HSOB keen to end season strongly

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HIGH School Old Boys are out of contention for a spot in the Lee Bros Shield playoffs but coach Jamie Hutana says he wants his side to finish the season well, starting with tomorrow’s premier game against Waikohu at Te Karaka.

The defending champions’ hopes of retaining their title ended when OBM sealed fourth spot.

“Waikohu are unbeaten this season, hold the Challenge Cup and are 100 to 1 favourites, but we’ll prepare as best we can and are determined to finish the season strongly,” the Earthwork Solutions HSOB coach said.

“It’s been a tough season but the next two games are about pride and loyalty to each other as teammates. Last week (HSOB beat second-placed YMP 31-30) showed we have some depth with some young guys and a couple of older guys who have a lot of passion for the team and the club.”

Hutana said it had been a challenging season.

“Sport, whether you’re playing or coaching, is challenging and that’s why we play and why we coach.

“It tests you and your ability as a person and a coach.

“There are some neat young men in this team and club, and as a coach I want to see the best for them on the field and off the field.

“We’ll finish the season then review it.”

Hutana could have No.8 Siosiua Moala and openside flanker Stefan Destounis for tomorrow’s match, after they missed last week’s game.

“Stefan and Siua were carrying injuries from the previous games, which ruled them out,” Hutana said.

“I’m hoping they’ll be fit for this weekend.”

GT Shearing Waikohu coach Jason Tuapawa said his players wanted to carry the momentum from winning their past 10 matches, into the playoffs.

“Having said that, I’m going to rest some players carrying niggling injuries, but I don’t expect any drop in the standards we’ve set,” Tuapawa said.

Charteris Choppers Athletic (second bottom) and Roseland Tavern Tapuae (bottom) are scheduled to meet in a Wairoa derby, which should be a cracker.

Both have struggled this season, and defaulted games due to a shortage of players, but both will be keen to showcase their talent, with the game being televised.