Round three of the Southern Region club rugby competition promises to be just as close as the first two rounds.
All teams showed enough over the past fortnight to be considered early bolters for finals footy.
Defending champions Clutha are currently leading the way with two strong wins from two outings.
Clutha saw off Lawrence last weekend 47-12, but still were not happy with the way they performed.
The Steamers head to Swamp Hen Park this weekend to take on third-placed Owaka, who picked up their first win of the season last weekend against Toko.
Clutha will go into every match they play this year as favourites, but Swamp Hen Park has a contagious vibe and the Hens desperately want their hands on the Art Bloxham Cup.
Heriot host Lawrence for the West Otago Shield.
Both sides suffered sizable losses last weekend after winning their round one matches.
This promises to be a physical encounter, with Lawrence maybe even holding a slight advantage heading into the game due to their settled lineup.
Crescent host Clinton for the Ian Reid Memorial.
Crescent were beaten last weekend by Clutha Valley, with goalkicking perhaps the only difference between the two sides.
Clinton had the bye last weekend and will be energised and ready to mirror their strong defensive patterns with a slick move or two on attack.
Clutha Valley host Toko in what promises to be another tight contest.
Valley saw off Crescent last weekend thanks to some second half magic after being kept tryless in the first half.
Toko will be frustrated after letting their guard down against Owaka last weekend. The Axemen are yet to record a win in 2026.
Both forward packs will fancy their chances at the set piece. Valley’s backs should have the wood over their opposites, however.
Francis Parker
