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Ardmore Marist Harcourt’s Premier Reserves take on Bombay Pokeno Bacon in the Counties Power Game of the Week at Bruce Pulman Park 2 on Saturday.

Saturday will be a big occasion for the Ardmore Marist club, as they celebrate 20 years since the two clubs merged. Ardmore Marist Harcourt’s currently sit at the top of the Premier Reserves Pool B table, just four points clear of Bombay Gough Cat.

Ardmore Marist coach Josh Raisun confirmed his side pulled through ok after their convincing win over Te Kauwhata last weekend.

“It was a great result considering we have had quite a few injuries in the last few weeks. In the game against Te Kauwhata we had both our captain and vice-captain out with injury. So I basically said to the bench guys that it was their chance to step up and make the most of it, and they did.”

Raisun said they need to get one back off Bombay this weekend because the last time they played, Bombay gave them a reality check.

“They gave us a whopping last time. We will need to be on our game, it will be a huge occasion. Bombay are a good side and a strong side. Everything is on us to get the job done. The whole day will be big for the club as we will have all the families, wives and girlfriends and former players in attendance, the boys can’t wait.”

Ardmore Marist has a strong forward pack and their scrummaging has been going very well this season, so they will be hoping that continues against Bombay this weekend.

Bombay Gough Cat had a close call against Patumahoe over the weekend, winning in the dying stages. Coach Marty Robson said they picked up one big injury concern after that match.  

“Our vice-captain and lock Rangi Martin took a knock to the hand and there is a possibility he could have broken it. He would be a huge loss if we don’t have him on Saturday. We will know more in the next few days.”

Robson has credited his loose forward trio of Shem Setu, David O’Connell and Pat Boardman, who have been impressive so far this season.

“They do a lot of hard work for us at the breakdown and our scramble on defence has been really good. Our backs are also starting to gel. We have quite a few young guys in the back but they are getting better each week. The attitude of our boys this season has been great. We have a good core group who are there every week and we get a few other guys coming up and down from Prems.”

Bombay’s defence has been their strength this season and Robson said keeping it tight will again be key against Ardmore Marist this weekend.

Make sure to be at Bruce Pulman Park CM 2 at 1:00pm on Saturday to watch the Premier Reserves fixture between Ardmore Marist Harcourt’s and Bombay Gough Cat in the Counties Power Game of the Week.

Photo Credit: Richard Spranger