Central BOP prepare for another crack at Stan Meads Cup

STRAIGHT THROUGH: Central Bay of Plenty's Ethan Draper runs the ball in the Stan Meads Cup semifinal against Maniapoto at the Ngongotaha Domain last year. PHOTO/FILE

The Central Bay of Plenty rugby team are looking to build on their most successful season in the Stan Meads Cup.

After being knocked out in the semifinal stage by Maniapoto in 2016, Central BOP won a playoff against Thames Valley B for the Stan Meads Bowl.

Central BOP Rugby administrator Helen Beckett said this was the fifth year the competition had been run and Central had competed in all of them.

"Last year was very successful and that was down to the coaching of Chris Shortall, assisted by Mike Lewis.

"They've got another shot at it this year as well and they still had a good core of players who are still keen to continue where they left off last year," Beckett said.

She said the coaches had been "putting out feelers" to players all season and the squad was beginning to take shape.

This year's competition comprises five teams - Central BOP, Te Awamutu, Hamilton, Piako and Maniapoto.

"We're playing a round robin which makes it a much tidier and cleaner competition.

"It will be five weeks of pool play, with a bye, and then the top two play in the final, which will be played in Te Kuiti at Waiteti."

While other Bay of Plenty sub-union sides will play in the newly formed Baywide Pro 4 series this month, Central had already committed to the Stand Meads Cup.

But, their players will still be considered for the Bay of Plenty Steamers apprenticeship programme.

"The Stan Meads Cup was initiated to give recognition to Stan Meads, obviously Colin's brother, who very much flies below the radar," Beckett said.

"It was also a way of trying to breathe life into what used to be the Peace Cup competition.

"In its day the Peace Cup was like the Ranfurly Shield of today, but it went into hibernation about 10 years ago."

The Peace Cup, which was in danger of becoming non-existent due to a lack of interest, has given the Stan Meads Cup an extra edge, being on the line each week as a challenge prize.

The current holders are Te Awamutu.

"We saw the Stan Meads Cup as another opportunity for our players to play at a higher representative level at the end of their club rugby season.

"It's a really exciting time for us. Stan and Colin, when his health is better, like to come along and watch as well."

Stan Meads played as a lock, No8 and flanker, and scored four tries for New Zealand in 30 games (15 tests) between 1961 and 1966. He played for King Country between 1957 and 1966, when he abruptly announced his retirement to concentrate on his sheep farm near Te Kuiti.

While the competition starts on August 12, Central have the bye and play their first game the following week. During the season they will play home games at Waikite and Marist St Michael's home grounds.

Stan Meads Cup draw:
Home team named first
Kickoff 2.30pm

Saturday, August 12
Maniapoto v Te Awamutu
Hamilton v Piako
CBOP Bye

Saturday, August 19
Piako v CBOP
Hamilton v Maniapoto
Te Awamutu Bye

Saturday, August 26
Te Awamutu v Piako
CBOP v Hamilton (at Marist St Michael's)
Maniapoto Bye

Saturday, September 2
Maniapoto v CBOP
Te Awamutu v Hamilton
Piako Bye

Saturday, September 9
CBOP v Te Awamutu (at Waikite)
Piako v Maniapoto
Hamilton Bye