Rugby: Magpies retain Reggett

University A loose forward Jack Wolfreys is supported by team-mates Angus Williams (left) and...
University A loose forward Jack Wolfreys is supported by team-mates Angus Williams (left) and Nick O'Connell at the University Oval last Saturday. Taieri players Josh Larsen and Willis Scott are also pictured. Photo by Gregor Richardson.

The wrap

The Magpies just squeaked over the Sharks to remain top and keep their hands on their beloved Reggett trophy.

Varsity came back from the death to get up over the Eels as the ''fat lady'' was getting into the cab, to secure a semifinal spot.

The Hawks were too good for the Shetland Ponies at the Gymkhana Ground and go joint top with the Magpies.

Kaik was too strong for the Spannerheads, who seized up on the High Veldt.

The Colours came good with gusto and demolished Pirates at Bastion Point.

The four

A bit of life has gone out of the competition as the top four - Harbour, Southern, Taieri and Varsity - has been decided with three rounds still to go.

All that needs to be determined is the finishing order.

Varsity will finish fourth as they are 13 points off the pace but should win their three remaining games.

Harbour and Southern are joint top.

Harbour has the easier run-in but does play Southern in the last game.

I think the Hawks will finish top and play Varsity in one semifinal.

Southern has the toughest run and will play Taieri in the semifinals.

Who's paying?

Sio Tonkinson is back playing at Harbour after a long layoff with a groin injury.

In his first two games back, he was allowed 30 minutes per game as directed by the all-powerful ''Stivey'' from the union.

In his next six games, he is allowed 60 minutes per game and is not allowed to take kicks at goal or kick for touch! Yes, you read that correctly.

As level-headed as I am, doesn't this seem a bit excessive?

It is made even more laughable as he has been playing first five due to injuries.

It begs the question, how much Otago is paying him.

If rumours are true, Abramovich (Lance Spence) is paying him a lot more - perhaps Harbour should have more say?

The Old Farts

The ''Old Farts'' dinner for life members of all clubs is coming up on September 13 at The Dunedin Club, organised by club president (in name only) Jack O'Dea.

Get in touch with him to book in.

It will be the only thing he does in rugby this year so it should be the best event you've ever attended.

I'd imagine he'll organise the Kaik boys at the High Veldt this weekend when he is is shouting for them after the Sharks get thrashed by Kaik.

Fundraiser

Kinley and company from the union have come up with a unique fundraising initiative which could help clubs and schools raise money while selling tickets to Otago home games.

The fundraiser tickets get you into any of the Otago home games for $20 for two people.

Normal price would be $50.

The selling club or school gets $9 per ticket.

Now that's a good deal.

If your school or club doesn't have details, get on to the union.

Surely not

If rumour is correct, the Highlanders secondary school training squad has been selected and there is no room for loosie Rory Ferguson, from John McGlashan.

He is the very promising young rugby player who has been a standout for the past few years.

He is so talented that rugby league has been sniffing around.

He captained the New Zealand under-16 league team against Samoa last year and has been wined and dined by the Brisbane Broncos.

This training squad is the first stepping stone to New Zealand schools rugby selection, and this kid is not good enough to make it?

Should Otago rugby be shunning Rory because he has played league?

Are we driving kids away because they've experienced other sports?

It's not as though we are so over-endowed with talent down here that we can afford to do this.

The other bits

Shock, horror - Old Boys in North Otago has been beaten, and by Kurow no less.

The Kurow boys had a tough start to the year with a tragic accident so I hope they celebrated this victory in style last weekend.

Eels lock Kurt Webster and Spannerheads outside back Sam Eriepa celebrate a century of premier games this weekend.

The video of Hawks flanker Ratu Dawai making a big hit on 70kg Zingari winger Enoka Nauvaluvalu has been described as the tackle of the century - get a life, it's just a run-of-the-mill big-man-on-small-man tackle.

As Doc, the club captain of Kaik, said to me yesterday: ''I knocked a kid over better than that getting to the pie warmer at the Baker's Dozen yesterday.''

The word is referee kingmaker ''Harty'' is going under the knife this week to replace a hip - no wonder, the work that hip has done! Recover well, mate.

This weekend

Got absolutely destroyed by Clarkey from the Highlanders - in fact, my worst tipping in many a year.

On to Doc from Kaik this weekend, so the ledger will restore itself. Varsity (13+) just keeps on winning over Zingers at the Cemetery.

I would have picked the Eels at home this weekend but they are looking elver-ish, so the Magpies (12-).

Kaik should destroy the Sharks (12-) at the High Veldt but I'd rather visit their clubrooms than pick them.

The Onion (13+) roll out to the Toolbox and sautee the Spannerheads.

The Hawks (13+) just keep on trucking and are dreaming of elusive silverware.

The late mail

I promised you the Brad Weber exclusive last week. He's not quite an All Black yet but it's coming!

paul.dwyer@odt.co.nz

Add a Comment