Division 1 rivalries fierce and hard-fought

Despite having only seven teams this year, the division one competition is more competitive than ever.

Wyndham are unbeaten at this halfway stage – they have an eight point lead on the points table over Drummond-Limehills-Star (30). Only three points back are four teams locked together on 27. Te Anau are last but are still well in contention on 21 points.

Wyndham travel north to take on Te Anau in the first game of the second round on Saturday.

Wyndham beat Te Anau 17-15 on opening weekend and have only improved.

In Wyndham’s latest match they scored 18 unanswered points in the second half to beat Drummond-Limehills-Star 30-12. Te Anau coach Ray Hemi has his team on the improve. They drew 22-22 with Waikaka a fortnight ago, and have recently made a few positional changes that appear to be working well.

Riversdale will start the slightest of favourites on their home ground against Tokanui. Riversdale won this corresponding match 14-13 in round one, but Tokanui have been in good form recently with wins over Waikaka and Edendale.

Riversdale have lost four of their six division one games, but their biggest losing margin was only 12-7 to DLS.

Coach Garth Lindsay said; ‘‘We are good enough to beat anybody, but it is such a great competition that if you don’t front up with your best effort on the day then you lose’’.

Tokanui are the current Speights Shield holders after beating Edendale 9-7. The Tokanui forward effort and team defence is what their recent success has been built on.

Edendale will be a confident team facing up to Drummond- Limehills-Star after comfortably disposing of the combined side 24-10 back in April.

DLS were missing a handful of key players that day. The return from injury by first five-eighth Grayson Gardener and his cousin, Ron, at second five-eighth should improve their backline.

Edendale will look to their inform first five-eighth Jeroe Fodie to kick them to point-scoring territory.

Waikaka have drawn four of six games this season and will hoping for more luck. They have the bye.