Clutha is in a league of its own. The side is unbeaten, has almost wrapped up first-round honours, and is looking very unlikely to lose a game as things stand.
Everything seems to be clicking and the men in red and white are putting together performances of which to be proud. The forwards are setting good platforms and the outside backs are too quick.
The pack is being led by Kurt Turnbull, who is having an outstanding season. He has been one of Clutha’s most consistent for years and has not received many opportunities for higher honours. This season it will be sacrilege to leave him out.
The usual suspects are shining in the backs. Kane Teunissen, Tyler Bichan and Robin Fesilafai are responsible for 21 of Clutha’s tries so far this season.
Not too far behind Clutha is Crescent. Apart from the game in which it was outplayed by Clutha, no-one has come close to the Coalminers. The brand of rugby the side is trying to promote is a positive one and it is showing on attack.
It has a youthful backline and a forward pack not scared to put in the hard yards. Young pivot Jackson Cook has deputised well for injured captain Harley McHardy. Cook is confident in possession and has a knack of picking out the right pass. Nick McBride has been a leader up front for the Crescent side — he is fit and strong and has been devastating with ball in hand.
Lawrence has not reached the heights of last year yet. It is introducing plenty of new players but will take time to learn new combinations and structure.
It has lost two games to Clutha and Crescent which will disappoint it but tidy performances in its other games will give it confidence going forward.
The reintroduction of rake Alex Smith is a positive step for a Lawrence pack that has lacked punch in the bigger games. The backline has been solid but a blue card to first five-eighth Stu Melville will cause the coaching staff headaches in the weeks to come.
Clutha Valley has been steadily going about its work and is sitting pretty on the points table. It has one loss so far to Crescent but is yet to play Clutha and Lawrence.
The strength of the Valley side is definitely at the breakdown — its loose forwards are all having stellar seasons to date.
The Valley midfield is also causing the opposition headaches. It will be interesting to see where Valley is placed at the end of the first round.Clinton has two wins to its name over Toko and Owaka and is seeking to build on this after the break.
Toko defeated Heriot in its only win to date. The side from Milton pushed Clutha at Milton a few weeks back and is showing promising signs.
Heriot has had one win over Clinton in the first round. Since then, it has gone downhill losing every game. Injuries have not helped but things seem to be on the improve. Expect a stronger Heriot side from now on.
Owaka has no wins to its name but has pushed teams at times.
The Owaka side needs to relax, play its own game and the results will come. The team is far from the easybeat of last year.
- Francis Parker