Hautapu v Hamilton Marist – 2023’s top two sides of our Premier Club Rugby Competition will go head-to-head this Saturday afternoon at Memorial Park. What awaits the victors is the famous Waikato Draught Breweries Shield and come late afternoon it will be either the green & white of Hamilton Marist, or the red & white of Hautapu lifting it aloft in celebration of a successful 2023.

Both sides put on comprehensive performances last weekend in challenging conditions to advance to the big dance. Hautapu had the luxury of playing at home in front of their home crowd vs Hamilton Old Boys, while Hamilton Marist had to make the bus trip out to face a confident Te Awamutu Sports. Hautapu swept aside Hamilton Old Boys 33-20 while Hamilton Marist bossed Te Awamutu Sports upfront winning 43-19.

Nothing has separated the two teams this season. While Hamilton Marist have not lost to Hautapu in 2023, both of those victories were within four points. In May Marist travelled to Cambridge and picked up a tough 25-22 victory and backed that up a fortnight ago this time at home winning 25-21. Hautapu will be out with a point to prove and look to pick up their first & biggest win over Hamilton Marist in 2023.

Both sides will be guided around the field by their inspirational first five eights in Kaea Hongara for Hautapu, and Wharenui Hawera for Hamilton Marist. In the midfield Jason Thomasen for Hautapu will shape up against 100 gamer Dylan Bower for Marist, Hautapu’s Scottish big man Hamilton Burr will be a dominant force up front and will face tough opposition in Sam Pou – the big second rower from Hamilton Marist.

The season decider will be refereed by premier referee Ben Woolerton, who suits up for what will be his first Breweries Shield Premiership Final and his 50^th Premier match. He will be assisted on the touch line by Ben Brownlie & Josh Bull in a special occasion for the match officials’ team.

For those who cannot make it to Memorial Park on Saturday afternoon, Waikato Rugby will be live streaming the fixture live on their Waikato Rugby Facebook page. Tune in from 2.30pm Saturday afternoon for their build up. Commentary brought to you by Mintie Mead and David Fox.

Article added: Wednesday 12 July 2023