Edendale takes fourth away from Riversdale

A SPECTACULAR Bailey Wallace try with just under 10 minutes to play propelled Edendale into the top four of the Southland division one club rugby competition on Saturday.

Edendale was fifth in the competition standings and travelled to take on Riversdale which sat just ahead of it.

However, a 1715 result in favour of Edendale means the two teams swap positions with two games still to be played in the roundrobin competition.

Riversdale had its nose in front heading into the final stages of the game before fullback Bram Fodie went on an impressive run and Wallace scored.

The win the perfect way to honour first fiveeighth Jeroe Fodie, who brought up his 150th game for Edendale and picked up the manofthematch honours as well.

Brothers Luke Muir and Adam Muir were strong up front, as was lock Karl Laurence.

Edendale coach Mike Cunningham said the win ensured his team’s destiny was in its own hands as Edendale eyed Mossburn and Midlands in the final two weeks of the roundrobin series.

‘‘I’m really proud of the boys. That win was massive for us.’’

There is another new division one competition leader after Wyndham toppled previous top dog Waikaka, 207. It ended Waikaka’s winning streak of nine games, while Wyndham now has eight straight victories.

Midlands sit in third spot after a convincing 300 win over Mossburn, while in another division one fixture Te Anau beat Waiau Star, 2210.

In section A of the division two competition it is hard to think anyone will get close to the rampant Blues B team this season, as it continued its unbeaten run by crushing Star, 325.

Pioneer demolished Waikiwi, 570, while AlbionExcelsior’s recent form continued when it was beaten 2616 by Wakatipu.

In section B, DrummondLime hills Star cut loose with a 6118 victory over PiratesOld Boys B, but in a much more intense and thrilling contest, Riverton pipped Marist B 2622.

Woodlands B also claimed a 3219 win over Tokanui.

Otautau’s golden run came to a sudden end on Saturday when it was beaten 240 by Mataura, the result sending alarm bells ringing throughout the division three competition.

Otautau was unbeaten before Saturday’s match.

Bluff also highlighted its qualities with a commanding 770 win over Bush Pirates, while Collegiate turned in a strong showing on Saturday despite losing 2917 to OhaiNightcaps.