Seddon Shield goes on the line in Motueka
The Marlborough under-52kg side at their final training. Photos Peter Jones.
A highly-motivated, well-trained group of young rugby players are poised to continue Marlborough’s run of success at the under-52kg primary school tournament in Motueka this week.
The event, widely-acknowledged as the country’s longest-running rugby tournament, started today, with Marlborough meeting West Coast first up. Tomorrow they face Golden Bay Motueka, then Buller on Wednesday. Marlborough have a bye on Thursday before taking on arch rivals Nelson on Friday.
Last year the coveted Seddon Shield remained in Marlborough hands after the young Red Devils blazed an unbeaten path through the tournament, which was held in Hokitika.
The previous year they shared the trophy with Nelson in Buller.
The Marlborough team is: Fionn Heagney, Theo Large, Zavier McDonald, Thomas Andrews, Phoenix St George, Andrew Moli, Adam van Gruenen, Cooper Murray, Marshall Coles, Tom Heagney, Louis Hickman, Jade Joseph, Cyrus Prestage, Jack Wickens, Ash Murrell, Chey Wirepa, Tom Dunne, Toby Rose, Harry Robertson, Dylan Gifford.
Returning from last year’s victorious side are: Fionn Heagney, Jack Wickens, Zavier McDonald, Jade Joseph and Louis Hickman.
Management: Glenn Blackmore, Paddy Dowling, Kieran Hickman.