29 Nov 2019
This weekend will see the 5th round of Soffe Cup take place. With things
becoming tighter for those coveted semi-final places, every single point will be
fiercely contested.
Pukekura will be at home, facing South Combined. This is a top of the
table clash, which could see the unbeaten Pukekura team seriously challenged.
With the strong pairing of Abby Ross and Jorja Symes in the top two positions
for South Combined, it is important Pukekura’s Nikayla Barnard and Ella Rogers
are available to meet this challenge. South Combined’s men will have to
play above themselves to trouble the likes of David Barnard and Caleb Fleming
especially when Hamish Mead is unavailable this Saturday. However, it is
sport being played at a high level and form sheets are only a record of the
past; the future may hold upsets.
Oakura will play host to an improving Stratford. Having performed so well
against South Combined last week, Stratford will be looking to post their first
win of the season. With the likes of Michael Boland and Grant Kite
continuing to record doubles and singles wins, anything is possible. Courtney
Tippett is always a wild card who could post a win also. Of course, Oakura
will have other ideas. Having taken a rest last weekend, it is likely
Graeme Mitchell will return for Oakura this weekend. If he is joined by
the unflappable Jaime Simpson, it could prove a tough day for Stratford’s men.
The last Soffe fixture of the weekend will see Huatoki at home to Rotokare.
Coming off a heavy loss last week, Huatoki will be looking for improvement from
all of its players. It is also important for the team to remain
philosophical. Murray Keast is a wonderful servant of the Huatoki club but
playing number 2 at 58 years old is a big ask especially when he could
potentially meet a player of the calibre of Blair Crowley or Will Roberts.
Huatoki could really use the speedy recovery of their usual top men’s player
Jayden Harrison. Harrison is hoping for the corrective surgery needed to
be fast-tracked so he can get back to playing this season. Unfortunately,
this does not help Huatoki in the present, who will have to play very well to
have any chance.
In the Wilson Trophy, South Combined host Inglewood, Rotokare welcome Oakura and
Waitara are at home to Pukekura.
In the Sumpter Trophy, South Combined play Pukekura at Manaia and Oakura take on Huatoki in Oakura.