It will be Central v South, Maniototo v Lawrence, in the
Otago countrywide final in Ranfurly this Saturday.
Maniototo beat Arrowtown 25-13 in one semifinal at the
weekend, and Lawrence downed Clutha Valley 23-15 in the
other.
The match between the Central rivals, played at Gimmerburn,
was tight from the start and, to many Maniototo supporters'
surprise, Arrowtown made much of the play in the first 20
minutes.
Arrowtown missed three early penalty opportunities but
finally got on board through the boot of winger Kane Dodds.
Maniototo then fought back nearing halftime and equalised
through second five-eighth Charlie Hore. Both Dodds and Hore
exchanged further penalties to make it 6-6 at halftime.
The second period started with Maniototo having much of the
possession and a frustrated Arrowtown finally let in a try,
with No 8 Ryan Dowling burrowing over close to the line.
Hore then made a break in midfield and skipped around two
defenders to score under the sticks.
Unlike the previous weekend, when the sides met in a
one-sided Central Otago final, Arrowtown did not implode and
fought back late in the match.
Dodds followed a high kick which bounced into his hands and
he showed good pace and agility to reach the line for
Arrowtown's only try against Maniototo this season.
That got the home side fired up and Maniototo prop Tim
O'Neill crashed over to seal the win.
In Lawrence, the home side led Clutha Valley 12-8 at halftime
and held on for a 23-15 win.
The forward packs matched each other, not giving an inch. But
Lawrence scored three tries to two, and had Clutha Valley
playing catch-up rugby.
For Lawrence, the outstanding contribution came from No 8
Owen Ankers. The Welshman arrived in Lawrence in 2002, and on
Saturday played his 101st game for the club.
Lock Aubrey Sheridan was a tower of strength, as was hooker
Alex Smith. In the backs, Sam Young directed play well, while
centre Hayden Wyber scored two fine tries in the first spell
to help Lawrence to set up the win.
Clutha Valley's forwards lifted their game for the semifinal.
No 8 Michael Blair had a strong game, while front-rowers
Christian Park and Hamish Wilson never gave up.
Josh Botting was in top form at halfback and scored a very
good try, while second five-eighth Lachie Moore was another
to shine, despite hamstring problems. He scored the first try
through an intercept, just making it to the line, and twice
in the second spell made breaks. He left the field with five
minutes to go, with an injured shoulder.
Fullback Aaron Gouman gave a solid performance, adding a
penalty and a conversion to keep Valley in the game.
COUNTRYWIDE RUGBY
- Semifinals
• At Gimmerburn: Maniototo 25 (Ryan Dowling, Charlie
Hore, Tim O'Neill tries; Hore 2 con, 2 pen), Arrowtown 13
(Kane Dodds try; Dodds con, 2 pen). Halftime: 6-6.
• At Lawrence: Lawrence 23 (Hayden Wyber 2, Alex Smith
tries; Sam Young 2 pen, con), Clutha Valley 15 (Lachie Moore,
Josh Botting tries; Aaron Gouman con, pen). Halftime:
Lawrence 12-8.
- Additional reporting by Norman Woods.
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