Central Otago
Highscoring games played in great weather were the order of the day when the first round of the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition started on Saturday.
Defending champion Wakatipu, Cromwell, Upper Clutha and Arrowtown all had good wins to start their season.
Wakatipu travelled to the Omakau Domain to play Matakanui Combined and headed home with a comprehensive 4312 victory after leading 197 at halftime.
The talented Chris Young at fullback scored a hattrick of tries as well as kicking four conversions, while other tries were added by loosehead prop Ian Balamaceda, right wing Dan King, No 8 and captain Brad Cross and replacement Josh Murray.
The home side scored points through a converted try to Will Stuart in the first half and a try to Jake Worthington in the second.
Dean Sinnamon at No 8, blindside Dave Kenny and half Baylee Sloss were good in the losing side.
Arrowtown made the long trek to Ranfurly and scored a solid 3410 win over a young Maniototo side, scoring six tries to one in the process.
The visitors got off to a flying start, leading 170 inside the first five minutes with right wing Liam Jenkins scorching away for three tries.
The rest of the visiting side’s points came through tries to Adam Dunn on the left wing, veteran lock John Morrison and pivot Connor Bissett. Bissett also added two conversions.
Flanker Aidan Winter was a standout for the Arrowtown side, while Jenkins showed plenty of gas when given the opportunity.
Blindside flanker Sam Jopp crossed for the solitary Maniototo try while Angus Gibb added the conversion and kicked a penalty goal.
No 8 Sam Pringle and halfback Duncan Elliott were the pick in the losing side.
Upper Clutha hosted Clyde Earnscleugh and recorded a stunning 8015 win, scoring 12 tries in the process and leading 333 at halftime.
Hooker Michael Donald was the star of the show, scoring three fine tries, while right wing James Downes scored two, as did veteran fullback Ben Purvis.
Lock Matt Templeton, flanker Ben Morris, wing Julius Keepa, Oliver Stirling and replacement centre Hamish Cooper all also crossed for the home side.
Ten of the tries were converted, Josh Roberts kicking four and his replacement Jason Richan adding six.
Clyde Earnscleugh scored its points through tries to left wing George Tiko and second five and captain Lee Terewi, while first five Matt Griffiths added one conversion and a penalty goal.
Cromwell was too big and strong in its game against Alexandra, finishing on 559 after leading 146 at the break.
Cromwell looked in ominous form at this early stage in the competition and scored eight tries, including a penalty try, five of which were converted by first fiveeighth Dewart Nortie who also kicked a penalty.
Cromwell’s tries were scored by Stefan Blakeborough — who scored three — loosehead prop Heath McDowell, second fiveeighth Ben Steele, replacement left wing Ollie James and replacement centre Andrew Katene.
Alexandra was in the game until halftime but the size and strength of the runnersup from last season took hold.
Alexandra blindside flanker Ian Cooney was a standout for the home side, while first fiveeighth Taura Wilson kicked three penalties for its nine points.