Ellesmere will be looking for its seventh consecutive win when it takes on North Canterbury for the Southbridge Shield this Saturday.  The teams will face off at Prebbleton RFC at 2:45pm.

The Southbridge Shield is the highlight of the Canterbury Country season.  It is historically important, having been around since 1922.  It has been hotly contested in that time, with North Canterbury holding the shield 34 times and Ellesmere 27 times.  Recent history has been on Ellesmere’s side though and it has taken the title every year since 2006.  North Canterbury will be hoping they have the seven year itch this year though and will no doubt be fierce challengers.

There is more than bragging rights at stake too, with the game serving as a selection match for the Canterbury Country team that will compete in the representative season in August and September.  This is the opportunity for Canterbury Country rugby’s best talent to be seen and a chance for players to strengthen their bid for representative teams.

The Southbridge Shield match will be preceded by the North Canterbury vs Ellesmere U16s at midday, Colts at 1pm and U18s at 1:30pm.  Entry for all games is $5.