Last games before division one split
The final round-robin games will be played this Saturday in Southland’s division one club rugby competition before it is split off into the top four and bottom four.
Three teams have already confirmed their places in the top four – Wyndham with 51 competition points, Edendale (43) and Midlands (42). Riversdale and Waiau Star are currently fourth equal on 34 points. Waikaka (31) and Te Anau (31) also remain as outside chances of sneaking into that fourth spot.
Riversdale have the best chance of qualifying as they are to play Drummond Limehills Star at Limehills. DLS have not had a win in this second round but they have been competitive in most of their games. Riversdale do have some injury concerns to overcome after having a couple of season-ending injuries to key players. They also had two players away last week and managed to get through with a 20-17 win in Te Anau with only eight forwards.
Waiau Star know all about an injury crisis. Their bizarre situation got even worse last week when flanker Jeremy Thomas broke his ankle during their game against Wyndham. Thomas now joins three team-mates on the sideline who have also broken their legs this season.
Waiau Star have a difficult task of beating Midlands in Winton on Saturday. Midlands have won their last four games and, with Regan Wilson and Tim Boys rejoining the squad in recent weeks, they are seen as a major contender for the division one title.
A popular and reliable member of the Midlands club over the last decade has been prop forward Peter Thomson. He is due to play his 150th game for the club next weekend. With some youthful team-mates coming through Thomson has been happy to limit his minutes on the field in recent seasons.
He works on his sheep family farm at Thomson Crossing and lives nearby with his wife Carrie and two children. Thomson gets extra fitness training by coaching his son’s Central Pirates ripper rugby team.
The amount of front rowers in the Midlands team will be the envy of most clubs in this province. Fronting up alongside the experienced Thomson this year are Conner McDermott, Nathan Grice, Gregor Wood, Stewart Thomson, Zac Dunnage, Sam Brame and Chase Wilson. So full was the front row club that when Lane Cuthbert ruptured his achilles at pre-season training it was seen as a blessing for the team rather than a setback.
Due to holidays and injuries all of these front rowers have been required at different stages of the season. Even coach Dayna Cunningham has taken the field at different times.
Hooker Sam Brame has been one of their standout players and showed his versatility last week by playing blindside flanker in their 37-14 at Waikaka.
Waiau Star lost 23-0 to Wyndham last week but showed their character while keeping Wyndham scoreless in the second half. Waiau have had to call in extra players in recent weeks to ensure they have a full team.
If Riversdale and Waiau both fail to earn competition points on Saturday then the door remains open for Waikaka and Te Anau to sneak through.
Waikaka have a home game against Edendale, while Te Anau travel south to take on the unbeaten Wyndham.