15 Henry Schikker (Upper Clutha)
The brand of fullback every coach wants — speedy, enterprising and a reliable tackler.
14 Conner Hamlin (Wakatipu)
Possessed of blistering speed. Lightly built but fearless under the high ball. Missed the final with a serious rib injury but still finished with eight tries.
13 Tyler Ford (Alexandra)
Class act at centre who guided Alex through to the semifinals again. Scored 116 points. Captained Central to a stirring victory in the Topp Cup contest.
12 Rube Peina (Wakatipu)
Inspirational captain who scored 129 points, including all 23 in one contest, and contributed massively to Central’s Topp Cup triumph.
11 Jack East (Upper Clutha)
After three seasons playing in Victoria, Canada, took possession of the No14 jersey mid-season after a string of injuries. Scored four tries on debut and another couple of crackers in the final.
10 Ben Maxwell (Maniototo)
Debut season for the Maggots after a decade starring for Cromwell. His goalkicking and general experience helped Maniototo qualify for the semifinals.
9 Ryan O’Neill (Alexandra)
Tough performer whose slick passing helped Alex qualify for the semifinals. A star of the Topp Cup victory.
8 Jake Burtenshaw (Upper Clutha)
Nothing between him and Wakatipu adversary Anton Huisman, but a cracking display in the final, including a try, gives it to Burtenshaw again.
7 Sam Chapman (Alexandra)
Rare for a loose forward to finish the season as top try-scorer, but he managed it with 12 touchdowns. Sensational in the semifinal clash against Wakatipu.
6 Lachie Carrick (Upper Clutha)
Another man-of-the-match performance against Wakatipu in the final. In a class of his own in the lineouts.
5 Dean Sinnamon (Matakanui Combined)
Played most of the season as a loose forward for his club, but turned in a man-of-the-match display from lock in the Topp Cup contest. Grabbed three tries there and 11 for his club. Named Central Otago’s player of the season.
4 Andrew Horne (Upper Clutha)
If it wasn’t Carrick stealing opponents’ lineout ball on a regular basis, it was Horne. He’s off to Scotland for a holiday, meaning he will miss the Otago Country matches.
3 William Holdom (Alexandra)
A player with a huge engine and plenty of rugby nous. Played all 13 games for the Armadillos and starred in the Topp Cup win.
2 Scott Cunningham (Upper Clutha)
Chalked up his 100th appearance in the semifinal against Maniototo and contributed plenty in the final.
1 Mike Philip (Matakanui Combined)
Major contributor, along with Sinnamon, in Matakanui Combined’s strong revival throughout the season. Deservedly won Topp Cup selection.
Reserves: Jamie Natapu (Wakatipu), Rhys Harrold (Cromwell), Oliver Stirling (Upper Clutha), Anton Huisman (Wakatipu), Will Healey (Alexandra), Blair Kennedy (Upper Clutha), Alex Chubb (Cromwell).
