The Clutha Steamers are the only unbeaten team in the Southern Region premier competition after the latest round.
Duck-shooting weekend took precedence as usual with two Thursday night games, a Friday night game and just one Saturday encounter.
The annual "Duck-shooting Derby" between fierce rivals Crescent and Clutha was played on Saturday in front of a packed house at Kaitangata.
Clutha claimed a 22-19 win after the game was deadlocked at 19-19 for the majority of the second half.
Crescent started strongly with the wind behind them and marched out to a 12-0 lead before Clutha hit back with a try late in the half.
Crescent led 12-7 at the break but should have perhaps made more of the wind behind them.
The second half was a scrappy affair but both sides had their fair share of chances to add points to their tally.
The defensive efforts from both sides were huge, but Crescent managed to take the lead with 20 minutes to go.
Clutha responded to level the scores before a late penalty gave them a chance to hold on and claim the points, bragging rights, and the Speight’s Jug and Centennial Cup.
West Taieri gifted Toko their first loss of the season under lights at Outram on Thursday night.
The hosts won 22-17 after being behind 17-14 at halftime.
Toko’s set piece put plenty of pressure on West Taieri, who were not used to being on the back foot, particularly at scrum time.
This dominance allowed Toko to operate in the right areas of the field and score two good first-half tries.
West Taieri held on to possession better in the second half and made the most of the few opportunities given to them by a determined Toko side.
A late try to replacement forward Bug Tisdall sealed the win for West Taieri, who retained the McIntosh Cup and took important points to keep in touch with the leaders.
Clutha Valley won their third game on the bounce to give their semifinal chances another leg up.
The defending champions beat Lawrence 32-28 despite being on the back foot for large periods.
The Friday night spectacle had added spark with hundreds of people turning out to watch a fantastic battle.
The first half was an even contest with neither side managing to get away from the other.
Valley started well with two early tries before Lawrence took the lead with three quick tries.
Valley hit back just before the break to take a 22-21 lead into halftime.
Lawrence hit their straps in the second half and looked to have taken their first win of the season before Valley came back into the contest and scored a late try to give them a one-point lead with minutes left.
A late penalty sealed the deal before some committed defence kept Lawrence at bay on the final whistle.
Heriot beat Owaka 31-27 on Thursday night at Swamp Hen Park.
Owaka led 14-12 at halftime and were ahead 27-24 with less than five minutes remaining. Heriot showed their resilience and fought to the end with a late try to No 8 Tyson Adams to get the win.
— Francis Parker
