Western Heights full of self-belief

TRY TIME: Western Heights High School 1st XV player Brodie Woods and his side will be looking to retain the Te Kani Shield this weekend. PHOTO/FILE

Western Heights High School 1st XV will look to keep hold of the Te Kani Shield in the second round of the competition today.

The side take on Bethlehem College 1st XV at home - opponents they beat earlier in the season.

Western Heights High School go into the game after a successful end to the first round with a close-fought win over Te Whare Kura o Mauao, also defending the Dick Little John Trophy they won last year.

Coach Steve Smith said he was confident although the team must be wary of Bethlehem College's kicking game.

"We have a lot of confidence in the squad at the moment but every game the shield is up for grabs so teams will raise the standards," he said.

"I know we will definitely have to tighten up our defensive patterns because Bethlehem use the kick a lot.

"We are strong in the scrum and lineout so I want to see solid displays in those areas too."

Prop TJ Scheepers has been outstanding in defence all year whilst back Brodie Woods has been lethal in attack.

In the number10 jersey Bailey Gordon's tactical kicking and decision-making always kept his opposition on the back foot.

Bethlehem College on the other hand have a dominating forward pack well led by Bay of Plenty U18 captain Nico Aandewil and will also benefit from the return of Matt Leppard from injury.

There are still six more rounds of pool play before semis and finals for the prestigious Te Kani Shield after this weekend.

Smith said he was eager for the side to start a legacy in the competition which had been dominated in recent history by Rotorua Boys' High School.

"A few teams apart from Rotorua have had their hands on the title but they held it for such a long time," he said.

"It's now completely up for grabs and any one of the teams left could snatch it.

"I'm hoping we can start our own legacy in the competition because we have the quality to do so."

-The game is at Western Heights High School No1 field at 12pm.