Clutha Steamers burst into lead

Clutha winger Kane Teunissen tries to run out of the tackle of Heriot's Blair Young and Luke...
Clutha winger Kane Teunissen tries to run out of the tackle of Heriot's Blair Young and Luke Longley. PHOTO: SI LEEDS
The Clutha Steamers are now outright leaders of the Southern Region competition yet again.

They defeated Heriot 38-17 in a spirited encounter at Balclutha.

Clutha played into the wind in the first half and started strongly, holding the ball and building pressure.

Its scrum was strong and sent a positive message against a much bigger Heriot pack.

Despite playing into the wind, Clutha went into halftime 19-7 ahead.

The second half was more of the same as Clutha made most of the play.

It made Heriot defend for long periods, and the constant pressure took its toll.

Heriot scored two second-half tries themselves, but could not hold on to the ball long enough to stop the impressive Clutha unit racking up the points.

Clutha's backs were far too slick for their opposition.

Centre Robin Fesilafai carried on his outstanding try-scoring campaign.

He dotted down twice more to take his season tally to 10 in five games.

Fellow backs Kane Teunissen, Sylvester Reeves and Sam Viliamu also scored five pointers. Hooker Josh Turnbull had another stand out game up front and Connor Mills added spark off the bench.

Heriot stalwart Blair Young, playing in his 250th game for Heriot, put in a huge shift.

He scored twice and was at his consistent best.

Roxburgh has picked up its second win on the bounce.

It ruined Clutha Valley's club day by beating the home side 27-22 after being ahead 15-3 at the break.

Roxburgh dominated the first half, scoring two early tries and piling on the pressure.

The second half was more even as Valley fought their way back into the match, but Roxburgh soaked up the pressure and managed to win the match.

Roxburgh centre Danny van der Voort was once again outstanding.

He was very dangerous when he was given space and enjoyed bumping off the Valley defenders.

Younger brother Blair van der Voort was also a stand out on the flank.

Crescent took a thrilling 32-31 win over Owaka in Kaitangata.

Both sides had sustained periods of attack in the first half, but it was the Owaka side which went into halftime 19-15 ahead.

It scored two quick tries to extend that lead, before Crescent's class and belief helped it claw back into the game.

They capitalised on poor Owaka discipline to score twice quickly late, before slotting a penalty to claim victory.

In Milton, Toko dismantled Clinton 47-22 on club day.

The hosts were dominant in all facets of the game, an impressive set piece and neat breakdown work setting the platform.

Its forward pack made plenty of metres up the middle, while the backs flourished with front-foot ball.

Kieran Calteaux and Semi Lacabuka scored two tries each, Calteaux unlucky to be denied his hat-trick in the second half.

 - Francis Parker

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