As promised, ODT rugby columnist Paul Dwyer headed into the "boondocks” on Saturday to watch Matakanui take on Cromwell at the Omakau Domain.
Dwyer reports Cromwell came in to the game as raging favourites and duly delivered.
The “Matak" boys never recovered after “Seahorse Kenny” was sent off after two minutes for injudicious use of the boot, and went down 43-10, but showed serious "Valley" spirit to keep the score respectable. There were lots of memorable moments: Arthur Samuels on the scoreboard, Jeremy Jenkins the coach and the first five dejectedly walking off with 20 minutes to go.
It was a journey into the country I will never forget........... more in next Friday’s column.