Spillane returns to Greerton

Marist rugby and netball clubs from around the country will converge on Greerton Park this weekend as Greerton Marist host the 82nd Spillane Tournament.

Club president Terry Meredith is pleased the tournament has attracted 29 teams split between rugby and netball.

"We're greatly looking forward to hosting the tournament for the first time since 2005," said Meredith. "This year we probably have double the number of teams we had last time."

He believed the rugby tournament, featuring 20 minute quarters and 26-man squads, will be highly competitive given the stakes.

"It's a catch-up, but the catch-up will happen after the games," said Meredith.

"It'll be extremely competitive with players playing for starting spots for this season."

Meredith, who is unaware of any other similar tournaments contested in New Zealand, expects a near full-strength Auckland Marist side to be among the frontrunners after they missed out on claiming the cup last year.

He was yet to receive team lists but expected some provincial players to be on show.

The Greerton club, formed in 1961 before becoming the first Marist club in the region in 1989, moved to Greerton Park in 1990.

Meredith said the ground's clubrooms will be open on both days, affording views of both the rugby and netball action.

Netball games start at 9am tomorrow, followed by the first of the rugby clashes at 10.30am.

Finals, including promotion and relegation games, will be played on Sunday.

Defending champions

• 
  Spillane Cup: Hutt Old Boys' Marist
• 
  Ham Cuming Cup: Tukapa Rugby & Sports
• 
  Brennan Cup: Wanganui Marist
• 
  Moran Cup (Colts): Auckland Marist
• 
  Liston Cup (Colts): Hamilton Marist
• 
  Netball: Tukapa Senior A
• 
  Spirit award: Greerton Marist