Last weekend’s results have opened up the Southern Region rugby competition greatly as we look forward to a season-defining round of matches this weekend.
Clutha Valley managed to hold on to the win against till-then unbeaten Crescent last weekend at Clydevale. This result means three teams are tied on 16 points on top of the table with two sides tied below them just one win behind. There is a substantial gap to the next team on four points.
Clutha Valley travels to Owaka this weekend to try to defend the Bryan Price Trophy and Speight’s Jug. Valley’s pack put in the hard yards last weekend and gave their backs an armchair ride in torrid conditions. Owaka is yet to win a match this season but has come close to all the top teams by just a matter of points.
Crescent is back at home licking its wounds after being kept scoreless at the weekend. It has the stern task of hosting Toko which is running hot this season. This match is played for the Eddie Scott Memorial Trophy, a trophy dear to both sides. Toko is sitting in fourth equal but really needs a win to cement its position.
Heriot is also in fourth position with Toko having a three-win, one loss record. It hosts West Taieri which is coming off a bye and is playing for its season. A loss in this match for West Taieri will see it contesting the bottom four trophy instead of shooting for the stars.
Clinton hosts Lawrence in the final match of the weekend. Neither side has won a match this season and it would be a miracle for either to make the top four.
Their matches are still very important given thar the team which finishes in ninth will miss out on the post-section play.
- Francis Parker
