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All four Southern Region fixtures this weekend carry major significance following several surprising results in the previous round.
The unbeaten Clutha Steamers remain clear competition leaders after nine rounds.
Awarded a default win against Lawrence last weekend, Clutha may again face uncertainty this week with speculation surrounding Clinton’s ability to field a side due to injuries and player availability.
If the game proceeds, the Helen Huddleston/George McKenzie Memorial Trophy will be on the line at The Stables.
Clutha will start as strong favourites and may look to balance squad rotation with giving key players valuable game time after missing a fixture last weekend.
West Taieri sit second on the ladder but enter the weekend on a rare two-game losing streak following defeats to Clutha and Heriot.
Last weekend’s loss highlighted some vulnerabilities when confronted by a physical opponent.
They host Toko, who are equal fourth and collected maximum points last weekend. While Toko got the result they needed, they will need a more complete performance if they are to challenge one of the competition’s leading sides at Outram.
Heriot have built strong momentum with three consecutive victories and are beginning to show the
form many expected from them this season.
Sitting equal fourth, the Death Valley men will be targeting a full five points when they travel to face Owaka. However, Swamp Hen Park has traditionally been a difficult venue for visiting teams, making this far from a straightforward assignment.
Lawrence return to action after last weekend’s default and will host Clutha Valley in the Miller Cup clash.
While Lawrence remain in the battle for positions in the lower half of the table, they are capable of troubling any side on their day.
Third-placed Clutha Valley will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing home loss to Crescent and cannot afford another setback as the race for playoff positions intensifies.
By Francis Parker