Clutha, Crescent to sustain runs

The Crescent Rugby team last year. Photo: supplied.
The Crescent Rugby team last year. Photo: supplied.
Clutha and Crescent are the only unbeaten sides heading into round three of the South Otago competition tomorrow.

Clutha was far too strong for Heriot last weekend and Crescent caused somewhat of an upset by beating Lawrence at Lawrence. Expect both teams to have a win this weekend to continue their good runs.

Clutha travels to Toko, which, by its own admission, is under-prepared and expecting the worst from this clash. The men from Milton are low on numbers and preparing to "start its season" after the Easter break which means damage limitation against Clutha is vital.

The young Toko side will have learned some harsh lessons from the first two weeks and will be better for it.

The Clutha forwards muscled up last week and took Heriot on at its own game.

The loose forward trio of Connor Mills, Kurt Turnbull and Kerrod Baldwin controlled the breakdown and expect the same again this weekend.

Crescent travels to Owaka with two trophies on the line — the MacKintosh Cup, which Crescent took from Lawrence, plus the Greg Smith Memorial, a trophy dear to the hearts of both clubs. Crescent was far too clinical and its backline was too quick and skilful for its Lawrence counterpart.

Former Tasman Makos academy member Kieva Littlejohn adds plenty of power and strength to an already well-drilled pack.

Owaka has improved tenfold from last season and has  two more points on the board  than all of last year put together. Expect it to keep improving this week and giving the more favoured Crescent team a run for its money.

Heriot has a point to prove when it hosts Clutha Valley. A strong first 20 minutes against Clutha was ruined by sloppy play for the rest of the game. Coach Richard Brandon has called it a one-off and said the side will not crumble like that again.

Clutha Valley sneaked home against Owaka last week on the back of a disciplined first half. The Valley loose forward combination of Damian Wilson, Adam Hollander and Ieru Teriuea are the key to stop the big Heriot forwards and turn over quick ball.

Valley should fancy itself in the backs, with the centre pairing of Bibi Teriuea and Jayden Dovey starting to hit its straps. Heriot  is the favourite  at home but Valley has a chance.

Clinton hosts Lawrence in the final match of the round. Clinton was impressive last week against Toko and Lawrence will be hurting after the Crescent game. Clinton coach Clint Robinson put the hard word on his boys midweek last week and it  seems to have worked wonders. Clinton is playing with a new-found confidence and will fancy its chances to upset a wounded Lawrence side. Lawrence, on the other hand, will want to show it is still a title contender and will bring the fight. It’s another close call but Lawrence is the favourite.  

- Francis Parker

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