Tokanui Has Chance To Consolidate

Tokanui coach Don McKenzie says this season will give the senior team a chance to consolidate and work on the experience gained in the past two seasons.

Most of the players in this season's squad have been together for a couple of seasons.  However, the biggest loss to the team this year will be the absence of prop, Stuart Dermody, who has hung up his boots after more than a decade with the Tokanui Seniors.  Luckily the front row will still have the experienced hooker Lex Chisholm who will be paired with Rata Smith, and 18 year old newcomer with loads of potential, and last years prop David Brand.
The Dermody name will not disappear from the team list with Fergus Dermody taking the locking position with last year's partner, Barry Brown.  Dermody will be useful in the tight as well as the kicking department where he worked up a sizeable tally last season.
On the side of the scrum, Murray Picket and Lance Graham will continue the fine job they performed last season while, Kim Brown will stay on at No. 8.
There will be few changes in the backs this year with Wayne Stronach remaining the 1st five and could move to 2nd five to make way for his brother Vaughan, who should have recovered from a injury.
Tai Smith remains in the half back berth while Paul  Townsend and Shane O'Donnell will be at 2nd five eight and centre. Tall and speedy newcomer, Phillip Golden who played U18 last year while Ken McConnell has been taken from full-back to play on the right wing.  Another U18 recruit, Gregory
Turner will cover the full back position while backline utility players are Peter Hishon and Kevin Blair.