It is rare to have two teams unbeaten after five rounds of action in the Central Otago premier club rugby competition and it is an even rarer treat to have them drawn against each other.
Cromwell and Upper Clutha will go for glory at Anderson Park tomorrow in the clash of the titans.
Because it is an away game for Upper Clutha, the White Horse Cup will not be at stake, but bragging rights most certainly will be.
On paper, Upper Clutha, who won virtually everything last season and boast the imposing record of scoring 29 tries while conceding just three in 2026, shape as the team to beat.
But five of their regular starting lineup will be absent tomorrow, most notably try-scoring lock Andrew Horne, loosehead prop Alonso Avalos and super sub Jack Colbourne.
‘‘Graduation commitments are responsible for most of the absences,’’ coach Mark Evans said.
‘‘But we’ve got a big squad to choose from.’’
Evans said Cromwell had obviously improved vastly from last season, ‘‘but we’ll back our defence again’’.
Cromwell have not beaten Upper Clutha since 2021 when they edged them out 12-11 in the club championship final.
Last season they were hammered 59-28 and 29-13 in their two meetings.
Cromwell coach Rodger Dawson is well aware of Upper Clutha’s achievements over the past few seasons.
‘‘It’s going to be an interesting contest and I hope a good-sized crowd turns up. I’m more worried about us at this stage than them.’’
Another fascinating contest pits Wakatipu against Maniototo at the Queenstown Recreation Ground.
Maniototo made a forlorn start to the season, losing by wide margins to Upper Clutha, Arrowtown and Cromwell, before claiming maximum points against battlers Matakanui Combined last weekend.
Maniototo traditionally build into a season, so Wakatipu, still hurting from their home loss to Cromwell before a hard-earned win against Matakanui Combined, will need to produce quality rugby.
Their next game on May 16 is a White Horse Cup challenge at Wanaka.
Alexandra desperately need a victory after four straight defeats and get their opportunity against Matakanui Combined at Molyneux Park. Flanker Tom Ria will be making his 100th appearance for Wakatipu.
- Bob Howitt
