Cromwell got home 21-12 — their third 21-12 scoreline of the season — with all the points being scored in the first 33 minutes as the rain, which had been torrential all morning, gradually eased.
For most of the second half, it was almost impossible to distinguish between any of the forwards, who were plastered in mud.
It did not help, of course, that both teams operate in red and blue jerseys that ultimately all finished up distinctively brown.
Cromwell coach Roger Dawson, while relieved his team remained unbeaten, said the victory had come at a cost with two key players injured and the Anderson Park No 1 field "pretty much wrecked for the season".
Prop Tyson Clark, who was making his 50th appearance, finished with damaged, possibly cracked, ribs while first five Laing, whose three conversions took his season’s tally to 101 points, sprained his ankle.
"We’d had a charmed run with injuries before Saturday," Dawson said.
"There might be a few fresh faces in the starting lineup next Saturday [against Alexandra]."
Arrowtown reclaimed fourth in the competition with an impressive 27-12 victory over Alexandra at Molyneux Park, where the players only had to contend with surface water, not mud.
The result puts them one point ahead of Alexandra and five ahead of Maniototo.
Flanker Hugh Fergusson was Arrowtown’s standout player, helping his team to come roaring home late for an important victory.
Because they have the bye to come, Arrowtown are far from guaranteed a semifinal spot and will be desperate for points when they host Upper Clutha at home next Saturday.
Meanwhile, Wakatipu, like Cromwell, had to contend with an absolute mudbath at the Queenstown Recreation Ground but managed to put together four tries to beat Matakanui Combined 24-0.
Young centre Harry Walker-Leach was one of the try-scorers, giving him eight for the season.
That is the same as the Upper Clutha pair of Oliver Stirling and Joshua Cook, and one behind their team-mate, Jack East, who has dotted down nine times.
By Bob Howitt
