Wairarapa-Bush’s Tim Priest looks for gaps in the Buller defence last year. PHOTO/FILE
RUGBY
JAKE BELESKI
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Injuries have forced Wairarapa-Bush to call in some reinforcements for their pre-season match with Hawke’s Bay Saracens on June 4.
A 31-man squad has been named by coach Joe Harwood and his management team, with four players brought in to join the squad that was beaten 6-32 by Horowhenua-Kapiti on May 5.
Versatile Martinborough back Tim Priest has been added to the squad, having been a regular in the team over previous seasons.
He will be joined in the squad by Brad Griffith [Gladstone], Marcus Ale [Greytown] and Sam Shaw [Eketahuna].
In Priest they have a player with the experience and versatility to fill any gaps they might have in their backline, as he has the ability to cover the halves and outside backs.
Young first five-eighth Griffith spent time with the squad last year on the back of a superb club season with Gladstone, and has plenty of potential to make his mark at the next level.
Ale, a former Wairarapa College student, has been playing his club rugby in Johnsonville, but is due to return to the Greytown ranks in the coming weeks, while Shaw has been making his mark in the loose forwards at Eketahuna.
Included on the injury list from the initial squad are Bon Wilson [dislocated shoulder], Jamie Griggs [concussion] and BJ Campbell [ankle].
