The green machine have quietly snuck their way into second spot on the ladder as the Citizens Shield prepares to enter its second round in North Otago.
Maheno have a record of three wins and two losses for 15 points after beating Old Boys 43-40, Kurow 38-26 and knocking off defending champions Excelsior 42-40 last week.
They have dropped two games — against unbeaten Valley 54-16 in the opening round and 43-17 to Athletic Marist, who sit fourth on the table.
Making a hot start and sitting second is pleasing reward for Maheno, who were struggling for numbers last year and have reaped the rewards of a swag of new young players.
North Otago winger Ben McCarthy has been in strong form in his first full season for the club, and brother Sam has been making the trip to suit up as well.
Alex Wilson has supplied quick ball at halfback and stalwart co-captains Harry Dennison and Lachie Kingan have led their crew well.
Normal service resumes with all games scheduled for tomorrow after country clubs played on Thursday last week to accommodate duck-shooting.
Maheno, who have three bonus points, have a big task against Valley in a top-of-the-table clash to open the second round at home, but they have come on in leaps and bounds since the round one clash.
Valley have been the benchmark all season, recording four wins and one draw, and three bonus points, to sit at the top of the table on 21 points.
The Weston side come in after a gutsy 28-21 victory against Kurow under the lights.
Excelsior have a record of two wins and three losses.
But they have picked up six bonus points and sit on 14 points to nudge into third spot.
Athies round out the top four with two wins, one draw and two losses, with four bonus points and sit on 14 points in fourth spot.
Blues are home to Old Boys tomorrow.
Old Boys picked up their second win of the season last week, thanks to Tini Feke scoring five tries in their 31-24 victory against Athies to win the Pasifika Kings of Rugby Bowl.
They sit fifth with 12 points from their two wins and three losses.
Athies are home to Kurow.
The Red Devils have only picked up the one win, but have pushed teams all season.
