A great old-fashioned boys’ trip is sadly about to come to an end today. If you are wondering how the Highlanders put in such an error-ridden performance, the weather conditions in Ba were extreme to say the least. The temperature and humidity, especially in the first spell, had to be experienced to be believed.
The wrap
Meanwhile, back in Dunners, the sixth round of premier rugby was played and there were some big scores to be had. None more so than up on the high veldt where Kaik put 60-plus on Harbour. Outside backs Jake Hill and Charlie Breen bagged five tries between them as they ran Harbour ragged in the rarefied atmosphere.
The Eels put up 40 to dismantle Southern, the Whaanga boys also getting into the tryfest as they helped themselves to three tries.
Varsity are now the only unbeaten side in the comp after they compiled their own 40 when they destroyed GI at the Oval. They now lead the comp by four points from the Spannerheads who have yet to have the bye.
The Sharks, after a terrible start to the comp, bagged their second consecutive win when they scored a surprisingly comfortable victory over Zingers up at Bastion Point. They got into the 40s with a seven-try haul to claw their way up the table. They are still four points out of the six but they’ve given themselves a chance of cracking it. Looking at it right now, it could be Varsity’s comp to lose.
Down on the farm
In the country, the yawnfest continues with both Clutha and West Taieri remaining unbeaten. Clutha did enough to beat country cousins Clutha Valley and the Pigs were too good for the Colliers from Crescent. The Prison Guards from Toko handed out the penal treatment to my Clinton boys — big bullies. In the only contest, Owaka scored late to edge the goldminers from Lawrence.
Up in the winterless north, Old Boys had a great win over Athies. Tini Feke was the star turn with a five-try haul. Excelsior lost again, this time to the mighty Maheno. Great work, lads. Oh, and by the way, Valley remain unbeaten — yawn!
The Cromwell Goats thrashed Alex to remain unbeaten to set up a mouth-watering clash tomorrow with playing-through champs Upper Clutha. Clutha destroyed the upstarts from Arrowtown with a statement and put 50 on the Bulls who had no answers and failed to bother the scorers. In the Valley, Matak weren’t good enough and lost bragging rights to the Maggots ,who powered away with the win.
Clinton’s big day
Clinton celebrates their 140th this weekend and we congratulate you for making the milestone. It’s been a journey, lads, after you pulled out of the comp last year. They are not quite competitive enough yet, but lads I feel it’s coming. ‘‘Skinny‘‘ Miller was telling me they’ve got a ‘‘hypnotist’’ coming in as the MC for the event. I suggest you pay him a couple more dollars and let him have a session with the team, put them under and turn them into the world beaters they should be. They take on their mates from Owaka in the big game tomorrow, so the Owaka boys should be very afraid.
This weekend
Destroyed Shark centurian Tim Hogan with a draw last weekend because, as you know, I win all draws. On to Magpies centurion and halfback Wilson Driver tomorrow so I’ve already chalked it up as a win. Wilson got badly injured against the Sharks a few weeks ago, so mate, I hope the recuperation goes well and you get back playing soon. Southern venture out to the Codfish Emporium to take on Harbour and this is nearly too close to call. Both teams have big packs and both backlines are struggling to fire. I have a sneaking suspicion the Magpies (12-) might just get up, but really it goes either way. Varsity (13+) take on the AU Ponies who are coming off the bye. I’m afraid the Bookworms will just be too strong across the Park for the Ponies. The Sharks are back in the Sandpit and take on arch enemy Kaik in the big clash of the weekend. Kaik come in full of confidence for this and go in as firm favourites but the Sharks may roll out a few Highlanders so I’ll stick with Dunedin (12-). Taieri (13+) host Zingers at the Eelpit and it’s one-way traffic.
In the country, I took on Skinny and unbelievably got beaten. This weekend, I’m taking on Blue Simon from Upper Clutha and he couldn’t pick his nose so balance will be restored. Wakatip (13+) bounce back at home and saute the Maggots. In the big one, Upper Clutha (12-) defeat the Goats in Cromwell but it’ll be tight. Alex (13+) take on neighbours Matak and should put them away comfortably.
