Two of them have already been played by the time you are reading this — West Taieri v Crescent and Clinton v Toko were played last night.
The two games scheduled for tonight are perhaps the tightest to call.
Competition leaders Clutha host Clutha Valley at the Balclutha Showgrounds.
Clutha have scored over 50 points in all but one of their games so far this season but are yet to deliver a full 80-minute performance, as their second-half efforts have been getting them across the line in recent weeks.
Clutha’s ability to capitalise on opposition errors sets them apart from most teams in the competition. They can also be extremely clinical in the red zone on attack.
Clutha Valley are coming off the bye and should be refreshed and ready to go.
The visitors were hitting a bit of form before the bye week so they will be hoping to rediscover that form quickly and get Clutha on the back foot early.
Lawrence host Owaka in the other game played tonight.
Both sides are languishing towards the foot of the table despite having squads more than capable of featuring in the top four.
Lawrence were outmuscled by Toko last weekend and sustained some untidy injuries which will take some players out for this clash.
Owaka led at halftime again last weekend but failed to show any energy after the break.
The winner of this game will get a shot in the arm to jump up the table but the loser may well be consigned to bottom-five rugby again this season.
The game should be an even contest out wide with both backlines looking dangerous on the front foot. Owaka will hope their set piece can remain dominant and set a tidy platform.
- Francis Parker
