Wakatipu back on top of table; Cromwell accounts for Maniototo

Rugby

Wakatipu returned to the top of the Central Otago Premier Rugby points table with a convincing 3419 win over Upper Clutha at Wanaka on Saturday.

It led 170 after the first 40 minutes, then scored four tries to three in the second half.

Danny King managed two and Henry Youngman and Kapa Moeke both scored one each in the second half.

Upper Clutha woke up in the second half and outscored the visitors 1917, but it was too late.

James Downes scored three tries and Josh Roberts converted two.

Cromwell proved it is up there with the big guns by beating Maniototo 3912 at Ranfurly, scor ing five tries to two in the process.

The visitors virtually had the game sewn up at halftime, leading 265.

Tries were scored by Warwick Chinny (2), Cody Mitchell, Dane Edge and Ollie James.

Maniototo scored a try in each half through Matt Sullivan and Sam Pringle. Arrowtown held on to the White Horse Cup, scoring eight tries to one against Alexandra, and retained its position on the ladder with the comprehensive 468 win.

Josh Brazier and Tom McFarlane bagged doubles while Joji Ravula, Connor Bissett, Tom Grandiek and Reece Borbely all crossed the line, too.

Alexandra’s Sam Malcolm also crossed the line. Matakanui Combined scored an impressive 5325 win over Clyde Earnscleugh to lift itself off the bottom of the table.

Dean Sinnamon led the way with three tries, while Dave Kenny and Dillon Eccord scored two each and Baylee Sloss added one.

Tom Dougherty, Asivorosi Serukalou and Matt Griffiths scored tries for Clyde Earnscleugh.

Netball

Having won its promotion

relegation match earlier in the day, Dunstan Senior B started its campaign in the A Grade with a 5424 loss against Vincent.

The start of the second round also saw hourlong games introduced to A Grade, which meant a busy day of netball for the youngsters.

From the outset, Vincent appeared to dominate play, with the schoolgirls trying to adjust to the higher level.

Vincent wing attack Emma Stark used her speed well, was strong on centre pass receives and always looked long to her shooters as first option.

The team played a patient game, utilising the full three seconds for players to gain optimum positioning.

Dunstan kept the ball short and sharp through the midcourt, bringing it through with ease.

But it was guilty of using the high lob too often, and these were picked easily by Vincent goalkeep Jonelle Fulton.

Vincent held a commanding 166 lead at quarter time, leaving Dunstan feeling the pressure.

Vincent continued to pressure the Dunstan shooters, who seemed unable to set good positioning for their feeders.

With some adjustments made, the circle opened up and goal attack Amy Lord gained some great confidence from sinking three consecutive goals.

But this could not combat the Vincent machine, which was able to convert goals quickly, with only two or three passes needed.

Abbie Sutherland was strong under the post, communicating well with her feeders.

But the Dunstan defenders never tired of trying to shut Vincent down, picking up more and more ball as the game progressed.

Dunstan goal defence Zoe Hislop contested every ball to the last whistle, and gained numerous balls for her team throughout court, a real example of never giving up.

Molyneux had a tight tussle with Cromwell College, the game ending in a 4444 draw. Dunstan A had a convincing win over Roxburgh Area School A, 4726.