Winger stars with hat-trick

It wasn’t all bad news for Southland rugby in Dunedin on Saturday – Southland B team got one over their Otago counterparts, with a hard-fought 27-22 victory at University Oval.

Southland trailed 22-12 at one stage but scored 15 unanswered points to snatch the win.

Wing Sheamus McGuigan was the star of the show, scoring three tries.

McGuigan has been a real find for Southland B. He did not play premier club rugby this year, instead lining up for Albion in the division one competition.

After impressing for Southland Country in the win over Town he booked a spot in the Southland B squad.

Saturday’s fixture also provided an opportunity for game time for Stags squad members who were not required for the Ranfurly Shield game.

Prop Shaun Stodart, flanker Taine Te Whata, No 8 Lio Tosi, centre Javaan Fa’amoe-Ioane, and Australian import Seb Wileman on the wing, all started the game.

Halfback Jay Renton, who was returning from a knee injury, got 20 minutes off the bench.

Southland B co-coach Mal Dermody said the win was an encouraging one as they eye showdowns with powerhouses Tasman and Canterbury in the coming weeks.

The Southland women’s side also played Otago Development in Dunedin on Saturday and it was Otago Development, bolstered by some Otago Spirit players, who came away with a 35-5 victory.

It was a tough day for the Southland under-19 team as they felt the wrath of Canterbury under-19, losing 89-0 at Rugby Park in Invercargill.