Southland Premier club rugby teams compete for the Galbraith Shield. PHOTO: FILE The Eastern Northern Barbarians are aiming to build on their unbeaten start to the season when they take on Woodlands in round eight of the Southland premier competition at the Gore Showgrounds tomorrow. The Barbarians’ strong loose forward contingent is expected to be further bolstered by the inclusion of Sam Fischli. Fischli is eager to impress ahead of the Stags season, and is coming south after playing for the Taieri club in the Dunedin competition. The Barbarians have two more quality forwards returning from injury this week. Lock Woody Kirkwood is ready to start his journey towards the NPC season, while prop Tom Scanlon has eyes on the Galbraith Shield. Pirates Old Boys will be looking to get their groove back when they host Marist at Surrey Park. POB were rolled 29-10 by the Barbarians last weekend but Marist suffered a worse result when they lost 26-17 to Invercargill Blues. Blues were relieved to earn their first win of the season, and will take some confidence from that into tomorrow’s game at Appleby against Star. Star firmed up their spot in fourth position on the points table after beating Woodlands 27-20 last weekend. Star are seven competition points clear of Marist on the table. Halfback Jackson Hughan has played his last game for Star for the season as he prepares to depart to the World Junior Championship in Georgia with the New Zealand U20 team. By John Langford
