Excelsior seeking revenge

• Published date: 19 April 2024
• Publication title: Sports Tab

The stage is set for a mammoth battle between Blues and Valley in a repeat of the Citizens Shield final in Oamaru tomorrow

Valley trailed in the final until the last minute when No 8 Cameron Rowland scored a pushover try.

The men from Weston found themselves in a similar situation last week, when they came from behind to beat Old Boys 22-20 thanks to a late Sam Sturgess try.

Their strength has always been in their forward pack and this year is no different.

Sturgess scored twice in their opener. Rowland also got over to see them home and Blake Welsh is always solid.

Blues, who had a resurgent season last year, picked up a 26-20 win over Kurow — the largest margin in an intriguing first round — to open their 2024 campaign.

They have a red-hot backline including Matia Qiolevu, who broke on to the North Otago scene last year, and winger Josefa Burewa, who dotted down twice against Kurow.

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