Napier Old Boys Marist premier rugby team's hooker Dom Devine's humour is applauded by his teammates.

Some label him a comedian while others reckon Devine (pictured above, photo Chris Kiely) is the master of the one-liners. But there was none of that when we caught up with Devine this week.

It was an indication of how serious the 23-year-old Hawke's Bay Wine Company cellar hand and his teammates are taking tomorrow's second round Maddison Trophy clash against Nash Cup holders Taradale Rugby and Sports at Tremain Field.

For the hosts the match doubles as a Challenge Shield defence. Should NOBM win it will be the 41st consecutive defence of the shield since they took if off Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports in April, 2016. Recent form suggests Taradale has the ammunition to win by nine points at least.

But Devine is confident the Green Machine will cause an upset.

"We back ourselves when it comes down to it. When everything clicks for us we're going to be hard to beat. This is the right time for that to happen," Devine said.

"We've got a few players out with injuries but that's when our Next Man Up slogan comes into play. We've got pretty good depth," Devine explained.

He was quick to reply when asked what the hosts had to do to beat the Mighty Maroons.

"We have to beat them up front. We have to secure our ball and play in the right part of the field."

"You don't need much motivation when you play Taradale. Obviously the shield will be in the back of our minds too," Devine added.

The Waipukurau-based Central Hawke's Bay Rugby and Sports club will be in Club Day mode at Central Park tomorrow. As part of the celebrations a decent fuss will be made of the premier team's loosie Warwick Slingsby (pictured below) who played his 250th match for the team on May 1.

"We've been waiting for the right occasion to celebrate Waza's milestone properly. We've got all our teams at home and many of his former teammates will be in attendance. It will also be a great day to acknowledge our sponsors and volunteers," premier team manager Ian Large said.

Central will host MAC. The curtainraiser to this match will see the Central colts take on their Taradale counterparts from 1.15pm.

On field two from 1.15pm will be the Central premier reserves taking on their Waipawa counterparts. From 11.15am on field one will be the Central Hawke's Bay College 1st XV up against Lindisfarne College.

Other Maddison Trophy round two fixtures will see Clive Rugby and Sports host defending champions Hastings Rugby and Sports at Farndon Park and Tamatea Rugby and Sports host Napier Technical at Bill Mathewson Park.