RL Media: August 25 Premiership previews

SAS Fox Memorial Premiership major semi-final preview

The Pt Chevalier Pirates and the Howick Hornets sit one win away from confirming their place in the SAS Fox Memorial Premiership Grand Final, with the pair to clash in an all-or-nothing major semi-final this Saturday, August 25.

With the Glenora Bears already through and awaiting the winner, all eyes will be on this clash at Mt Smart Stadium #2 (kick-off 4.45pm).

The Pirates will look to bounce back from a defeat at the hands of the Bears last week, while the Hornets eye a second victory over Pt Chevalier in as many weeks - having beaten them 34-24 in the final round of the regular season - before registering a come-from-behind victory over Northcote in last week’s elimination final.

Entry to the match day, which includes five games played back-to-back, is $8 for adults and $2 for those under 16, while the first division clash will be one of three games livestreamed on the day via aucklandleague.co.nz.

SAS Fox Memorial Premiership major semi-final - Saturday August 25

Pt Chevalier v Howick at Mt Smart Stadium #2 (4.45pm) - TEAM LISTS - WATCH HERE

Crown Lift Trucks Sharman Cup major semi-finals preview

The cream has risen to the top in the Auckland second division, as the season’s four best sides vie for a spot in the Crown Lift Trucks Sharman Cup Grand Final.

Minor premiers Bay Roskill, and closest rivals Ponsonby, will both head into the major semi-finals fresh from a week off, having secured automatic entry to the final four by being the two highest-ranked winners in week one of the play-offs.

Bay Roskill face the plucky Franklin Storm, who have exceeded all expectations in their first year competing at this level, and last week were too strong for Ellerslie, winning 34-10.

On the other side of the draw Ponsonby will host Manurewa, who recovered from an early deficit last week to down Otara and qualify through.

The two winning sides this Saturday will advance to contest the Crown Lift Trucks Sharman Cup Grand Final on September 2, with the overall winner securing promotion to the first division for 2019.

Meanwhile this weekend the second-tier Sharman title will be decided, with Te Atatu taking on New Lynn at Mt Smart Stadium #2, with tickets to that match day - which includes five back-to-back games - being $8 for adults and $2 for people under 16.

The second-tier final will also be streamed live from 6.30pm on aucklandleague.co.nz.

Crown Lift Trucks Sharman Cup major semi-finals - all kick-off times 2.30pm, Saturday August 25

Bay Roskill v Franklin at Blockhouse Bay Reserve

Ponsonby v Manurewa at Victoria Park

(Second tier) Crown Lift Trucks Sharman Cup Grand Final - 6.30pm, Saturday August 25

Te Atatu v New Lynn at Mt Smart Stadium #2 – WATCH HERE

ENDS

© Scoop Media