Kurow and Dunedin were the places to be on Saturday evening as far as rugby revellers were concerned.
The Highlanders made it through to the semifinals and Kurow, a club that has faced extreme challenges with dignity and courage after the tragedy of May 9 (a car crash which killed one of its players), ended Citizens Shield leader Old Boys' unbeaten run of 23 games with a comprehensive 20-12 win at Kurow.
After a snowfall and melt, the ground was a little puggy, to say the least, but the Kurow forwards relished the conditions.
Led by big Wallace Milne and Mike Patterson, Kurow scored four tries.
Patterson scored two and Milne one.
Old Boys were not allowed to adjust to the conditions and were found wanting.
There was almost as much joy at the Maheno Domain.
Maheno, which had lost its previous 16 games, all but caused a boilover, losing to third-placed Athletic Marist 34-32.
Maheno had a chance to seal a memorable draw but missed a late conversion.
Valley had no joy against a well-organised Excelsior side, slumping to a 70-25 loss.
Excelsior first five-eighth Jason Forrest converted all 10 tries but it was his tactical sense that gave Excelsior domination.
Valley was a depleted side hit by injuries, and the club's situation mirrors the lack of depth in the president's grade of all clubs.
This week, second-placed Excelsior fronts up to Kurow.
The venue was set down for the No 2 ground, a situation which hopefully will be reconsidered as the main ground and stand are vacant.
Old Boys will play Maheno at the Maheno Domain - the home side might cop the backlash from Old Boys' loss last weekend - while Athletic Marist will play Valley at Weston.
The Valley forward pack, youthful as it may be, showed plenty of aggression against Excelsior.
Looking at the players available for Valley, it might be an opportune time to promote Brad McKenzie into the key position of first five-eighth.
He has good hands, a good boot, vision and pace.
- Terry O'Neill
