Country Day is set to get under way at the Toko Rugby Club as numerous teams do battle for Otago Country supremacy.
The main event is of course the Topp Cup match between the holders Central Otago and the Southern side who will be looking to make amends after losing the coveted trophy last season in Alexandra.
Southern management opted to split both the premier and development teams from the outset which gave them a clear direction on what was expected.
The Southern premier side will be led by Crescent skipper Chase Owen who returns to this match after sitting out the majority of last season through injury. Owen has been a huge factor in Crescent’s success so far this season and will look to lead from the front in this match too.
Southern’s forward pack boasts Otago Country experience from start to finish with props Daniel Miller and Ethan Hippolite ready to rip into action. Southern’s pack is mobile and can carry strongly into contact.
Look no further than Ben Scorgie who has been shifting bodies for fun for West Taieri this season.
Southern’s bench will provide plenty of impact like we saw last year when they almost snatched victory away from Central.
Utility Sam Wyber is capable of playing anywhere on the field and will be huge off the bench.
Central named a 48-strong group of players which have then been split into the two sides after a combined training session.
The plethora of quality players in the Central competition this season means that this premier side should be extremely strong.
Look no further than Upper Clutha prop Ben McKeich who is having a strong season for the Rams.
Matakanui’s Dean Sinnamon is always a player to watch in the forward pack.
Central’s backs will be marshalled by Cromwell’s Rhys Harrold and Alexandra’s Tyler Ford who can both steer a fantastic ship.
This match promises to be one of the closest fought Topp Cup battles in recent seasons.
- By Francis Parker
