After the ninth round of the South Otago premier competition, Clutha has eight wins and a draw and leads the standings by nine points from Heriot and Toko.
Clutha has a strong backline, well led by Heath Culbertson and supported by Jeff Filou at centre, who has been outstanding with his running.
Rhys Harrold has been sound with his goalkicking, and out the back, Tyler Bichan and Kane Teunissen have genuine pace.
In the forwards, Kerrod Baldwin plays well each week, while another forward who impresses each weekend is Simon Grant.
Up front, Philip Keighley and Dan Groen always give the hard graft.
Clutha's biggest remaining game is Heriot in three weeks, and this clash should sort out the order for the final three games.
Heriot will be hard to beat after a slow start to the season, but will need to win all its remaining matches to make the semfinals.
Toko has improved this season and has produced some strong performances.
Last weekend, it posted its biggest win in recent years, thumping Owaka 78-20.
Toko, which picked up three Lawrence players this season, has some young and exciting backs behind a solid forward pack, and it could be the team to watch over the final rounds.
Jacky Scott had a splendid game last weekend, kicking eight from eight.
Of those down the table, Crescent, Clinton and Clutha Valley will all attempt to make the semifinals next month.
Luck of the draw may help but on current form, Clutha, Toko, Heriot and Clinton will make the top four.
- Norman Woods
