Topp Cup takes centre stage

Fullback Tyler Bichan, who is pictured playing for Clutha against Cromwell last year in Balclutha...
Fullback Tyler Bichan, who is pictured playing for Clutha against Cromwell last year in Balclutha, will be an important player for the Southern region side in the Topp Cup match in Milton on Monday. Photo: Gregor Richardson.
This week there is yet another break in Southern Region club rugby as all roads lead to the annual Topp Cup clash.

This year the clash is being hosted by the Southern side and will be played in Milton on Monday. The Southern Region team won the trophy off Central in Cromwell last year and has been training well for the past few weeks to put up a solid defence this time around.

The team has a lot of new players  but  enough experienced ones to show the way.

The Southern tight five is a big talking point. With experienced front rowers Stu Young, Alex Smith and Tim Howie being unavailable for this game, a lot of pressure sits on the shoulders of Macrae Sanderson and Brendan Irwin. The two bookends are both playing their debut cup match and will be examined by the Central side. Both have been standouts for their sides this season and they will relish the challenge up against the more seasoned Central side. The set piece execution will be put under pressure from the start. The loose forwards have picked themselves, as there is plenty of depth in this position throughout the clubs in the region.

Captain Kerrod Baldwin will lead from the front and it is great to finally see Kurt Turnbull rewarded for his efforts.The Southern backline will fancy its chances. 

The halves combination of Crescent’s Jamie Brown and Harley McHardy are key to getting the backs going forward. Hayden Wyber and Rhys Harrold make up a formidable centre pair.

Harrold has been the best back in country rugby for the past couple of years and  made a huge difference in this clash last year.

The outside backs have pace to burn and will look for fullback Tyler Bichan in his seventh Topp Cup to steady the ship. The reserves offer some youth and experience. Sam Wyber in his third Topp Cup match will offer explosiveness off the bench, as will Mark McKenzie. Outside back Jeremy Gray is one of the most consistent performers in the southern region and will be looking to make his mark.

The Southern region development side, skippered by Clayton Rowland, is very strong this year.  Expect the forwards to muscle up, deliver a solid set piece and allow the impressive backline to work their magic. Players to look out for in this side are Toko loose forward Dylan Greer, Valley midfielder Jonny Sargent and Crescent No8 Nick McBride. Games start with lower-grade matches at Milton at 11am.  South Otago High School is also taking on Dunstan High School at Milton at 12.45pm. The main game is scheduled to kick off at 2.30pm and will be refereed by Jono Bredin.  

- Francis Parker

 

Topp Cup

Southern squad

Tyler Bichan, Robin Fesilafai, Rhys Harrold, Hayden Wyber, Dylan Mathieson, Harley McHardy, Jamis Brown, Kerrod Baldwin (captain), Kurt Turnbull, Adam Hollander, Peter O’Malley, Scott Hollows, Patrick Clegg, Brendan Irwin, Macrae Sanderson. Reserves: Max Pennell, Sam Wyber, Andrew Carruthers, Mark McKenzie, Jared Edwards, Kini Natuna, Jeremy Gray

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