Over the years there have been many quality first five-eighths who have played in North Otago, in both club and representative rugby.
The likes of Chris Finch, Simon Porter and Glenn Dickson come to mind.
Last Saturday, in the curtain-raiser to the Citizens Shield match between Kurow and Excelsior, the North Otago women's team produced a first five-eighth of international quality in Hannah Stolba.
Her display was nothing less than slick.
Her handling was impeccable, her distribution was varied and accurate and when forced to take on the defensive line, her skill was obvious.
On top of that, she has a booming left boot, which converted seven of the side's 10 tries, some from the sideline.
Stolba, a 33-year-old American, is one of the five female imports in the team, which had a convincing 76-0 win over Alhambra-Union.
Initially basketball was her preferred sport but her lack of height (1.75m) saw her swing to rugby, firstly at Northern Iowa then at Minnesota State University.
In 2010 she was selected for the US Eagles in the women's World Cup but did not get game time.
She had to wait until 2014, when she was selected as a fullback rather than first five-eighth.
Coaching is on the line when retirement comes for Stolba, as she has coached the University of Colorado University women's team.
The North Otago women's side will play University on Anzac Day in Dunedin.
Rugby predictability, if there is such a thing, reared its head finally in the third round of Citizens Shield rugby with the two top teams, Old Boys and Athletic Marist, failing to register victories.
It was the collective boots of the Smith brothers, Craig and Robbie, that carried Maheno through to a 20-20 draw with Old Boys.
In an at times bitter contest, Valley first five-eighth Brad McKenzie, whose grandfather, father, three uncles and a cousin have worn the Old Gold jersey, scored a try and kicked two conversions and four penalties as Valley beat Athletic Marist 26-25.
Tomorrow, all three games will have added interest after last week's results.
Second-placed Athletic Marist (12) travels up country to take on Kurow (8).
Three flag points separate Valley (8) and Maheno (5), which will meet at Weston, while Old Boys (12) will have to lift its game against Excelsior (1) on the main ground at Whitestone No1 in town.
- Terry O'Neill
