Sound effort from Horn as Toko edges Clinton

TOKO has continued its great run of form, defeating Clinton 2524 in a tightlycontested match at Clinton on Saturday.

Clinton had the better of territory and possession in the early stages and mounted the pressure.

Toko withstood the attack and managed to be 1512 ahead at the break. Both sides were guilty of spilling the ball and handing possession away too easily.

The second half belonged to Toko. It held on to possession and gained metres through hard work up front. Clinton had its chances but its discipline let it down.

Two Clinton players were sent to the sin bin at different times which allowed Toko to take the ascendancy and hold on for the win. It was a team effort which allowed Toko to notch up its second win in as many weeks.

Fullback Jacky Scott helped himself to a brace of tries and was influential from the back. Forwards Michael Aitken and Matt Lyon carried the ball well. Jacob Jenkins continued his tryscoring form on the wing.

Clinton pivot Alex Horn had a standout game. He directed the game well and made sound decisions on attack and defence. He scored a try and was influential in others. Prop Ben Millar and loose forward Tom Moss were also sharp.

Crescent has retained the John Cross Cup and continued its unbeaten run with a 1813 win over Clutha Valley at Clydevale. Crescent won the game off the back of a huge defensive effort.

Its loose forwards bossed the breakdown which allowed the backs room to move. Crescent’s outside backs were sharper and a solid kicking game let them find space at the back.

Clutha Valley had played enough decent rugby to win the game but lacked the killer instinct. It was guilty of turning over possession at key times which did not help its cause.

Valley’s execution let it down. The forward battle was even but Crescent was more clinical at key times.

Crescent flanker Cole Birse carried on with his outstanding form. He was a menace at the breakdown and carried well when given the chance.

Jamie Sutton continued his stellar season. He has put his hand up for higher honours and was easily one of Crescent’s best on the day. Valley front rowers Reid Benge and Hamish Wilson had strong games. Jayden Dovey also impressed in his first hitout of the season.

Heriot has picked up its first win of the season with a 400 drubbing of Owaka at Heriot. The first 25 minutes was fairly even. No points were scored and both sides had opportunities to capitalise.

Heriot’s defence was solid and it repelled Owaka’s attack for large periods in the first half. Once it was given the ball it made it count with two firsthalf tries. Heriot went into halftime 140 ahead but had less territory and possession.

The home side continued its run in the second half and scored four unanswered tries. It managed to string phases together and found space in the Owaka defensive line. Owaka lost confidence and lacked the ticker required to produce a comeback.

Heriot winger Daniel Moyle scored a hat trick of tries — he finished extremely well and showed his pace in open play. Second fiveeighth Kris Roulston ran hard and defended well.

Owaka tighthead prop Chris Preddy toiled hard and never gave up. Owaka’s bench added plenty — Lochie Hannah, Todd Keen and Dave Woodrow all added impact for the travelling side.

Lawrence defaulted to Clutha. The lack of five front rowers cost the West Otago side.