Rugby: Scene set for excitement in club final

It promises to be an exciting match-up when Wakatipu hosts Maniototo in the final of the Central Otago premier competition today.

Wakatipu is the defending champion and holder of the White Horse Cup for a second consecutive year.

The Queenstown side had a blistering start to the season and was unbeaten through 11 games before it was beaten 27-7 by Maniototo in Ranfurly.

Maniototo, which won the Central Otago title in 2011, had a shaky start when it was beaten 17-10 by Cromwell A in the second weekend, before ending up with 12 wins from 15 games.

Maniototo also boasted the best points differential in the competition, scoring 492 points with just 153 scored against. It scored four tries or more 10 times, and thumped Arrowtown 29-6 in the semifinal.

Wakatipu's confidence will have been knocked slightly with the loss of exciting young fullback Rhys Collins, who has a dislocated ankle. Loose forward Pita Wilson has a broken hand but will take a seat on the bench.

However, Wakatipu still boasts some excellent talent. Halfback Shane Bruce has arguably been the side's best player this year, first five Regan Pearce has control and poise in a tight match, and centre Danny King has pace.

No 8 Dan Iosefo will be the mainstay of the Wakatipu defence. He is strong and physical and provides excellent go-forward ball.

Maniototo's dominance hinges on the play of first five Charlie Hore, who controls the game and makes good decisions under pressure. His boot will also be a factor.

The Maniototo pack has played well in recent weeks. Hooker Charles Crutchly is a dangerous runner, and openside flanker Nathan Huddleston a hard worker.

Maniototo manager Grant Sutherland is confident his side can do the job.

''If we can play like we did against Arrowtown and shut down their speedy backs, then we'll be fine.''


Central Otago Club rugby final

Where: Queenstown Events Centre.
When: Today, 2.45pm.
Who: Wakatipu v Maniototo.

Teams

Wakatipu: Sam Frame, Adam Baird, Danny King, Matt Nesbit, Tai Raumati, Regan Pearce, Shane Bruce, Dan Iosefo, Henry Youngman, John Noonan, Ben MacDonald, Sean McKone, Jeremy Drake, Paidrig Crowley, Russell Longthorn. Reserves: Chris Campbell, Inoke Vi, Raf Tuhura, Pita Wilson, Toi Roberts, Rob Lund, Pete Sleath.

Maniototo: Willi Clouston, Sam Miller, Matt Earl, Mitchell Lake, James Becker, Charlie Hore, Thomas Huddleston, Logan Dowling, Nathan Huddleston, AJ Paton, Kerrod Spratt, Scott Sharpin, Christian Parkes, Charles Crutchly, Vaughn Dowling. Reserves: Sam Pringle, Lochie Elliot, Jake Scully, Ryan Dowling, Alastair Mather, Scott Watson, George Wadsworth.


 

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