Valley push Wong Kee into forward role

It may be a new season, but it will be an old rivalry that will get the juices flowing on the opening weekend of action in the Securicor First Division when CBRE Club host Asahi Valley at Football Club today.

Both teams will sport new faces. But it is an old face that will be the centre of attention - Valley's Andrew Wong Kee, who this season will be playing as an openside flanker. Club beware, for Wong Kee on the loose can be a recipe for disaster.'He thrives on getting around the paddock and we have decided that it would be best if he plays on the side of the pack,' said Valley captain Justin Temara.

Temara is not too worried about losing Wong Kee the scrumhalf. For he believes that Wong Kee the flanker can provide a more useful contribution to the club, who this year are celebrating their 30th anniversary and will be hoping to cap it by winning the Grand Championship.

Wong Kee's position at scrumhalf will be filled by Lee Cheuk-yin, the former DeA Tigers halfback. Valley will hope that Lee strikes a sound relationship with flyhalf Temara, a crucial partnership if Valley are to win the title.

Today's encounter will be vital for both sides. 'It will set the tone for the rest of the year,' predicts Temara. Unfortunately for Valley, they will be missing a number of key players including centres Brett Forsyth and Mike Diamond and back-rower Semi Iafeta.

'We are not flying at full strength but all our three imports will be playing and hopefully they will be able to make an impression,' added Temara. Valley's three new signings are hooker John Galo (Hawkes Bay), prop Nick Hewson (Waikato) and lock Jack Bennett (from Wales).