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Manurewa and Waiuku Brian James Contracting will play for the Pat Walsh Memorial Trophy in this week’s Counties Power Game of the Week at Mountfort Park 1.

Waiuku are feeling the physical effects after their solid performance against Patumahoe Hotel in their Challenge Cup Premier fixture last weekend. Even though they fell short 23-6, they put up a big fight.

Head coach Jimmy Robinson said it was a great battle, but unfortunately they picked up some injuries along the way.

“We got a few niggles and knocks. It will be a light training this week. Our captain Joseph Gregory got a knock to the sternum and we don’t think he is going to be right. We may also be without our vice captain as well. Joe Dawson, our halfback, he injured his shoulder so our physio will definitely be working overtime this week to try and get those guys right by Saturday.”

Robinson credited his forward pack for their strong performance against Patumahoe last weekend and he’s pleased to see some of the reserves players stepping up well at Premier level. He’s expecting a tough challenge from Manurewa.

“They are always physical and good ball runners. They play with a lot of width and they like to spread it wide to the backs. We need to make sure our defence structures are set up well because we know they are a dangerous side.”

Like Waiuku, Manurewa will be right up for the challenge and they know they have a lot to play for with the Pat Walsh Memorial trophy on the line.

Assistant coach Josh Levi admits they suffered a few injuries during last weekend’s loss to Bombay Gough Cat.

“We will be without our halfback, Carlos Atutolu. We got a couple of injuries in a couple of key positions. Carlos got injured in the first 10 minutes of the game against Bombay. We were really disappointed with that result. It was 33-0 at half time. We had a really poor start. The positive thing is that we scored three tries in the second half and we outscored Bombay. We need to work on starting better.”

“We want to hold on to the Pat Walsh Memorial trophy. For us it’s a big motivator. From a coach’s perspective, we are actually starting to see our side click in our structures which is a real positive. This week’s game against Waiuku will be a real test of our character and attitude.”

Make sure to be at Mountfort Park 1 at 2:45pm on Saturday to watch this week’s Counties Power Game of the Week between Manurewa and Waiuku Brian James Contractors Premiers. It will also be a great opportunity to celebrate the life of Pat Walsh.

Photo Credit: Richard Spranger