This is the inaugural match for the Helen Huddleston and George McKenzie Memorial Trophy. Huddleston, who died at the end of last year, was a life member of the Clutha club and loyal supporter.
Her father, George McKenzie, was a life member of the Clinton club and she grew up in the Clinton, Waiwera South area.
It is great to see these two teams battle out for a trophy commemorating such a wonderful lady. Clutha should not have too much of a problem winning this match. It had a minor slip-up against Valley last week but still took the win.
The sign of a good team is the ability to win despite playing poorly and Clutha found a way last weekend.
Clinton was outplayed by Crescent but took some positives from the game. It will want to attack Clutha up front and find space in the backline. If Clinton has a fully fit 22 and plays to its potential then it may cause a scare but Clutha is a firm favourite.
The Eddie Scott Memorial Trophy is on the line when Toko hosts Crescent. Toko has held the much coveted prize since 2012 and this trophy is the only one the current Crescent coaching set-up has failed to get its hands on.
This tussle is usually won up front with both packs happy to smash each other for 80 minutes. Crescent’s style of play has evolved from that in the past few seasons and it is giving the ball width. Toko still favours the up-the-guts mentality which works for it. Crescent is the favourite to take the trophy on form.
Toko will need to improve from last weekend’s close win over Owaka if it wants to retain the silverware.
Heriot has found form at the right time. It could not afford to drop many more points at risk of losing touch with the top four. Its 41-point demolition of Lawrence last weekend proves it has had the players but lacked cohesion.
Midfield back Chris Roulston is having a stand out season for the Heriot side. He is running well with the ball, putting the work in defensively and has scored some nice tries.
Heriot hosts Owaka, which is still winless but is playing some attractive rugby.
Ex-Heriot player Chris Chittock has been leading by example since returning from an injury lay off. He will be looking to get one up on his former side. Heriot is an odds-on favourite at home but the Owaka boys will not back down from the challenge.
Clutha Valley hosts Lawrence for the Miller Cup.
The Valley boys have played some very tidy rugby this season so far and can be proud of their results.
Lawrence has not had the same success as last year and has had two big losses in a row to Clutha and Heriot. Can Valley make it three losses in a row for the Lawrence side? I think so.