The Wrap
Harbour got up over Varsity in a must win game for the Hawks to drag themselves into fourth. Varsity has stalled after three consecutive losses. Kaikorai stormed into second spot and relative comfort when dismantling AU at the Pony Pit. AU’s season looks done. GI qualified for the top six when it dismantled Zingers at Bastion Point. It remains unbeaten in the Gallaway and is four points clear at the top. Southern restored the “Ron Reggett” to the mantelpiece and got itself back into the race and is two points out of the six when it destroyed Dunedin at the weekend. The Sharks have crashed and burned in the last two weeks and are wondering if they can win again.
Will you ever grow old?
I heard a great yarn at the Magpies Clubrooms on Saturday night. A few of the “life members”, led by Somerville and Wallace, had watched an early game at Bathgate a couple of weeks ago, had a couple of quick revivers and thought they’d grab a cab up to Montecillo to watch their Prems take on Zingers. They jumped (folded themselves) into a cab and told the driver to take them to Montecillo. The cabbie took one look at them and took them to the Montecillo War Veterans Home!
Spare a thought for Rex (pictured), who on the Thursday before Queen’s Birthday (Meads Birthday) was having a quiet beer at Mitchells Tavern when a bunch of Sharks boys, realising they needed more “leaners”, prevailed on some of their pub sponsors to lend them some. But I don’t think it meant the ones the punters were drinking at! So, Rex, humble apologies from the Sharks and they hope your knees are OK.
Speaking of 150
The Otago Boys High School Rugby Club turns 150 next weekend. To commemorate that stupendous achievement it takes on old rival Southland Boys at Littlebourne next Saturday. On the Friday night it is having a function at the Mornington Tavern and expects 200 to attend. So if you’re an old boy make sure you get along — it should be a great night. Speaking of the ODT Schools Grade, it seems everybody is beating everybody and the grade has never been tighter, which is great to see. I’m tipping an OB’s v King’s final, but it’s too close to call.
Ditto
Speaking of 150, Sam Eriepa, the Spannehead (GI) midfielder, reaches that mark this weekend when they take on the Sharks at the Sandpit. I must be getting old — it seems only yesterday when Sam started. Good on ya, mate. Also a couple of weeks ago Eels flanker Brodie Hume hit the ton when the Eels played GI and unbelievably lost, but good on ya, mate. To cap it Hame Toma (the Bruise) bought up a 100 for the Sharks in their loss to Southern — good on ya, mate.
Country rugby
Can anybody tell me how Central Otago rugby is working now? Whatever happened to simple competition structures? I have worked out the top four sides are playing each other this weekend, so I presume it’s a round robin comp. In the North, Valley is still top but I hear Kurow is the “smokey” leading into finals and who would know what the Olds will do! Will report on the South next week, as this week’s games will all be won by the favourites.
This weekend
Got beaten by Billy Somerville last weekend — unbelievable. The confidence is shattered but on to Monty Wright from Varsity, so surely? The MAQs (Kaik, 13+) should get it done over Southern at the high veldt but the magpies are warming up. GI should win by 50 over the underperforming Sharks (12-), but I'd rather have a night out with Hedge than pick them! The Eels (13+) will devour Zingers at Bastion Point. Harbour(12-) at the Cockabilly Cauldron will tip over AU.
Sparky, from The Arrow Bulls, got the perfect 60 last week, so my 55 paled in comparison, so on to Norman Marsh from Roxburgh this week, so a win is assured. Clutha (13+) will destroy Clinton at home. The West Taieri swine (13+) will grunt passed the Coalminers. Heriot (12-) should get it done over Toko away. Owaka (12-) will be too strong for Roxburgh at the Fruitbowl. And to finish the Landers (13+) will be all over the Blues like a cheap suit.
