Capital union nears finals

Sports

By HUXLEY LOVAI
THE Capital Rugby Union competition heads into its penultimate round of matches this weekend with the finals to start on Aug 12-13.
The CRU’s finals will see the top four of each division — premier, A, B, Under-19 and women — advance to the semifinals.
Harlequins are on top of the standings in premier grade with 50 points while Brothers with a better for-and-against are in second of 44 points followed by University also on 44.
Nova are clinging on the all-important fourth spot and must work overtime to stave off No.5 side Wanderers whom they play on Sunday.
This is a must-win game for Wanderers to give them any hope of making the finals.
Crusaders, Valley Hunters and Juggernauts make up the rest of the premier grade ladder.
The round 14 fixture of note has Nova looking to condemn Wanderers to fifth place.
Skipper Elipema Kini and the evergreen Dougie Guise will ensure their forwards stay focused throughout the encounter while the livewire fullback Manu Guise’s jinking runs are expected to cuase headaches for the opposition.
Wanderers led by veteran Gary Iga and David Onnevagi will need to inspire their side to bring their A game if the maroons are serious about making the finals cut.
Tomorrow Harlequins will be aiming to put on a good score against the Juggernauts to atone for their 29-24 loss last weekend against University.
In other premier match, University, who are the defending champions will be out for revenge against Valley Hunters who upset them in their last outing.
In the other Sunday game, Brothers do battle with the unpredictable Crusaders.
In A grade, the top 4 are Harlequins, Brothers, and University while Wanderers, Valley Hunters, Nova and University make up the top 4 for the B graders.
Wanderers lead in the U19 competition followed by Valley Hunters, Harlequins and Brothers.
Nova are undefeated in the women’s division with Wanderers hot on their heels with only one loss so far with University and Harlequins rounding off the top four spots.