Corinthians vs Harlequins Preview
30th May 2011 05:18PM
By Hamish Forsman
The top players in Waikato club rugby will be on show in Matamata this Wednesday for an invitational match between Corinthians and Harlequins.
The game at Bedford Park is effectively a trial match as players will look to stake their claim for a spot in Chris Gibbes’ 2011 Waikato ITM Cup squad, due to be announced in early July.
Players have been selected on form and potential as the Waikato coaching staff looks to develop depth ahead of what promises to be a tough ITM Cup campaign. The competitions new look schedule to accommodate the World Cup sees Waikato play their 10 round robin games in just six weeks.
Corinthians are the local kindred club of Matamata and president Bryan Scott is very proud that the club has been chosen to host such an important fixture.
He also said it is fitting that the team will be led out by a familiar face.
“The Corinthians captain for Wednesday night’s game is Alex Bradley, a local Matamata lad. He has played many games for the Corinthians before and has been our captain a number of times.”
The match is a rare senior fixture for Corinthians whose only annual game is against Thames Valley, with their focus more on the junior rugby in Matamata.
Harlequins club captain Lance Fletcher is also looking forward to the occasion after being approached by the Waikato Rugby Union to use the prestigious Harlequins colours.
“Harlequins is reserved for players who have played, refereed or coached at the highest level. We usually only have teams play in Harlequins colours once or twice a year.”
Harlequins are most well known in the Waikato for their under 17 team which they pick from players who miss selection on Waikato under 16 and under 18 teams. They have a good record of developing the slower maturing players onto higher levels.
Fletcher says several Harlequins board members will be present for the intriguing matchup of aspiring ITM Cup players.
The Corinthians squad will be coached by Greg Smith and Kent Currie, while Howie King and Johnny Walters will be in charge of the Harlequins squad.
The match kicks off at 6.30pm.
Squads: (subject to change)
CORINTHIANS: Forwards: Latu Talakai (Fraser-Tech), Dan Towler (Old Boys), Marcel Cummings-Toone (University), Ted Tauroa (Otorohanga), Richard Johnston (Fraser-Tech), Toby Lynn (Te Rapa), Colin Cooper (Fraser-Tech), Zak Hohneck (Otorohanga), Alex Bradley (Morrinsville Sports), Whetu Douglas (University), Josh Tyrell (Hamilton Marist), Murray Iti (Old Boys), Sione Taufa (University). Backs: Malcolm Barnes (Old Boys), Joe Reynolds (Hamilton Marist), Bauro Kairaoi (Hautapu), Rena Schuster (Old Boys), Mark Murray (Te Awamutu Sports), Jimmy Horsford (Melville), Kane Adams (Old Boys), Troy Lobendahn (Old Boys), Thomas Bird (Old Boys), Leon Emery (Te Awamutu Sports), Maru Henry (Fraser-Tech).
HARLEQUINS: Forwards: Jason Church (Old Boys), Jamie Vette (Fraser-Tech), Vance Elliott (Old Boys), Andre Ellison (Old Boys), Simon Kay (Te Awamutu Sports), Josh Olsen (Old Boys), Chris Middleton (Te Awamutu Sports), Jono Armstrong (Te Awamutu Sports), Joe Scheres (Fraser-Tech), Rory Grice (Otorohanga), Pene Iowane (Fraser-Tech), Adrian Hall (Fraser-Tech), Paul Sweeney (Morrinsville Sports). Backs: Jono Malo (Hamilton Marist), Sam Christie (Fraser-Tech), Navi Sikivou (Fraser-Tech), Brett O’Connor (Melville), Steve Ketu (Hamilton Marist), Inoke Tuibua (Te Awamutu Sports), Nathan Lamb (Fraser-Tech), Matt Cameron (Fraser-Tech), Trent Nattress (Fraser-Tech), Jordan Davies (Te Awamutu Sports), Maurice Stone (Melville), Semisi Fotu (Te Rapa).
