The Meads Cup. PHOTO: ODT FILES Can North Otago collect another piece of silverware this season? The Old Golds, who won the Lochore Cup last year but would love to get their hands on the premier prize, the Meads Cup, will get their Heartland season under way in August, marking 20 years of the provincial league in this format. The Old Golds, who are again coached by Luke Herden, make a welcome return to Whitestone Contracting Stadium. They played at the A&P Showgrounds last year while the Waitaki Event Centre, which opened earlier this month, was being built at Centennial Park. North Otago will first meet Otago to challenge for the Ranfurly Shield in a preseason clash in Dunedin on June 16. The Old Golds then open their Heartland season at home against rivals Mid Canterbury on August 15. They also host King Country (August 29), Whanganui (September 12) and West Coast (October 3) at home. They are away to Buller (August 22), Poverty Bay (September 5), South Canterbury (September 19) and Horowhenua-Kapiti (September 26). Semifinals are scheduled for October 10 and finals scheduled for October 17. New Zealand Rugby interim general manager community Carl Moon said the competition provided ‘‘meaningful opportunities’’ for regional rugby players, referees and support staff. ‘‘What really stands out about the Heartland Championship is the commitment of the players,’’ Moon said. ‘‘Many are balancing fulltime jobs, family life and significant travel each week, often to communities well outside their home regions, simply because they love playing rugby and want to do their province proud.’’
