Rugby: Will Lamborn's 100th be an omen for Read's?

Villagers Kingpin: Sam Lamborn will play his 100th match for the Havelock North premier rugby team today. Photo/Warren Buckland

It couldn't be more appropriate for Sam Lamborn to be playing his 100th match for the Havelock North premier rugby team on the same day captain Kieran Read chalks up the ton for the All Blacks.

In the absence of retired loosie Luke Ottley and his brother and former Hurricane Tony Lamborn with international commitments or injury, Lamborn, 33, has become the kingpin in Havelock's loose forward trio. In other words he has much influence on the villagers as Read has on the ABs.

"I didn't realise it was Kieran's 100th. Hopefully it proves to be a lucky omen for both of us and both of our teams finish the day with wins," Lamborn said after Progressive Meats Havelock North's final training session for today's seventh round Tui Maddison Trophy encounter against K9 Petfoods Clive at Anderson Park.

It's a match the sixth-placed villagers must win to keep their faint hopes of securing a semifinal berth alive. Waitaki Boys' High School product Lamborn, who made his debut for Havelock North in 2008, is rapt they are hosting Clive.

Of his four Maddison Trophy title wins in 2008, 10, 12 and 14, Lamborn ranked the 08 one as the most memorable.

"Clive who had beaten us [19-14] two weeks earlier took us on in the final. We beat them [31-13] in the final and they were pretty gutted."

"I've got high hopes we can win this week and stay on track for the semifinals. We beat Clive [21-17] in the first round when we were in a similar position on the points table at the time and we ended up second.

"I've heard Clive could have Karl [Lowe] and Tiaan [Falcon] so it won't be easy."

Lamborn, who runs Dundeal Building Limited, admitted it hasn't been an easy season for the villagers who have been Maddison Trophy finalists during six of the eight seasons he has played for the team.

"We've got a young team which is rebuilding and it took a while for the youngsters to catch on to what the coaches wanted. But they are all starting to grow up and learn their roles, particularly how to finish a game. They've learnt it is still possible to have 20-point leads and lose games . . . at premier level you have to play for the full 80."

It has been a sharp contrast to when he first joined the villagers.

"Back then we had a lot of depth and I was often starting ahead of our Magpies. They couldn't attend a lot of trainings or didn't do what the coaches wanted so I got a lot of starts."

A 2014 national amateur jiu-jitsu champion and 2015 Kings of Club rugby boxing bout winner against Napier Old Boys Marist's Terry Marsh, Lamborn is grateful for the coaching he received from Simon Halford when he first linked up with the villagers.

"Cowboy [Halford's nickname] is one of the best forward coaches around. He doesn't say much and is quietly spoken but what he says is bang on and he is fair as well."

Lamborn, who experienced a winning debut for the villagers, 18-15 against Taradale, and a winning 50th outing, 31-8 against Central in 2011, has an extra incentive to help Havelock earn a semifinal. This will be his last season with the team.

"My wife Shelley is into her hockey and it's time for me to go and watch her. It will also give me more time to take our three daughters hunting."

Lamborn coaches the Havelock North Slayers seventh grade team which his daughter Eve plays for.

"She is one of three girls in our team which is playing tackle for the first time. The girls got a bit spooked by some bigger boys early on but they're starting to play well now . . . the ball got passed through the entire backline last weekend which was good."

One of Havelock's "Mr Nice Guys" off the field, Lamborn is totally different on the paddock. He will have to be today or his brother, who will also play today, will give him a bit of stick.

Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist first five-eighth Johnny Lauano will play his 150th game for the side when they meet Ansin & Montieth Hastings Rugby and Sports at Elwood Park. Halfback Jayden Rihia will play his 50th game for the hosts who are expected to use world championship-winning Baby Blacks No 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u in an impact role.

Other games will see Tamatea host Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports at Bill Mathewson Park, Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical host MAC at Whitmore Park and Carters Frame and Truss Taradale host Northfuels Central at Tareha Recreation Reserve.

With the wet weather a factor expect Clive to win by nine, NOBM by 11, Pirate by 12, Tech by nine and Taradale by seven.