CRL ROUND 8 CLUB PREVIEW: IN-FORM HORNETS SET FOR WEST COAST TREK
Round 8 of the CRL Whitehead Plumbing & Gas Men’s Premiership sees in-form Halswell Hornets make the journey over Arthur’s Pass to take on Greymouth Greyhounds, as well as pivotal showdowns at Wainoni Park and Crosbie Park.
The Hornets are coming off consecutive wins over perennial heavyweights Hornby (17-10) and Linwood (19-14), extending their winning streak to four matches.
The Greyhounds, meanwhile, are on a four-match losing streak that began with a 32-28 defeat at Halswell in Round 3. They subsequently went down in hard-fought away losses to the Panthers, Keas and Riccarton Knights – but winning both matches so far at Wingham Park will provide the Greyhounds with ample confidence heading into this key clash.
The rejuvenated Eastern Eagles are hunting their second consecutive big scalp when they welcome the Massetti Cup-leading Keas to Wainoni Park for the second eastside derby of 2025.
The Eagles hit a low point in a 60-0 loss at Linwood Park five weeks ago, but they followed up a pressure-relieving draw against Riccarton with their first win of the season in Round 7 – a 24-14 upset of defending champions the Panthers.
Riccarton has the opportunity to pick up rare consecutive wins over Hornby, following a 16-14 result at Leslie Park in Round 3.
The Knights, who subdued the Greyhounds 21-12 last weekend, are hosting at Papanui Domain this time, while the Panthers will be desperate to avoid three straight losses.
CRL ROUND 7 CLUB WRAP: RESULT REVERSALS IN CRL WHITHEAD PLUMBING & GAS MEN’S PREMIERSHIP
All three CRL Whitehead Pluming & Gas Men’s Premiership matches kick off at 2.45pm, preceded by the corresponding CRL ISC Sports Canterbury Cup matches at the same grounds at 1pm.
Papanui Tigers are staging their Club Day at Papanui Domain, including the Premier Reserves fixture against the Panthers ahead of their premiers affiliate Riccarton’s match.
The CRL Division One action sees the Eagles host the Knights, Shirley Hawks welcome Burnham Chevaliers to Macfarlane Park, unbeaten Celebration Lions at home to Northern Bulldogs at Cuthberts Green (all 1pm kick-offs) and Addington Magpies host the Hornets at Spreydon Domain (2.45pm).
The third weekend of the CRL Bartercard Women’s Premiership on Sunday is headlined by the first 2024 grand final rematch of the season, where Hornby Panthers will be aiming to turn the tables on Sydenham Swans.
Meanwhile, Eastern Eagles host Linwood Keas – who defeated the Swans last week – at Wainoni Park and Woolston Rams are looking for back-to-back wins when Shirley Hawks come to Woolston Park.
All three CRL Bartercard Women’s Premiership matches kick off at 1pm on Sunday.
