The game itself was scrappy and very rarely free-flowing.The home side led 17-7 at halftime before running out the winner with another four second-half tries.
Clutha’s set piece was sharp, it was very dangerous in broken play and on the counter but its poor discipline kept Toko in the hunt.
The Toko side held on to the ball for many phases but could not reap the rewards. Clutha winger Kane Teunissen helped himself to a brace of tries and showed his pace on several occasions. Props Daniel Miller and Phil Keighley muscled up and got through plenty of work. Toko openside Dylan Greer had another strong game.
Hooker Kieran Calteaux had a strong game and Rhys Mathieson added impact off the bench.
Clinton wrested back the Bill Mitchell Memorial Trophy with a 23-17 win in a dogfight over Owaka in Clinton. In a game dominated by the whistle, the home side led 12-10 at the break. The Owaka side made the most of the ball it had but was on the end of a lopsided penalty count.
The second half was a more even affair. Both sides had their chances. Owaka’s discipline once again caused it problems and Clinton made it pay through the boot of Mark McKenzie. With time almost up, Owaka mounted one last charge and attacked the Clinton line. The home side held out and took the win. The penalty count was 20-5 in favour of the Clinton side. Owaka can be proud it got so close with very little ball or territory. Clinton lock Josh Hurring had a stand-out game. His work rate was top-drawer and he carried well. Owaka’s loose forward trio of Cameron Burgess, Grant Sinclair and Craig McCormick played well.
Clutha Valley beat Heriot 24-12 in a decent tussle at Clydevale. Valley scored four tries to Heriot’s two, building its game on solid defence and slick attack. It used territory and possession wisely and made fewer mistakes.
The side played intelligently and made some good decisions under pressure.
Heriot’s set piece held up well and it was missing a few key players. Discipline was also an issue for the West Otago side, which kept Valley just out of reach. Valley blindside Jimmy McDonald had a strong game. Heriot forwards Dan Goode and Liam Davies carried well and Tuka Smith made some inroads in midfield.
Crescent piled on the points against Lawrence, at Lawrence, scoring eight tries in a 50-12 win. It was a complete team performance for the Crescent side, playing well structured rugby for the majority of the game. The forwards offered a sound platform and the backs found gaps in the Lawrence midfield. Lawrence put up a fight in the first half but could not match Crescent’s desire and passion in the second half. Crescent No8 Cole Birse and wing Nico Burgess scored two tries each.
Lawrence blindside Kane Whitehead shone in his first start for the club. Lock Hutz Hillman and No8 Pete O’Malley also had strong outings.
- Francis Parker