In the seventh round of the division one competition, Pioneer won its top-of-the table clash against Blues B in Invercargill.
The visiting Pioneer team dominated from the start, scoring two tries in the first quarter.
Blues B fought back to close the gap to 12-7 at halftime. Both teams had moments on attack in the second half and had plenty of scoring opportunities. Pioneer scored a further two penalty goals to take the victory 18-7. Pioneer's midfield runners kept it on the front foot for much of the match.
Albion Excelsior beat Wakatipu 21-20 at the Gore Showgrounds. Albion started strong and scored a good try but from then on they did not make the most of its many scoring opportunities, due to poor ball retention. Wakatipu used its ball wisely. It was a very bruising match.
Mossburn was too strong at home for Star B, winning 45-14. Waikiwi was equally dominant in its match at Donovan Park beating Waiau Star 38-5.
In the division two competition, Riverton was beaten on its home ground 45-17 by Tokanui on Friday night.
Mataura outmuscled Drummond Limehills Star 22-12 at Limehills on Saturday. Mataura's aggression on attack and defence was too much for its smaller opponents, who fumbled under pressure.
Collegiate enjoyed its first win of the season, 34-31 against Bush Pirates on Saturday, while Bluff beat Marist B 34-19 at Miller St.
Ohai Nightcaps beat Blues second side 53-7. Woodlands B was beaten on its home patch 35-10 by Pirates Old Boys B.
- John Langford