Matakanui caused the upset of the round when they toppled Arrowtown in the Central premier rugby competition.
Running away with their first victory since 2023, Matakanui defeated Arrowtown 42-29 at Omakau on Saturday.
It was a big occasion for the Mudfish, who recognised captain Dean Sinnamon’s 100th game at home — which he played the week before away against Alexandra — and Sinnamon scored two tries in the romp.
It was a big turnaround from their clash seven weeks ago when Arrowtown, who were also the last team Matakanui beat, ran away with a big 66-15 victory.
Alexandra made the trip to Cromwell and returned home with a 40-26 win against the Goats.
All the talk had been about Cromwell’s vaunted scrum, which has been pushing teams around the park all season.
But Alexandra were up for the challenge, putting in an almighty heave at their set piece and shifted Cromwell off the ball.
All of a sudden Alexandra had two tries to show for it and were away.
Centre Tyler Ford dotted down twice in the opening two minutes and converted his team’s five tries to finish with a haul of 20 points.
Cromwell scored two late tries through Peni Delai and Mitchell Condon to bring the scoreline back slightly.
Alexandra (30 points) now sit second, giving themselves a little breathing room between them and third place Wakatipu (22 points).
The Upper Clutha Rams, who are top of the table with 31 points, sealed a 28-14 victory against Maniototo to cap off their 12th jubilee celebrations.
There was a bumper turn out for the clash and celebrations and winger Ulysse Martineau scored twice for the Rams
The victory means the White Horse Trophy will stay with the Wanaka-based team.
Alexandra are home to Wakatipu this weekend, Arrowtown will host the Upper Clutha Rams and Maniototo will face Cromwell. — APL
