Two of those teams are Lawrence and Crescent, who will face off at Simpson Park in Lawrence this weekend with the Miners Cup on the line.
Lawrence are languishing towards the foot of the table and need to turn some good performances into winning ones.
Crescent are sitting in the middle of the table after a couple of frustrating losses on the bounce. If the Coal Miners still have semifinal aspirations, this fixture is a must-win for them.
The forward battle will be hotly contested, but the backs is where this game will be won and lost.
Clutha host Toko, with the Ian Gare Memorial and McIntosh Cup on the line.
Jubilee hangovers are a real thing, and Clutha are coming off a massive 150th celebration last weekend.
Clutha management will have the side prepared and ready for action against a Toko side who are arguably one of the in-form teams of the competition.
Toko won a hard-fought battle against Heriot last weekend and their forwards will want to show their physicality against the old foes this weekend.
West Taieri host Clutha Valley in another tight battle for the Holmes Milk Can and Speight’s Jug.
Both teams are inside the top four at this stage. The home side are yet to be beaten this season, and Valley are coming off a massive win over Clinton last weekend.
If both teams are at full strength, this could be a candidate for match of the season.
Heriot host Clinton in the final game of the weekend.
Heriot have had some frustrating performances of late and will unleash some of their anger this weekend against a Clinton side who are not travelling all that well.
- Francis Parker
