Before going down to Cromwell last Saturday, Upper Clutha had won 13 matches in a row and, incredibly, 50 of their previous 54 contests across four seasons.
Three of those losses were to Wakatipu, most recently in 2024.
Coach Evans credits Cromwell first-five, goalkicker and playmaker Brayden Laing for the victory and admits the loss was an important wake-up call for many of his players.
“The new fellows in the squad now know they’re involved in a tough competition. It is hard out there.”
Evans was missing a handful of his leading performers last Saturday and takes encouragement from the fact that lock Andrew Horne, prop Alonso Avalos, flanker Jack Colbourne, halfback Joshua Cook and fullback Caleb Dixon are all available this week.
The only first-choice player missing is winger Jack East.
No 8 Jake Burtenshaw, a regular standout during Upper Clutha’s great winning streak, will lead the team out in his 50th appearance, appropriate on club sponsors’ day.
Wakatipu is one of the few opponents to have beaten Upper Clutha in recent times, although they went down to the Wānaka men three times in 2025.
For new coach Tom Cunningham it is his first White Horse. Cup contest.
“I’m excited given the history associated with the cup,” he said.
“Cromwell showed last weekend that no team is invincible. Now it’s over to us.”
Cunningham says his bench created the victory against Maniototo last weekend.
“You need good defence and a strong bench to win these important games. We’re looking forward to the occasion.”
Wakatipu has a newcomer at second-five in Chris McNoe, who has joined the club from Dunedin.
Winger Harry Walker-Leach, 18 and a graduate from the local high school, is the competition’s leading tryscorer with five.
Maniototo and Alexandra, who clash at Ranfurly, are both desperately in need of a victory. They each won four of their first five games in 2025, but this year have each lost four.
Alexandra looked good in thumping Matakanui Combined 56-22 last weekend, while Maniototo came unstuck in the second half against Wakatipu.
Home advantage counts for plenty at Ranfurly. It should be a tight contest.
Arrowtown appreciated having the bye last weekend after taking a 54-0 thumping under lights against Upper Clutha.
They are a different team when the sun is shining and should prove too strong for Matakanui Combined, the wooden-spooners, at Omakau.
- Bob Hewitt
