Inglewood numbers increase after touch-and-go pre-season

Will Johnston 

Photo: Inglewood's Josh Jacomb has started the season well for his side. 

After a turbulent pre-season, Inglewood has managed to pull together a consistent side that is ready to face defending champions Tukapa at home in the CMK premier club rugby competition on Saturday.  

After struggling to get a squad together two weeks before the start of the season, co-coach Gavin Muir said Taranaki Rugby and the club got behind the team to leave “no stone unturned.” 

It was helped by former All Black, no the team’s coach, Chris Masoe, who is talented at leading players. 

“He has instilled a club-first buy-in from all of the squad which has translated into a never say due attitude.”   

But the challenge doesn’t get any easier for Inglewood, when they face a new-look Tukapa side at TET Stadium.  

Tukapa is coming off a come-from-behind win against Coastal, while Inglewood lost to competition leaders Southern, their third consecutive loss.  

Tukapa’s quick recycling and ability to use the width of the field will test Inglewood’s defence, Muir admits.  

On attack Inglewood will need to be accurate.  

“We need to hold the ball and cut down our mistakes." 

Inglewood will rely on handy first-five eighth Josh Jacomb, who has had a great start to the season, and elusive loose forward Hayden Keeling. Keeling has occasionally played out of position in times of need, which has served the team well.   

“Hayden’s proved he’s a very combative talented loose forward, winger, centre, fullback and lock and is a player we will find hard to rotate out when we get everyone on the field,” Muir said.  

Inglewood will be missing number eight Christian Fa’avae for a few more weeks after suffering a head knock against Stratford/Eltham a fortnight ago.  

Tukapa coach Nathan Lawrence said with new faces in the team, they’re hoping to improve clarity within their roles.  

“Each week has been a step up and the expectation is that we take another step in the right direction this week,” he said.   

Captain Chris Jollands has started well this year and Mason Porteous is enjoying some consistent time in the midfield.   

Lawrence expects Inglewood to be well directed by Jacomb and will need to be aware of their tackle height.  

Elsewhere, Spotswood United has defaulted against New Plymouth Old Boys (NPOB) after not finding enough front row players. The match was scheduled for Yarrow Stadium. 

It's the third default in less than 12 months when NPOB and Spotswood United withdrew from matches in last year's competition due to cases of Covid and flu.  

Clifton will want to improve on last week’s performance when it hosts Southern at Tikorangi.  

Clifton suffered a heavy defeat against New Plymouth Old Boys (NPOB) in the first loss of the season, while Southern is unbeaten.  

Coastal host Stratford/Eltham at Rahotu.

All matches kick off at 2:45pm.  

In the women’s premiership, competition leaders Southern host neighbours Okaiawa and Coastal play Inglewood at Rahotu. Clifton has the bye.