Arrowtown timed its run to perfection to win its crunch match against Upper Clutha at Jack Reid Park in Arrowtown on Saturday.
The host won the match 20-16 after Upper Clutha led 13-10 at the break.
Arrowtown used its experience and hardness up front to dominate the game in the last quarter.
A driving maul from a lineout led to a try to the ageless Aidan Winter and that put the home side ahead with just over 10 minutes left. Upper Clutha did not get near the tryline to score a late victory as Arrowtown hung on to the ball and had a try disallowed right at the end.
Best for Arrowtown were tight forwards Matt Flower and John Morrison.
Upper Clutha lost the ball at key moments and took the wrong option when the pressure came on.
No8 Mike Donald suffered a blow to the neck and the game was delayed for 20 minutes while an ambulance arrived and he was taken away. He was up and walking yesterday and is believed to be having scans on his neck this week.
At Omakau, Wakatipu put on a good first-half display which won it the game over Matakanui Combined.
Wakatipu won 45-17 after it led 40-0 at the break.
The visiting team exploded out of the blocks, throwing the ball around and was too slick for the combined team.
Captain Steve Banks had a good game for Wakatipu in its forward pack while centre Rhys Kearton ran hard and helped himself to a couple of tries.
The game was all over by halftime but the home team played better in the second half and scored three tries to bring some respectability to the scoreboard.
In Cromwell, the club’s two sides met and the Goats had a convincing 76-17 victory over the Cavaliers.
The Goats led 45-5 at the break but the Cavaliers came back into the game in the second half.
Big No8 Asivorsi Serukalou scored three tries in a strong performance.
In the other game, Maniototo beat Alexandra 38-14 at home.