping to have two years in this team … they all want to make the most of the opportunity.”    

Two girls were named in the original side, Moutere forward Brooklyn Heyward and Waitohi winger Paige Aitchison. Unfortunately, a collar bone injury has ruled Brooklyn out although she will travel with the side as support crew.

The Marlborough team: Noah Litt*, Kobie Stewart-Smith (co-captain)*, Charlie Bromwich, Mason Chapman*, Jock Murphy, Vander Bates, Will Dunne, Buster Ford*, Hunter Giles, Freddie Heagney (co-captain)*, Gus Scott, Toby Johnson, Harlen Nicholson*, Ryan Batty, Jairus Tikotikoca-Lal*, Max Harris, Tayor McKenzie, Hadley MacDonald, Archie Bray, Paige Aitchison. Coach Kyle Heagney, assistant coaches Elliot Robinson and Courtney Finau, manager Jimmy Giles.  * returning players.

Marlborough’s schedule

Monday (June 30) Marlborough v Nelson

Tuesday (July 1) Marlborough v West Coast

Wednesday (July 2) Marlborough a bye

Thursday (July 3) Marlborough v Buller

Friday (July 4) Marlborough v Golden Bay Motueka