No stranger to finals footy, the Glenmark-Cheviot side will be looking to continue their Luisetti Seeds North Canterbury Division 1 Final winning streak tomorrow as they take on a new opponent for the silverware, but it won’t come easy.

After two consecutive finals going up against Kaiapoi, 2025 will see them battle against Ashley for the top spot of the competition. Since winning every one of their games in the North Canterbury comp, Glenmark-Cheviot are coming in hot. Nick Hyde, Glenmark-Cheviot captain, said “We love playing finals footy at the GC, the boys are excited to get down to the Showgrounds and showcase how we play. Ashley are a great side but we are up for the occasion”.

For Ashley, their weapon is to remain focussed on enjoying themselves and being part of the game they love, “We play best when we are having fun” said Luke Gold, the Ashley skipper, “I’d say our style is being disciplined with our set pieces and physical carries, but allowing individuals to play the game how they enjoy”.

Jack Hyde, Head Coach of Glenmark-Cheviot, is hoping to bring the trophy back to their Omihi club rooms and make amends to their supporters after results from the Combined comp, “It’s an exciting challenge, we fell short in the combined dropping the semi final, so this is our chance to right some wrongs” explained Jack, “our club will be around our group and it’s something the boys thrive on, hopefully our fans get to see our boys out there, hands up, and really have a crack. We pride ourselves on hard work and we want to turn every stone to know we’ve done all we can”.

Both teams have supporters on their mind, and for Ashley, there’s extra motivation heading into the match. Gold says the team wants to show their supporters the hard work that has been going on in the club behind the scenes, as well as honour one special person in particular: Ashley club stalwart and President of 30 years, Murray Goodwin. “I hope that our supporters see that we are trying absolutely everything to bring a championship back for Mugsy and the club,” said Gold. “It would be extremely special”.

“The feelings really good. We are mostly just excited to have a chance after missing out in the last few years. We are relaxed now, enjoying each others company for one final week, we will just have to wait and see. I think we can handle the pressure”.

Whether you’re cheering “Up the G” or “Go the Slime” on the sideline on Saturday afternoon, you’re in for an entire day of exciting rugby at the Rangiora Showgrounds. The Women’s Final will kick the day off at 11:30am with Oxford V Woodend. Woodend arrived on the scene last year with a hiss and a roar, and it is a battle not to be missed as they take on last year’s champions.

Splitting the Div 2 comp into top 6, bottom 4 after the first round of the comp means double the fun for finals. The bottom four is Woodend taking on Glenmark-Cheviot at 12pm. And last years Colts trophy holders, Ohoka, will kick off against Hurunui Northern in their final at 12:30pm.

Saracens fans will be fizzing as their return to the Div 2 Comp after a years hiatus sees their lads making finals, they’ll go toe to toe with Ohoka at 1pm to battle it out for the silverware.

Tickets are $5 on the gate, with kids under 16 free. Be part of the action on the sideline, enjoy BBQ’s and burgers from your local club stalls and get amongst the excitement that is finals footy!

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Words by Hannah Yates