Clutha Valley tops the table, and remains unbeaten after a 28-23 win over Crescent at Clydevale.
Valley started better and set a marker down early.
Both sides had time in possession, but Crescent’s attack was met by some staunch Valley defence. Valley went into halftime 18-17 ahead and the lead kept changing in the second spell before Valley scored a late try to take the win.
Blindside flanker Josh Botting scored two tries for the home side and was solid in the loose.
Jonny Sargent was a standout in the Valley midfield.
The Crescent forwards were led well by flanker Logan Mackie and lock Aydan Edwards.
West Taieri is also unbeaten.
It travelled to Owaka, where it met some heavy resistance from Owaka.
West Taieri won 16-3 after the game was locked at 3-3 for more than an hour.
Owaka’s physicality in defence stunned the West Taieri side, which has been scoring freely in the first half of matches.
Both sides’ first five-eighths found space at the back with their kicking game, but neither side could hold on to the ball long enough to score points.
West Taieri’s superior fitness towards the end showed.
It held the ball and forced Owaka to give away silly penalties.
West Taieri locks Ben Davidson and Steve Green were immense for their side.
Halfback Lochie Hannah was Owaka’s best.
Clinton recorded its first win of the season with a 24-23 win over Toko at Clinton.
Toko led 8-5 at the break after a a hard-fought battle.
Clinton made metres up the middle and retained possession well.
Toko had chances but made key errors in scoring positions.
Josh Hurring was strong up front for Clinton.
Kurt Thompson and Jack Clayton were stand outs in the backs.
Toko centre Scott Anderson and fullback Jared Hayes had strong games.
Clutha held on to beat Heriot 17-12 in a scrappy affair at Balclutha.
Clutha started well and had the majority of territory and possession.
It could not convert the pressure into points and went into halftime with a slim 11-5 lead.
Heriot piled the pressure on in the second half, but some solid Clutha defence denied it.
Matt Barton and Max Pennell were strong for Clutha. Mark McKenzie and Dylan MacKenzie were strong up front for Heriot.
- Francis Parker