Three teams lead the predictions for this season after solid pre-season campaigns and lucrative off-season acquisitions.
Last year’s unbeaten champions, the West Taieri Pigs, are near the top of most lists to take the title again.
The newcomers took the competition by storm last season, and although they have lost key players in the backline they have the same rugged forward pack as last season, alongside the talented inside back combination of Jackson Reid and Callum Smeaton.
Last season’s beaten finalist, Clutha Valley, is celebrating its 100th jubilee this season, which gives it a certain air of confidence.
First five-eighth Thomas Johnson has moved down from Zingari-Richmond and will give the Valley side direction.
Crescent rounds out the “top three”. The Coal Miners have had a very impressive pre-season with wins over Tokanui, Edendale and Cromwell.
Crescent has held on to more-or-less the same squad for the last three seasons and looks to have found its happy place. Pivot Chase Owen is one to keep an eye on this season.
The battle for the fourth semifinal spot will be interesting, with any of the remaining six clubs capable.
De-throned champion Clutha will be out to show last season’s fourth placed finish was just a blip on the radar.
Heriot and Toko possess big forward packs and young and exciting backlines. Heriot promises so much but has failed to deliver recently, while Toko has added some muscle to its pack with James Agnew coming from Taieri, potentially the signing of the season.
Owaka, Clinton and the returning Roxburgh have all had shaky pre-seasons. The talk on the street was that Owaka and Clinton may be looking to merge, but those rumours have been put aside for at least another season.
The Swamp Hens and Wild Horses will have very tidy squads to start with, but depth may be an issue.
Roxburgh is back and fielding a very young side. which will be exciting. But lack of depth may also hurt the side as the season progresses.
In the first round of games this weekend, Owaka was set to host Heriot last night, Clinton will host Clutha tonight, while tomorrow, Crescent will take on West Taieri at Kaitangata and Toko plays Clutha Valley in Milton.
- Francis Parker
