The Southern Region season wraps up this weekend with a blockbusting replay of the 2020 final between Clutha Valley and West Taieri.
Clutha Valley dominated proceedings in its semifinal against Heriot last weekend, maintaining a stranglehold on territory and possession.
West Taieri had to defend for large periods against Clutha but was still able to take its chances and extend its unbeaten streak against the Steamers to five matches.
Clutha Valley is unbeaten in its centennial season.
Its player depth is the envy of the region, but everyone in the squad has had a major part to play this season.
West Taieri, which went through the 2020 season unbeaten, has lost three games this season, two of them to Clutha Valley in two tight contests.
West Taieri lifted the trophy last season in an extremely close game in which Clutha Valley had reason to be aggrieved as the cameras showed a try that was not picked up by the officials.
Valley has been served well by a tight five that is not the biggest. Young prop Lachie Gunson is one to stand out.
Valley’s loose forward combinations have been superior this season. Flankers Maurice Tairua, Liam Turnbull and Jordan Willocks have been in a league of their own and have dominated many a breakdown. Damian Wilson, who has filled in at lock, has also had a fantastic year.
The arrival of Thomas Johnson at Clydevale this season has been a massive boost for the Valley backs.
Johnson’s combination with halfback Jared Edwards has brought a sense of stability and control to Valley’s attack.
Lachie Moore has turned back the clock with another outstanding season in the Valley backline after some time away from the club.
West Taieri’s forward pack has gone from strength to strength despite injuries to key player.
Locks Steve Green and Ben Davidson combine once more after Davidson recovered from a hand injury to play in last weekend’s semifinal. Both men give their all for 80 minutes.
Loose forwards Conner Jenkins, Ben Scorgie and Conor Beaton will relish the challenge against their opposites. Jenkins especially has had a fantastic season both with ball in hand and on defence.
West Taieri’s halves combination of Jackson Reid and Callum Smeaton was unstoppable last season. The two have controlled play just as well this year and have a big part to play in this match.
The battle between West Taieri second five-eighth Will Scorgie and Valley opposite Jonny Sargent will be worth the admission price alone.
It is hard to pick a favourite for the final despite Valley’s unbeaten streak. The underfoot conditions at Clydevale will be a good leveller and whoever gains parity up front will go a long way to getting the result.
Crescent plays Toko in the bottom four final at Kaitangata.
- By Francis Parker
