The Clinton premiers are back for another season — and this year the ‘‘Wild Horses’’ are ready to rumble.
The premiers had a challenging season last year, and this year they’re looking to take things week by week and improve throughout the competition.
The premiers have a primarily younger side once again, many of which played for Clinton last year.
They have some new players, and a lot of their players have joined their club after finishing at South Otago High School.
This year their captain will be Mike Luxmoore, accompanied by vice captains Jarryd Tuhou and Russell Moloney.
Their head coach Mark Wells is being assisted this year by Lachlan Landels, who will be managing the forwards.
Their manager is Tim Grant, medic/physio are James Bereicua and Michaela Groenewegen.
Head coach Mark Wells commented on the upcoming season.
‘‘I am excited for the season ahead.
‘‘The young guys have brought more of their mates along, which brings natural fitness and a desire to learn and get better each week.
‘‘We now have competition for every position within the team.’’
He was looking foward to seeing how the new recruits developed, and he was expecting more consistency from their second and third year players, he said.
‘‘We’ve got some great, experienced players who will need to lead from the front and set the expectations for our team.’’
First year assistant coach Lachie Landels was keen for the season to go ahead.
‘‘We started practising in late January and the boys have been looking really good at practices.
‘‘We’ve had Jessie Bennett who has been giving us a hand in the fitness sector, and the boys have been improving on their strength and conditioning,’’ Landels said.
‘‘We’re gearing up, and getting pretty excited. We won our three pre-season games which was great, and I think the boys will use that to their strengths in the competition.’’
‘‘A lot of our boys are rurally based and local, and we’ve got a ‘work hard’ culture and attitude here, so the season will be one to watch for us. ’’
The Clinton premiers have great support from their local community and the small town is looking to see how the boys go throughout their season.
The premiers are always welcoming new players and are welcome to contact Mark Wells on 021444238 if they are keen to join.
Go the Wild Horses!
