The victory most importantly elevated Upper Clutha to top qualifiers, earning them a home semifinal against Maniototo next weekend and, should they win that, means they will host the Central final for the third season in a row.
Despite the loss, Wakatipu will host the other semifinal against Alexandra, who came unstuck — or perhaps that should read "got stuck" — in the mud at Omakau, losing 21-20 to the much-improved Matakanui Combined combination.
Whether that semifinal will be staged at the Queenstown Recreation Ground remains to be seen, because the surface there was a mudbath for Wakatipu’s recent clash with Alexandra.
Mud was not a factor at Wānaka, but with the inversion layer having taken up permanent residence there the temperature was a mere 4degC and the surface damp and greasy.
Upper Clutha dominated the first half, centre Oliver Stirling and winger Jack East scoring tries to give their side a 12-3 lead, and coach Alex Dickson ecstatic at having every member of his squad finally injury-free.
Wakatipu upped their game after halftime but, despite taking up residence deep in Upper Clutha’s half for about 20 minutes, could manage just one penalty goal.
With six minutes remaining, Wakatipu’s win hopes dissipated when replacement flanker Paulie Tuala was sin-binned for not wearing a mouthguard.
He was the second such case, Upper Clutha’s French import Arthur Boutillier having copped 10 minutes in the bin earlier for the same offence.
"Our Frenchman didn’t fully understand what he was guilty of," Dickson said.
"When he came back on, he was holding the mouthguard in his hand until the referee (Jonathan Homer) told him if he didn’t start wearing it, he would show him a red card."
With Wakatipu down to 14 men, Upper Clutha demolished their scrum, creating a gift try for winger Jake Greer.
Upper Clutha’s man of the match award was shared by centre Stirling and lock Andrew Horne, and there was much to admire about their front row of Scott Cunningham, Blair Kennedy and Fergus Smith, who collectively claim 251 club caps. Cunningham’s next appearance will be his 100th.
Out Omakau way, Matakanui registered their second victory of the season, thanks to accurate goalkicking by Jordan Smith and yet another try by captain Dean Sinnamon, his 11th of the season.
Alexandra flanker Sam Chapman drew level with him on 11 tries and can claim top spot in next weekend’s semifinal.
The Maniototo-Arrowtown game, scheduled for Jack Reid Park, was cancelled. Because of the test in Dunedin, Arrowtown wanted to stage the game on Friday night, but that did not suit Maniototo.
By Bob Howitt
