Super Liquor Waimea Old Boys are one game closer to making it a club three-peat, beating Riwaka 10-7 in the division two semi final on Saturday, booking a spot in the final against defending champions Murchison.
With the division one side and the women’s team winning championships this year, Waimea Old Boys could complete a hat-trick of trophies if the team can get up in Murchison.
Team manager Brent Stewart, who took over the coaching reigns for the weekend, says his side is confident but is well aware of what Murchison possess. “We’re rapt to be here. It wasn’t a pretty semi final and we’re certainly focussed on the prize this weekend,” he says. “They’re a formidable side and they came out all guns blazing at the start so we’ll just have to combat the onslaught and block out the crowd. This is what we’ve been aiming for all year.”
Waimea Old Boys and Murchison finished just one point apart at the top of the division two standings and head-to-head they have beaten each other once already this season. “We are pretty well even matched but finals rugby is another step up. We’ve got a lot of younger guys who haven’t played finals football before so we’ll have to rely on the experienced heads.”
With the senior A side and the women’s team both finished for the season Brent admits the banter has died down but the pressure was still there to be the third and final team to win a championship.
Another large crowd is expected for the clash with the entire Murchison town getting behind their rugby team, but Brent was hoping to get some more Waimea fans down there to cheer the visitors on. “We’re trying to put on a second bus for supporters if we can get the right numbers.”
To express interest in traveling to Murchison, contact club secretary Aleisha Hart on 027 600 0667.
