The Northern Swords are calling out to all of Northland League public to get in behind the Swords to help them rescue their season this weekend at Toll Stadium after they were put to the sword by the Central Vipers in Whanganui on Sunday. The Central Vipers continued their turnaround season in the Pirtek NZRL National Premiership, with a resounding 74-16 win over Northern Swords. After travelling through the 2013 competition without a win, the Hawke’s Bay/Taranaki/Manawatu/Whanganui combination have now registered two wins this year, having accounted for Wellington two weeks ago.
By contrast, the Swords now have one hand on the wooden spoon, still winless through four rounds. The equivalent fixture 12 months ago provided the Vipers with the best result of their schedule – a 40-22 loss – but they were quickly on top this time, running in seven tries to lead 36-4 at halftime.
Coach Mark Freeman, had very little positive things to say about the team’s performance, “I thought after last week’s run against the Auckland Development squad that we had prepared well going into the game, there were some who tried and others who shouldn’t have put a jersey on today. We’re not going to give up though, we will address what it takes to play Rugby League and tackle this week and take on the next challenge.”
The Northern Swords have Wai-Coa-Bay this Sunday at Toll Stadium. The Stallions are also coming off a big loss as they were thumped by Counties Manukau 68 – 0. “In tough times Whanau support Whanau, these are tough times for the Swords, we need our Northland League public to get down to Toll this weekend and give them support from the sidelines. Like all things in life, when things are tough, knowing you have your Whanau backing you, can be a tremendous moral boost!” said Alex Smits – RLN GM.
The Swords 15s and 17s will also have their final hit out against the Wai-Coa-Bay outfit before they head to Rotorua for their National Campaign. The 15s and 17s were scheduled to play on Toll Stadium 11.45 and 1:00pm respectively – however, Toll has suffered some serious damage over the last couple weeks with the amount of rain we have had, added to the Rugby and League fixtures that have been played. Toll is having some remedial work done, so it is hoped that it will recover. If it is unavailable the 15s and 17s fixtures will be moved to Old Boys.
GATES WILL OPEN AT 11:30am if U15s are playing at Toll Stadium, otherwise 2:15pm for Premiers.
11.45 – U15s – Northern Swords v Wai-Coa-Bay Colts (Old Boys or Toll Stadium TBC)
1.00pm – U17s – Northern Swords v Wai-Coa-Bay Colts (Old Boys or Toll Stadium TBC)
2.30pm – Premiers Northern Swords v Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions – Toll Stadium
