Just three matches remain in the round-robin section of the Alan McEvoy Memorial Trophy competition and the Ponsonby Premiers are looking good to progress to the Gallaher Shield semi-finals for the second consecutive year, which commence on the 13th of July.

The Premiers are currently the leading side in then competition on 19 points, and this Saturday they host the fourth placed side, College Rifles, who will be eager to cement their place amongst the four sides that will be vying for Gallaher Shield play-off spots.

Ponsonby are unbeaten in this round, whilst College Rifles have recorded two wins and two losses. By their own admission, the form shown by the Riflemen in this round has been patchy. They edged Waitemata in the first match in the competition, then they were beaten soundly by Eden and then Marist, and last week they thumped Pakuranga by 41-17. College Rifles will be brimming with confidence after the Pakuranga victory, and they will bring this self-assurance to Western Springs.

Ponsonby and College Rifles last played on the 27th of April at Haast St in Remuera, and the blue and blacks came away with a satisfying 40-20 victory on that occasion. The Ponsonby side will be conscious of the game plan that College Rifles will bring to Western Springs Stadium, and they will want to play the game that has seen them so dominant in this season to date.

The match kicks off at 2.45pm at Western Springs Stadium, with the Ponsonby Premier Development side playing their College Rifles opposites in the curtain-raiser at 12.45pm.

1. Connor Halangahu

2. Joseph Royal

3. Herman Huch

4. Sam Ulufonua

5. Jamie Lane

6. Jonah Mau’u

7. Aleks Dabek (C)

8. Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa (C)

9. Pele Cowley

10. Rocky Khan

11. Danny Tusitala

12. Paul Roache.

13. Tili Puloka

14. Freedom Vaha’akolo

15. John Cooper

16. Saone Vikena

17. Alex Matapo

18. Presley Tufuga

19. McCarthy Cocker-Filikitonga

20. Rilloy Suesue

21. Jeffrey Ierome

22. Noah Mataia

TMSH 210619

Article added: Friday 21 June 2019