Clutha looking strong for trophy tussle
THE remainder of round one of the southern region competition kicks off this weekend. Owaka got the ball rolling with a 205 win over Clinton last weekend that capped off its 125th jubilee celebrations.
It was a great win for the Owaka side, which had last tasted victory in 2015, and it had one week at the top of the table.
This week’s games see some very intriguing matchups.
Toko hosts Clutha with both the Ian Gare Trophy and the Speight’s Jug up for grabs.
Clutha is heading into its fourth season as Countrywide champion.
The playing roster is still bulging, although preseason injuries have affected the side for this weekend’s clash.
Young inside backs Ollie Kenny and Kemp Skipper get a chance to show their wares in their first competitive fixture for Clutha.
Josh Turnbull brings all his experience and talent from Dunedin club rugby and will be a key player up front for Clutha. Toko will look to standout players Kieran Calteaux and Dylan Greer for leadership up front.
First fiveeighth Bradley Frost will want to make a statement early on for Toko also. Clutha is firm favourite in this one.
Heriot hosts Clutha Valley and the sides have had contrasting preseasons.
Heriot has struggled with numbers and injuries — it took one win and two losses away from preseason outings. Valley has had two clinical wins, including a 1040 thrashing of Balfour.
Valley heads into this game as favourite but as we all know, Heriot is very tough to beat out in the west.
Crescent and Lawrence square off for the Miners Cup in Kaitangata. Lawrence holds the cup but has some notable absences from its squad this season. Regulars such as Stu Young, Patrick Clegg and Sam Wyber are all missing so it will need to find some new key players.
Crescent is looking sharp and should take the win in this one. Lock Logan Mackie and midfield back Jamahl Little are ones to keep an eye on for Crescent.