Valley, West Taieri to fight it out again

THE Southern Region season wraps up this weekend with a blockbusting replay of the 2020 final between Clutha Valley and West Taieri.

Clutha Valley dominated proceedings in its semifinal against Heriot last weekend, maintaining a stranglehold on territory and possession.

West Taieri had to defend for large periods against Clutha but was still able to take its chances and extend its unbeaten streak against the

Southern Region

The final

Clutha Valley v West Taieri Clydevale, Saturday 3pm

Steamers to five matches.

Clutha Valley is unbeaten in its centennial season.

Its player depth is the envy of the region, but everyone in the squad has had a major part to play this season.

West Taieri, which went through the 2020 season unbeaten, has lost three games this season, two of them to Clutha Valley in two tight contests.

West Taieri lifted the trophy last season in an extremely close game in which Clutha Valley had reason to be aggrieved as the cameras showed a try that was not picked up by the officials.

Valley has been served well by a tight five that is not the biggest. Young prop Lachie Gunson is one to stand out.

Valley’s loose forward combinations have been superior this season. Flankers

Maurice Tairua, Liam Turnbull and Jordan Willocks have been in a league of their own and have dominated many a breakdown. Damian Wilson, who has filled in at lock, has also had a fantastic year.

The arrival of Thomas Johnson at Clydevale this season has been a massive boost for the Valley backs.

Johnson’s combination with halfback Jared Edwards has brought a sense of stability and control to Valley’s attack.