Maniototo became the champion of Central Otago rugby for 2013 with an emphatic win over home side Wakatipu on Saturday.
The match on the main oval at the Queenstown Events Centre was tipped to be close but that never eventuated.
Maniototo got off to a fast start with a pair of Charlie Hore penalty goals, but it was Wakatipu which crossed the line first, winger Adam Baird scoring in the ninth minute.
Maniototo changed up a gear and the home side could not keep up. Centre Matt Earl made a break in midfield and showed electric pace to score Maniototo's first try in the corner. It went unconverted but Hore did manage a second penalty just before the break for Maniototo to lead 14-5.
After halftime, Wakatipu made some changes, bringing on loose forwards Toi Roberts and Pita Wilson, but the pair could not stop Maniototo, and tries came at regular intervals.
Second five-eighth Mitchell Lake broke through to score under the posts early in the second half, and perhaps the best try of the match came moments later when fullback Willi Clouston scooped up a loose ball and ran 60m to score, bumping off numerous defenders on his way to the line.
By the time Lake scored his second and James Becker had put the icing on the cake, the score had blown out to 40-5.
Hore nailed a fourth penalty late in the game before Wakatipu picked up a consolation try, Wilson scoring after a sustained period of attack in the final minutes.
Lake had a good game for Maniototo and the Huddleston brothers, captain Thomas and openside flanker Nathan, also stood out.
For Wakatipu, halfback Shane Bruce continued his fine form and openside flanker Henry Youngman had another good game.
Maniototo will play South Otago champion Heriot in the Otago Country final in Ranfurly this Saturday.
Roxburgh beat Clyde-Earnscleugh 23-20 in the Central Otago second division final, and Cromwell A beat Arrowtown 20-17 for third and fourth. Alexandra had a 31-20 win over Upper Clutha, and Wakatipu Wanderers defeated Matakanui Combined 22-12.
Central Otago
Club rugby final
Maniototo 43
Mitchell Lake 2, Matt Earl, Will Clouston, James Becker tries; Charlie Hore 4 pen, 3 con
Wakatipu 10
Adam Baird, Pita Wilson tries
Halftime: Maniototo 14-5.
