Three from three for Upper Clutha
IN the latest round of Central Otago Premier club rugby competition, Upper Clutha continued its winning start to the season with a comprehensive 3822 win over Maniototo, Arrowtown got up 4927 over Clyde Earnscleugh while the other two games were drawn.
Wakatipu and Cromwell drew 3131 and Matakanui Combined and Alexandra 2424.
Upper Clutha made it three from three, running out a 3822 winner over Maniototo, in fine conditions at Ranfurly, after leading 1710 at the break. It scored six tries to three in the process.
The Wanakabased side, which has averaged a tick over 47 points a game, scored its tries through winger James Downes, who crossed twice, hooker Scott Cunningham, veteran fullback Ben Purvis, left winger Julius Keepa and first fiveeighth Josh Roberts. Roberts converted four of the tries.
The young Maniototo side, which played well in patches, scored its points through tries to openside flanker Lachie Elliot, No 8 Sam Pringle and replacement Dean Chalmers. Angus Gibb added two conversions and a penalty goal.
Arrowtown travelled to Clyde and put last week’s result to rest with a 4925 win over Clyde Earnscleugh. The visiting team led 2818 at halftime and scored seven tries to three.
Loosehead prop Pricee Imlach, who had a top allround game, crossed for two tries while the other tries were scored by flanker Aidan Winter, halfback James Larsen, midfield back Adam Jackson, centre Simon Quickfall and right wing Liam Jenkins. Connor Bissett added two conversions as Liam Jenkins.
Clyde Earnscleugh was in the hunt until halftime. It scored tries to right winger Tai Nguali, midfield back Tom Dougherty and replacement winger Kali Kafoa. Matt Griffiths added three conversions and two penalties.
Wakatipu made the trek to Cromwell to challenge for the White Horse Cup and almost had its hands on it after dominating the first 40 minutes to lead 266 at the break. The second half started in the same fashion.
Then Cromwell stormed back, as fullback Kane Dodds controlled the game with some fine tactical kicking and Kees Scott made a big impact when he came on at hooker in the second half. It took a late try for Cromwell to share the points and hold on to the coveted White Horse Cup.
No 8 Stefan Blakeborough crossed for a try as did second fiveeighth Hayden Todd and centre Warwick Channey. Ben Maxwell kicked two conversions and four penalty goals.
Wakatipu scored points through tries to right winger Angus McCallum, blindside flanker Josh Brown, veteran lock Raf Tahura, captain and No 8 Brad Cross and fullback Chris Young. Young converted three of the tries.
Matakanui Combined and Alexandra could not be separated in a close battle. The home team led 70 at the break thanks to a try from centre Will Stuart, converted by Jeremy Jenkins.
Matakanui Combined scored two quick secondhalf tries through blindside Dave Kenny and hooker Ben Hore then went further ahead when halfback Baylee Sloss scored a runaway try. Jenkins added one further conversion to take the score out two 2412 with 15 minutes to go.
Alexandra scored two chip and chase tries to tie the game up. Alexandra scored points through tries to No 8 Dave Lilley, replacement first fiveeighth Rynhard Kruger, Logan Cornish and blindside flanker Cairnsley Kawana with Taura Wilson adding two conversions.