CLUB RUGBY:

Spotswood United co-coach Mitch Williams is taking the positives out of his side’s loss to Southern last weekend as the team prepare to host Coastal in the CMK premier rugby competition on Saturday.

After winning four consecutive matches, Spotswood United fell victim to Southern’s first win of the season in Hawera.

Williams said last weekend’s loss is a wakeup call heading into the opening week of the second round.

“Southern hurt the boys. It was a good grounding and taught the boys not to take anyone lightly coming into this round. Don’t get me wrong, I would have loved the win”, he said.

Williams said he has a lot of respect for competition leaders Coastal, who won the McLeod Shield after the first round.

“We’ve gone back to our structures. It’s been working for us and we have to trust it”.

Coastal co-coach Aaron Fisher said the side is happy and confident, despite losing the last three matches.

“We have had three losses for all different reasons, but it’s given us an opportunity to fix a few things we haven’t really focussed on”, he said.

Fisher is aware of Spotswood United’s set piece and experienced players they have in key positions.

“Hopefully we are in the right position to take them on”, he said.

Fisher identified fullback Troy Stevenson and prop Andrew Trolove as pivotal players for Coastal who have been consistent and stuck to their core roles this year.

In other matches, Stratford/Eltham will host Tukapa at Victoria Park.

Stratford/Eltham bounced back from two consecutive losses to beat Coastal last weekend.

Tukapa has made their way up the competition standings over the last two weeks with strong wins over Clifton and Southern.

The central Taranaki side beat Tukapa in the opening round.

Inglewood will be looking for revenge against Clifton as the two sides face each other at the TET Stadium.

Clifton beat Inglewood in the opening round but as lot has changed in seven weeks.

Two points separate the sides as Clifton has one extra win than Inglewood.

New Plymouth Old Boys will be hoping to secure two wins in a row when they host Southern at Vogeltown Park.

Southern will be full of confidence after picking up their first win of the season last week, but Old Boys will look to continue their form after beating Inglewood.

All matches kick off at 2:45pm.

Article added: Wednesday 15 May 2019