Prebbleton carry the Canterbury torch into the Luisetti Seeds Combined Country Division 1 Final

Ellesmere Rugby’s Prebbleton RFC will represent Canterbury in this year’s Luisetti Seeds Combined Country Division 1, hosting Ashburton Celtic in the final on Saturday.

Prebbleton and Ashburton Celtic were the form sides during the Round Robin, topping their pools, before prevailing in nailbiting semi-finals against Waihora and Kaiapoi respectively.
 
It will also be both sides debut final, meaning no matter the result, the trophy will be heading to a new home in 2023.   
 
“It’s a massive bonus to have a home final in our first Combined final.” said Prebbleton RDO Simon Fitzgerald, “Our supporters have been brilliant all year. We’re looking forward to having the chance to play in front of them once again and hopefully they cheer us on and get us over the line like they did in the Semi Final.”
 
“Both us and (Ashburton) Celtic play an expansive style and good footy at that, so it’s sure to be a great match come Saturday.”
 
It is a sentiment shared by Prebbleton Club Captain Derek Todd too, with adjustments made to allow other senior teams in the club an opportunity to revel in the occasion of a first Combined Final at Prebbleton.
 
“The teams been building for the last few years, we’ve been losing semi-finalists in the last two semi-finals, so to get over the hump this year is really exciting.” Said Todd.
 
“The Div 2 boys have been moved to Friday to allow them to go and watch because we run a combined squad. The women were drawn to play on Friday which is a bonus and we’ve agreed with Kaiapoi to also move our U18’s to play earlier, meaning we should have a good turnout on Saturday.”
 
“We’ll also welcomed the Ashburton Celtic women and will be hosting their game against Kaiapoi here on Saturday, meaning they will be able to watch the game too.”
 
It all sets up an exciting weekend at the Prebbleton Domain, with both teams ready to go come 2:45pm on Saturday.
 
“We’re close to a fully fit roster, obviously a couple of niggles amongst the group as you always have at this time in the season, so we’re ready to go on the weekend.” Fitzgerald said.
 
Karl Hancox will referee the match along with AR’s Sam O’Reilly and Hayden Cook. Kick-off is at 2:45pm on the Oval at the Prebbleton Domain.