SUB UNION RUGBY by KATEE SHANKS
Since 1901 teams from Bay of Plenty, Hamilton and King Country have contested the coveted Peace Cup.
But an Eastern Bay sub-union side has never made finals play.
Granted, the side's involvement has only been within the past decade, but this Saturday management is hoping history will be made with a win against Te Awamutu in front of a home crowd.
Blue Chip Eastern Bay manager Karl Thomas said his team made the semi finals two years ago but an intercept try to Te Awamutu in the last minute of the game stopped all hopes of a spot in the final.
"We're hoping to turn it round this weekend but know we have to play a good game to win," Thomas said. "Although we beat Hamilton last weekend, the boys did not get off to a good start and we turned over a lot of ball."
He said plenty of homework had been done during the past week and Te Awamutu were expected to field a strong side.
"Their hooker Jamie Muir has had a blinder of a season and captain Kerry Eynon is another outstanding player."
Thomas said the Eastern Bay side had gone from strength to strength after an early season win over East Coast and there was great team spirit.
"We have pretty even representation from the club teams instead of eight or ten from one and turn outs at training have been awesome."
Disappointingly Gene Peterson and Thomas Haney are not available for Saturday's clash due to Bay development commitments and two Te Teko players will also be absent because of a Rosebowl game.
"We are hoping trophy games can be played on a Sunday next season so Eastern Bay players can make it to all the games."
Aside from the unavailable players, the team remains the same.
Rumour has it a good crowd is expected at Rugby Park for the 2pm game.
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