“We're feeling grounded but also excited. We just need to keep building phases, hold on to the ball — so that the opposition can't score — and control what we can.”
That kind of thinking, that detachment, has been invaluable to YMP. Their passion and strength, allied to this calmness, makes them dangerous.
Captain and rake Shayde Skudder has the respect of all across the board, as does OBM skipper Rikki Terekia.
That Terekia has been able to move from hooker to second-five according to need is proof that OBM hold together up front as well as anyone else going.
And they are delighted to have first five-eighth Austin Brown back from injury.
Keanu Taumata will play on the blindside, Blake Beard will be the fetcher and hard-hitting George Whakatope will be No.8.
Their battle in the loose with YMP counterparts Stuart Leach, Niko Lauti and Jesse Kapene will be rousing stuff.
Barry Park has been good for YMP this season, as have the grounds at the Oval, Paddy's Park and Te Karaka for all premier and senior 1 sides who have used them. They have held up well.
YMP and OBM will have Mark Greene as their referee at Barry Park tomorrow, with assistants Neville Barwick and Bruce Amai.
The referee for Larsawn Ngatapa versus GT Shearing Waikohu at Paddy's Park will be Les Thomas, with assistant referees Ray Young and Hona Huriwai.
In charge of Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates versus HSOB at the Oval will be Ben Holt to be assisted by Terry Reeves and Barry Shirley.
Ngatapa: Campbell Chrisp, Ihaia Kerr, Taylor Howatson, Grant Law, Jack Fuller, Dan Law (captain), James Law, James Hughes-Lock, Michael Livingston, Ricardo Patricio, Sunia Tawakecokocoko, Te Pirihi Puke-Riki, Jake Malbon, Nashwen Mouton, Mathew Raleigh. Reserves: Zach Pell, Sione Ngatu, Jack Twigley, Sam McDell, Karl Hutchins-Mackie, Tom Stewart, Waisale Kubunameca.
Waikohu: Toru Noanoa, Geoff Pari, Tulsa Kaui, TK Tane, Te Mana Barbarich, James Rutene, Kupu Lloyd, Tristan Morten, Ruan du Plooy, Tane McGuire (c), Jordan Christie, Jacob Leaf, Tione Hubbard, KC Wilson, Moses Christie. Reserves: Michael Tane, Adrian Wyrill, Tapu Dixon, Roy Horo, Mario Counsell, Poumanu Reeves, Punch Noanoa.
Ymp: Nehe Papuni, Shayde Skudder (c), Dylan Williams, Rocky Monika, Isaiah Leach, Stuart Leach, Niko Lauti, Jesse Kapene, Ra Broughton, Kayleb Te Whare, Genesis Bartlett-Tamatea, Te Peehi Fairlie, Jayden Milner, Matt Rutene, Andrew Tauatevalu. Reserves: Lewy Fleming, Seth Lundon, Te Irirangi Maxwell, Callan Whaitiri-White, Brian Whaitiri-White, Mitchell Purvis, Tharin Cox-Peratiaki.
OBM: Jayme Barnett, Ngahiwi Manuel, Juston Allen, Duran Smith, Harawira Kahukura, Keanu Taumata, Blake Beard, George Whakatope, Cruz Hinaki, Austin Brown, Rangi Hinaki, Rikki Terekia (c), De-Villa Pirihi-Coutts, Hemokai Aupouri-Akuhata, Te Aho Morice. Reserves: Dion Aupouri, Tavite Ikavesa, Jakob Teneti, Leroy Taiapa, Shaquaid Hihi, Dayne Williams, Evan Bryant, Jordan Kingi, Jale Tiko.
High School Old Boys: James Jenkins, James Moore, Salesi Niuvao, Tanielu Misikosi, Daniel Tamanui, Fletcher Scammell, Zane Boyle, Tamanui Hill (c), Bryan Howard, Scott Tallott, Isaiah Lemua, Cory Reihana, Von Huata, Marshall Jones, Matt Proffit. Reserves: Michael Watterson, Jacob Hatton, Hayden Walters-Stuart, Rama Kingi-Te Are, Konnor Gibson, Viliami Kavai.
Pirates: To be confirmed.
