The BOPRU Sub-Union match, to be played under lights at Murray Salt Stadium this Wednesday (7 May 2008) between Western Bay and Central - will play a crucial part in who ultimately wins the Te Hurinui Apanui Shield this season.

The re-introduction of the Sub Union series was one of the real successes of Bay rugby last season. The Te Hurinui Apanui trophy was first contested in 1927 with the inaugural winner being the Rangitaiki Sub-Union.

BOPRU Rugby Development Manager Mike Rogers says “We see the Sub Union Series as an opportunity to play mid week night rugby. We are well aware of the need to look at alternatives to the traditional weekend sport option as our society changes. The other advantage from playing the fixtures on a Wednesday night was to minimize impact on Baywide Club Rugby.”

A large dose of luck will need to be with defending Shield holders Western Bay - for them to gather any Te Hurinui Apanui success this year. Last Wednesday the Western Bay side returned home from playing Eastern Bay (in Taneatua) on the wrong side of a 17-7 score line.

While success will be on the minds of both combatants this Wednesday, it is certain that the final game in the series between Central and Eastern Bay, will decide the Te Hurinui Apanui Shield.

In the inaugural contest last season between Western Bay and Central - the Western Bay side emerged victorious 39-19. Both sides have named strong combinations for the mid-week encounter.

Successive Shalfoon Shield titles will be on the mind of the Central team when they open their 2008 season campaign on Wednesday. Last year the titleholders ran away from their Western Bay opposition to post a 33-3 victory. Last week Western Bay beat their Eastern Bay counterparts 48-3 to set up what should be an absorbing game with Central on Wednesday evening.

BOPRU Sub-Union Program Wednesday 7 May 2008 at Murray Salt Stadium

6.30pm: Western BOP Colts v Central Colts

7.30pm: Western BOP v Central BOP

Team Selections

Central Bay of Plenty

Joe Savage, Jake Rogers, Hayden Beard, Pauli Aseli, Manu Henry, Trent Vatselias, Trent Sweeney, Olsen Rarere, Brad Savage, Kelly Haimona (Whakarewarewa) Joe Masters, Matatu Herewini, Luther Robinson, Glen Martin, Whakataki Cunningham, Willy Saywell, Zac Hohneck (Rotoiti) John Moore, Matt Pashue (Ngongotaha) Haimona Brown (Rotoiti)/Tumoana Wijohn (Waikite) Josh Rauluni (Kahukura)/ Davey Beckett (Ngongotaha)

Western Bay of Plenty