Rugby: Hooker seen as key

Mid Northern hope Jason Hammond's return and a huge home crowd will be enough to see them past Mid Western's challenge tomorrow.

The inspirational hooker will settle the young side down, forwards coach Craig Edwards believes, and has been sorely missed since he broke bones in a hand against Kamo last month.

"These young guys are sometimes all over the place and they need someone like 'Hampster' to calm them down when things get a bit tight," Edwards said.

Hammond played 60 minutes for the reserves last week, then went on for the final 20 minutes against Old Boys, and his influence quickly helped seal the win.

The side will be missing Dylan Horn, who injured a knee last week, and David Holwell, who is still nursing a leg injury and in doubt for the final - should they make it.

Derek Carpenter, Will Whetton, and halfback Sonatane Takalua return after missing last week's game.

Mid Northern will also have two sides at home in a big day at the club, with the reserve team winning their competition and hosting Wellsford in their semifinal as a curtainraiser.

Kamo travel to Dargaville to play the Western Sharks in the other reserve-grade semi.

Mid Western impressed against Otamatea last week but must lift mentally to even compete with Mid Northern after they were smashed 61-3 in their last trip to Hukerenui.

If the draw favours Mid Northern, it hurts Wellsford, with the home support at Centennial Park likely to be diluted for their match against Kamo with the two reserve teams playing so far away from each other.

Wellsford will be tested by a big pack and, despite injury concerns, Kamo must rate their chances after they were beaten by just a point in their last match.

Kamo lost three players in their battle last week against Marist but will welcome back Orene Ai'i and probably Bryce Williams.

"We're going to have to pull out a big game if we want to beat Wellsford down there, but we're capable of it and we'll just have to wait and see what happens," Kamo coach John Miller said.

Rene Ranger's return from the Blues will boost Wellsford.