For consistency, it is difficult to look beyond Hunterville when surveying prospects for the 2013 Wanganui senior club rugby championship which starts on April 6.
The statistical facts stick out like a giant neon sign - Tasman Tanning champions for four years and Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield winners sincethe series started five years ago.
Power Farming (PN) Hunterville have had some close finals in winning five titles since 2007 - the one that got away was losing 12-11 at home to Tech in the 2008 semis - but have built a remarkable record since 2007.
It was 11-7 v Marist A in the 2007 final, 14-7 v Ruapehu in 2009 and 17-16 v the same opponents in 2010 and 16-10 v Pirates last year.
In 94 games in six years, they have had just eight losses and two draws. They are unbeaten in 29 games in the past two seasons and haven't lost at home in four years. Their only two defeats at home in six campaigns were 11-10 to Marist A in 2007 and 12-11 to Tech in the 2008 semis.
Despite talk at times of the club moving up to the premiers, Hunterville say they lack enough front rowers for that grade. They last played premiers in 2001 (as Pourewa, combined with Marton) and on their own in 1996.
Hunterville start defending the Stihl Shield with home games against Ruapehu (April 6) and Marist (April 13). Strongest opposition should come from Trans Pacific Pirates, Tech, Counties, Celtic, Marist and Ruapehu.
