Unbeaten Crescent focused on Owaka

Defence first. Counterattack second.

It seems to be working pretty well for Crescent so far this season.

The club is unbeaten after four games and will go into tomorrow's match against bottom-of-the-table Owaka as a strong favourite.

But coach Robbie Owen was adamant his side is focused on the Owaka fixture and not staring off into the distance and thinking about the big game against competition leader Clutha next weekend.

"They have been going quite well," Owen said.

"They can cause an upset at any stage. They've got some good players and they are not a team that we will take lightly, I can tell you that."

Crescent's goal is to get through the first round unbeaten and to do that it will need to knock over the defending champion.

Clutha collected its third consecutive Countrywide title last year, beating Wakatipu 71-7 in a one-sided final.

The team has set the benchmark in South Otago again this season with four wins from four games for a maximum 20 points.

"Clutha is always a going to be a strong side. They have lost a couple of players from last year but that does not mean anything.

"But we are looking at giving them a good run for their money. I think we will be right up there."

Crescent has been travelling nicely. New recruit second five-eighth Jamahl Little has made a big impact since arriving.

He goes by the name "Jam Roll" to his new mates and has added some steel to the midfield.

Co-captain Harley McHardy has made an impressive start to the season at first five-eighth, and nippy winger Nico Burgess looks a player with a promising future.

But it is up front where Crescent will look to press Owaka. Flanker Cole Birse has been outstanding and turned in another top shift in the tense 18-13 win against Clutha Valley the week before duck-shooting.

The team put in a huge defensive effort in that game and its loose forward trio was the first to the breakdown more often than not. Co-captain and No8 Nick McBride has been influential as well with his strong ball running, and front rower Logan Morrell has led the effort in the scrums.

Add a Comment