Upper Clutha has a home semifinal secured - now for revenge.
The club has suffered just the one loss this year and it came against Arrowtown. The defending champion was edged 22-19 in Tarras and it hurt.
Upper Clutha beat Cromwell 27-8 in the final last year, to end a 39-year drought, and a win against Arrowtown at Jack Reid Park tomorrow will help make it a little easier to retain the trophy.
The way the competition standings sit, it is likely to play Arrowtown in the semifinal. So the game is a chance to inflict a psychological blow before the playoffs, senior club captain Nathan Simon said.
"We've guaranteed ourselves a home semifinal which is outstanding. But obviously we'd like to secure that home final if we are lucky enough to get that far."
Upper Clutha is three points ahead of Cromwell in the standings. It will pick up five points next weekend for the defaulted match against Matakanui Combined, so a win against Arrowtown will ink in top billing.
"Arrowtown is going to be leaving everything out there. They have everything to play for and so do we."
Arrowtown has been a little erratic this season but Simon expects it will look to put pressure on through its pack.
"They are our only loss for the season so we are out for redemption for sure."
Upper Clutha will look to loose forward Sam Calder. He has been immense this season, carrying the ball strongly and being brutal on defence.
Lock Brendan Murdoch has seldom missed a tackle as well and is another big ball carrier. Captain Fraser Dowling's work rate has been exceptional, while second five-eighth Oliver Stirling has been a potent force in the midfield.
Fullback Henry Schikker has been a constant threat with his speed and footwork.
Upper Clutha will be without halfback Gai Baxter. He had a tremendous game against Alexandra last weekend but broke a bone in his leg.
"It is possibly his playing career done, to be honest. He had scored three tries and they were going to pull him in five minutes' time but, yeah, poor bugger."