Clutha Valley’s win over West Taieri last weekend has left it as the only unbeaten side in the Southern Region competition.
With the bye a factor this season, Clutha Valley is third behind West Taieri and Heriot, which are both yet to have the week off.
The Condors are defending the Challenge Cup against Owaka which pushed its way into the top four last weekend with a come-from-behind draw against Crescent.
Owaka is made of stern stuff this season and will pose a challenge at Clydevale but the home side will be favourite to win and retain the Bryan Price Trophy as well as the Speight’s Jug.
West Taieri has not lost heart after its first loss since joining the competition in 2020. The club has players returning and is ready to rip back into action on club day at Outram.
Heriot is the visiting side and the two sides share the lead on points.
Heriot was too strong for Toko last weekend and is showing its class this season with some key results.
West Taieri willhard to beat but Heriot will not mind heading into this one as the underdog.
Clutha returns from the bye in fifth and will be keen to put on a good performance on its club day.
The Steamers host Roxburgh which may well be the match it needs to gain some confidence Roxburgh threw away a 16-point halftime lead last weekend to lose to Clinton.
It will be coming down the road low on confidence but with an eagerness to prove itself. This match looks to be one-way traffic if Roxburgh fails to fire.
Toko hosts Crescent, also on its club day, in Milton.
Toko gave a decent account of itself against Heriot but players pulling out on the eve of battle once again let the side down.
Crescent threw away its match against a dogged Owaka side and will be filthy it only managed a draw.
Crescent star Harley McHardy is playing his 150th match for the Coal Miners. This may be the only difference between the two teams with Crescent just favoured.
- Francis Parker
