Round 2 of the Southern Region premier competition gets under way this weekend.
The split first round featured some interesting results, but now the business end begins with every team getting a crack at each other.
West Taieri are the only unbeaten team left in the competition after round 1.
The defending champions were made to work hard in the second half in their game against Heriot at the weekend when they almost threw away a 31-7 halftime lead.
West Taieri head to Lawrence to take on the home side, who see themselves in and around the top four after round 1.
The question will be if Lawrence can continue to keep this positive form going.
Crescent lost their first game of the season last weekend to bitter rivals Clutha, which will have stung.
Crescent paid the price for a poor 15 minutes where they let in three tries.
The Coal Miners are back at home this weekend against Clinton, who are also coming off a stinging loss to close rivals Owaka.
Crescent should bounce back and be too strong in this one.
Toko have won two matches on the bounce and will be looking to make it three when they welcome Clutha Valley to Milton this weekend.
This will be a step up in intensity for Toko, who have started to hit their straps. Clutha Valley are coming off the bye and will be well rested and ready to make a semifinal push.
Clutha will be riding a wave of confidence after their final-minute heroics against Crescent last weekend.
It secured a fantastic win for Clutha, who have shown that they are well within the title picture this year.
Clutha host Heriot, who will be content with their performance at Outram last weekend despite taking a loss. Heriot dominated West Taieri in the second half and will hope to carry the form over into this crucial clash.
— Francis Parker
