The North Otago club are at the bottom of the Citizens Shield table and have yet to record a victory after three rounds.
That is almost unheard of from Old Boys, the former perennial powerhouses known for their Pasifika flair and ability to make something out of nothing.
They get a chance to notch their first win tomorrow, when they are home against a resurgent Athletic Marist in the only Saturday fixture in round four.
They have been well served, as always, by halfback Tini Feke — who has already scored five tries this season — utility back Inoke Fisilau, prop and captain Kelepi Funaki, and the return of flanker Manulua Taiti.
Old Boys looked sharp in the first half of their game against Excelsior last week and led 17-3 at halftime.
But they fell off in the second half and could not add to their points, eventually losing 34-17.
If they are able to play with the freedom they did in the first half, they will be in with a good shot against Athies.
Athies come into the game stinging from their first loss of the season after being beaten 34-26 by defending champions Valley.
Big lock Epineri Logavatu, flanker Paea Fifita and quick winger Saia Fifita have been strong for Athies this season and will want to bounce back from last week.
Two games were played last night to enable country players to get to the mai mai early for the opening weekend of duck-shooting tomorrow.
Excelsior put their unbeaten streak on the line against Maheno in a top-of-the-table clash, and Valley headed up the Waitaki Valley to play Kurow.
