Topp Cup promises physical contest

THE main event of Country day is the Topp Cup clash between the Central premier side and its Southern region counterpart.

This battle, at Molyneux Park this afternoon, is eagerly anticipated and is usually an emotionally charged, physical contest. Central, the holder of the cup, has named a very strong squad to defend it.

Otago Country players Daniel Hurring, Wolf O’Neill and Angus Gibb will add experience and direction to the side. Inform Wakatipu players such as Brad Cross, Henry Youngman

and Joe Cairns will add excitement and form to the side. There are huge ratings on Wakatipu player Josh Brown and he will be keen to live up to this hype. Richard Pledger will

coach the Central side.

Southern has named a strong side with players picked on form from the season to date. The side has experience up front with the likes of Craig Stanway, Chris Preddy and Rym Geary, who are all playing well. Southern has proven tryscorers out wide and the Clutha back three of Tyler Bichan, Kane Teunissen and Ropini Fesilafai are very dangerous. Southern is coached by Ben Keach and Sam Young.

Central will be favourite heading into this clash. Its depth of players is far superior to the Southern side.

The away side has won each clash in the last three years.

The development curtain raiser will also be good to watch.

This game gives younger players the opportunity to put their hands up for higher honours.

Central again has named a superstrong lineup, including at least three Otago Country players and a smattering of inform Upper Clutha players.

Southern has named a team of relatively young and inexperienced players who will be keen to show they can play at this level.

Cromwell pair of Cody Mitchell and Ethan Molloy will look to carry their form forward into this clash. Clutha Valley flanker Liam Turnbull and Owaka fullback Jeremy Gray are ones to watch for the Southern side.