The Spartans 10s tournament is back again for another year and some serious firepower is looking to end the dominance of the men from the plains.
The tournament, which also doubles as a fundraising event, has been going since 2014 and organiser Shane Waldron said in that time it had raised more than $100,000 for charity.
This year’s event at Miller Park on February 13 involves 22 teams, consisting of 10 teams in the open grade, five in the over-35 grade, three women’s teams and four junior teams.
In the open grade, Taieri has been dominant over the past few years and secured its fourth title last year.
It should again have a decent side, after its success in winning the premier banner in the Dunedin metropolitan competition.
A side made up of former Otago Boys’ High School First XV players is lining up and will be competitive.
Southern and Green Island have entered while there is also a side based mainly on Alhambra-Union players.
West Taieri has also entered a team while the over-35 grade is expected to be competitive.
The Spartans side, which competes in the older age-group, boasts All Blacks Kees Meeuws and Paul Miller and former Highlander and Scottish international Brendan Laney is also expected to make an appearance.
But the Spartans are set to be tested by a team coming from Otago Country which will have plenty of talent and also a team based on some older North Otago and Otago Country talent.
Games are played in 10-minute halves, kicking off about 9am with the finals late in the afternoon.
This year’s charity is Foster Hope Otago, a charity dear to the heart of Waldron, who was a foster child growing up.
There will be an opportunity to give donations during the day and a function will take place on Saturday night at the clubrooms at Miller Park. A band will play and there will be an auction to raise funds.
Waldron said the event was a great way to kick off the season and test out the fitness.
After playing for many years, Waldron said at this stage, he would be standing on the sideline and watching the Spartans team.
