Appliance Shed Fox Memorial Premiership

Appliance Shed Fox Memorial Premiership

The game everyone involved in Auckland league has been waiting for is finally here.

After clashing in a rain-soaked and brutal Appliance Shed Fox Memorial Grand Final last year, the Pt Chevalier Pirates and Mt Albert Lions will go head-to-head once again, with the winner to assume the outright lead of the competition.

Both teams are tied at the top right now with a perfect eight from eight record, and haven’t looked like losing all season.

The talent in the respective forward packs is outstanding, with ex-NRL players and local legends everywhere.

The Mt Albert big-boppers are led by former Junior Warrior Eddie Purcell, who is being helped along by NSW Cup tried and tested players Tulson Caird and Jarrod Tua.

The Pirates have a constantly changing roster, but the quality of their depth is undoubted.

In the last couple of weeks former New Zealand Warriors and Melbourne Storm second-rower Wairangi Koopu has been turning out for them, and by all accounts still has what it takes to play club rugby league at the highest level.

Other standouts in the pack for the Pirates have been Tevita Latu, Herman Retzlaff, Arden McCarthy and captain Dylan Moses.

The early advantage is with Pt Chevalier who will host this one at a packed Walker Park.

The Pirates leak an average of only 12 points per match, and Lions halfback Cody Walker will have to be at his absolute best if they hope to break down their old foes this weekend.

An intense rivalry between two tough and skilful sides means Walker Park is the only place to be this Saturday from 2.30pm.

In the other Fox games this weekend Papakura travel to Northcote to take on a Tigers side who are getting back to full strength after a string of injuries.

Glenora and Otahuhu face off at Harold Moody Park and Howick host the youthful Mangere East Hawks.

Big changes are happening at Richmond, with Bernie Perenara taking over from Ming Mafoe as the head coach of the struggling Bulldogs.

Whether the players can respond and register their first win of 2014 against the Marist Saints remains to be seen, but with captain Karl Simeti leading the way the Doggies can’t be taken lightly.

Northcote v Papakura – Birkenhead War Memorial – 2.30pm - #FoxNorthcotePapakura

Glenora v Otahuhu – Harold Moody Park – 2.30pm - #FoxGlenoraOtahuhu

Marist v Richmond – Murray Halberg Park – 2.30pm - #FoxMaristRichmond

Howick v Mangere East – Paparoa Park – 2.30pm - #FoxHowickMangereEast

Pt Chev v Mt Albert – Walker Park – 2.30pm - #FoxPtChevMtAlbert

Appliance Shed Fox Memorial Premiership ladder

SAS Sharman Cup

Bay Roskill v East Coast Bays – Blockhouse Bay – 2.30pm

Ellerslie v Te Atatu – Ellerslie Domain – 2.30pm

Papatoetoe v Manurewa – Kohuora Park – 2.30pm

New Lynn v Manukau – Lawson Park – 2.30pm

Waitemata v Otara – Ranui Domain – 2.30pm

SAS Sharman Cup ladder

Mandron Masonry Phelan Shield

Pukekohe v Ponsonby – Nga Hau E Wha Sports Ground – 2.30pm

Navy v Glenfield – Ngataringa Bay – 2.30pm

Hibiscus Coast v Mt Wellington – Stanmore Bay – 2.30pm

Pakuranga Bye

Mandron Masonry Phelan Shield ladder

ENDS

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