Semifinalists found in Central Otago

The Arrowtown and Wakatipu packs prepare to engage. Photos by James Beech.
The Arrowtown and Wakatipu packs prepare to engage. Photos by James Beech.
The semifinalists have been found after the final round robin fixtures of the Central Otago Premier Rugby competition on Saturday.

Upper Clutha, who beat Alexandra, finish top of the competition and will host Arrowtown, who accounted for Matakanui Combined, to finish in fourth place.

Wakatipu, who were beaten by Maniototo, finish in second place and will host Cromwell, who humbled Clyde Earnscleugh to finish third.

Upper Clutha booked top spot with a comfortable 48-5 win over the young Alexandra side, scoring eight tries to one.

The home side led 24-0 at the break.

Player of the Day James Downes scored a hat-trick of tries on the left wing. Jai Baxter also scored two, while Josh Roberts, Ben Purvis and Nick Marshall dotted down as well.

Roberts converted three of the tries while Jason Richan added one.

Blindside Hamish Brensell was the best for the visitors, while Alex Redican scored their only try.

Maniototo knocked over the top of the table Wakatipu 18-12 at Ranfurly to finish their season on a high after holding a 12-5 lead after the first 40 minutes.

Mark Te Whaiti and Kapa Moeke scored tries for Wakatipu, with Te Whaiti adding one conversion.

Matt McLelland and Jack Wild scored tries for the hosts, with Wild completing an excellent game by adding a conversion and two penalty goals.

Cromwell was too big and too fast for the young Clyde Earnscleugh side, winning 62-0 and scoring 10 tries in the process.

In-form centre Warwick Chinny scored five of the tries and Devon Matheson three, while Ollie James and Mat Baty also crossed the line. Ben Maxwell and Dane Edge added three conversions each.

The young home side were on the back foot for much of the game, but never gave up.

Arrowtown locked the White Horse Cup away for the season with a comfortable 29-8 win over Matakanui Combined at the Queenstown Events Centre.

The home side led 17-3 at the break and outscored the challengers by five tries to one.

Tom Grandiek scored a brace while Adam Hill, Josh Brazier and Simon Quickfall also scored.

Connor Bissett added two conversions.

Malcolm Sutherland at lock was excellent for the hosts.

Jeremy Jenkins kicked a first half penalty while Will Stuart crossed for a second half try for the challengers.

Centre Dillon Ecord stood out in a losing side.

 - Malcolm Jones
 

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