CRL Rd 10 Preview: Hornets, Greyhounds and Knights look to edge ahead in top-four logjam

Amid the excitement around the Warriors’ historic NRL clash with North Queensland Cowboys at One NZ Stadium in Ōtautahi Christchurch and the associated events around our region, there’s still a huge weekend of senior club footy to unfold.

The race for the CRL Whitehead Pluming & Gas Men’s Premiership finals is reaching fever pitch – and the trio of Round 10 fixtures all have a huge bearing on the make-up of the Massetti Cup table.

Eastern Eagles can all but wrap up a top-two finish if they can account for Halswell Hornets – who are in a three-way tie for third – at Wainoni Park on Saturday.

Both sides came away with vital victories last weekend, the Eagles outlasting Riccarton Knights 30-24 and the Hornets overcoming Hornby Panthers 34-24. The Eagles prevailed 28-20 at Halswell Domain in Round 3.

The bottom-placed Panthers host Greymouth Greyhounds, who are also part of the third-placed logjam, at Leslie Park. The Greyhounds had a bye last week after back-to-back wins in Greymouth. Earlier this year, they held off the Panthers 20-18 at Wingham Park after leading 20-0 at halftime.

The second instalment of the 2025 grand final rematch sees undefeated competition leaders Linwood Keas at home to third-placed Knights.

The Keas were too strong at Crosbie Park in Round 3, powering to a 36-12 win.

All three CRL Whitehead Plumbing and Gas Men’s Premiership fixtures kick off at 2.45pm on Saturday, preceded by the corresponding CRL Sidekick Chartered Accountancy Canterbury Cup Conference League fixtures at 1pm.

It’s a top of the Premier Reserves table clash between the Eagles and Hornets – the 2024-25 grand final combatants – with the Keas hot on both teams’ heels as they eye off a clash with the last-placed Knights.

The winner of the Panthers-Greyhounds encounter will sit in outright fourth spot at the conclusion of Round 10.

Round 9 of the CRL Division One competition features a crucial road trip for top-ranked Northern Bulldogs, who will look to arrest a two-game losing streak against Ashburton Barbarians at Robilliard Park.

Co-leaders Linwood Keas are away to Halswell Hornets, while Shirley Hawks host third-placed Eastern Eagles.

All three CRL Division One games kick off at 1pm.

Hornby Panthers put their undefeated CRL Happy Hire Women’s Premiership record on the line in Round 6 when they host Sydenham Swans at Leslie Park at 12pm on Sunday.

The Panthers made an opening-round statement with a 32-12 win over the Swans at Bradford Park and haven’t looked back.

Meanwhile, Shirley Hawks and Eastern Eagles meet in a crucial encounter at Macfarlane Park at 1pm with both teams sitting in equal-fourth.