Last season's results can be completely ignored when assessing the chances of Carterton and Pioneer in their Wairarapa-Bush premier division rugby match at Carterton tomorrow.
With Carterton winning the main championship in 2010 and Pioneer finishing at the opposite end of the points table anything other than a decisive Carterton victory
would normally be seen as unthinkable but, in reality, an absolute battle royal is in prospect.
Hugely assisting Carterton's title bid last season was the fact they acquired the services of several talented Pioneer players, all of whom have returned to play for their old club this time round.
A situation which has, of course, greatly strengthened Pioneer and depleted Carterton's resources.
There is no question now that when it comes to attacking flair in the backs Pioneer should have the edge, through the inventiveness of Tipene Haira, Tommy Harmon, Charlie Brown and Joe Papaali, but there is no guarantee that will be enough to see them pick up maximum points.
For those players to shine Pioneer will still need to obtain a reasonable share of possession from the forward exchanges and that won't be easy against a Carterton pack sure to be all fire and brimstone in the tighter areas of the forward game. Spearheaded by evergreen Tomasi Kedrabuka they will have more tall timber in the lineouts and Pioneer could struggle to break even at scrum and maul time, too.
Tactically then the two teams should be worlds apart with Carterton focusing on keeping the ball close to their forwards and Pioneer adopting a more expansive approach. An intriguing contest is in store.
Other premier division matches are:
East Coast v Martinborough at Whareama: East Coast have won three from three and Martinborough have the unenviable task of confronting them on their home track. Martinborough should make a decent game of it up front but it's doubtful whether they will be able to keep the pacy East Coast backs in check.
Gladstone v Marist at Gladstone: Marist will be looking to bounce back from their surprisingly hefty defeat at the hands of East Coast last weekend.
Greytown v Puketoi at Greytown: Whoever wins here will be chalking up their first win of the season.
Featherston v Eketahuna at Featherston: The form book says Eketahuna should win by a country mile and they probably will. However, Featherston did show real grit and determination against Pioneer last Saturday.
