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The Hibiscus Coast Raiders have done well in the Nines in past years but a tough draw awaits this month. Last year, the local team just missed out on the Championship play-offs, then lost in the Plate semi-final to Franklin. In 2017 they finished second overall.
A tough draw awaits the Hibiscus Coast Raiders on March 9, when they kick off their 2019 season by hosting the Sportsafe Auckland Rugby League Nines at Stanmore Bay Reserve.
The Raiders, who will have their first competitive run out under new head coach Brian McClennan at the tournament, have been drawn in Pool Blue, alongside the Glenora Bears and Howick Hornets, who both finished as top-three sides in the Auckland first division last year.
Also included in the pool are the newly-promoted Manurewa Marlins, and the New Lynn Stags, who are both well known to the Raiders thanks to a number of battles in the second division over recent years.
Ten Auckland clubs will be vying for overall honours at the tournament, with games running from 10.30am through to 5.30pm.
The tournament returns to Stanmore Bay Reserve for the third year in a row, with the Raiders having made the Championship final two years ago, before falling short of the play-offs last year.
Auckland Rugby League chief executive Greg Whaiapu says the annual trip to the Coast has become a highlight of the rugby league pre-season for many.
“The Hibiscus Coast club always do a fantastic job of hosting the event, and it’s a nice getaway for clubs and families before the season proper begins,” he says.
“It promises to be another excellent day of grassroots footy, and I encourage people to get down to Stanmore Bay Reserve on the day to watch the action.”
Hibiscus Coast Raiders draw for the Nines: Saturday, March 9: 10.30am: Hibiscus Coast v New Lynn; 11.20am: Hibiscus Coast v Manurewa; 12.10pm: Hibiscus Coast v Howick; 1pm: Hibiscus Coast v Glenora
