Perry hat-trick lifts Waiau Star to win over Te Anau

Southland’s division one club rugby competition again produced four entertaining matches on Saturday.

Waiau Star gained their second win of the round when beating Te Anau 30-5 in Tuatapere.

Waiau spokesman Blayne De Vries said his side improved their accuracy and intensity this week for a deserved but not flawless victory.

The hosts dominated possession and territory. Only one of the locals five tries was converted. Te Anau did have a good 10 minute period before half time when their solitary try reduced the margin to 17-5.

Hooker Josh Harwood carried out his duties to a high standard, utility forward Tama Toomata made a dent in the opposition late in the game with his ball carrying.

Fullback Daniel Perry took his opportunities to score a hatrick of tries, while Matthew Egerton’s strong running at centre provided great momentum. Te Anau were determined throughout but were ultimately starved of possession.

Te Anau did show some good defence on their line at times.

Edendale were too good for Midlands winning 40-14 in Winton. Midlands had reason to be confident leading into this match but they did not match the intensity of the visitors.

Edendale were out for revenge after losing to Midlands in round one, their case was not helped when their hooker was sin binned twice resulting in a red card.

Edendale coach John Fodie was very pleased with his troops.

‘‘It was a huge effort, our defence was outstanding and credit must go to our co-coach Matt Richards for that. To play 45 minutes of the game with 14 men against a decent pack was very pleasing.’’

Second five-eighth Jeremy McLeod punched holes with his powerful straight running, and the backline organisers Jeroe and Bram Fodie were clinical. The player of the day was wing Vaughan Webber who scored three tries.

Wyndham maintained their unbeaten record with an uncon- vincing 24-12 win over Drummond Limehills Star.

DLS were dismal last week but put in a much better effort on Saturday.

DLS had a try disallowed with ten minutes to go and Wyndham scored five minutes later to seal the victory.

Wyndham co-coach Casey Robertson wasn’t all that thrilled with the showing.

‘‘We wanted to use this game as a springboard to the business end of the season but we didn’t get it. We might be trying a bit too hard, and getting frustrated. DLS played really well, they’re much improved team from last year. They’ll do well if they can keep to that level.’’

It was big day for the Wyndham club with a lot of the players from the club’s 1997 Galbraith Shield winning team getting together for a reunion. Wyndham played Star in the 1997 final which Wyndham won 27-18.

DLS first five-eighth Steffan Evans had his best game of the year, utility Gregor Laughton is improving each week and midfielders Tiefion Davies and Jack Maguire played their usual good games.

DLS cleared their bench in the second half and all impressed their coaches.

Riversdale earned a hardfought 16-7 victory over Waikaka. Riversdale had the home ground advantage and led 7-0 at half time.

Riversdale gained forward dominance in the second half, as their scrum became stronger.

Riversdale coach Garth Lindsay was very pleased with his teams defence as the Waikaka attack also asked plenty of questions.

‘‘It was an all-round great effort up front, with No 8 Rob Blatch and lock Logan McKee being especially effective. Fullback Willy Tree produced a great kicking game along with halfback Dylan Bungard.’’

While the premier club competition takes a break over Queens Birthday weekend with Monday’s Town-Country fixture taking centre stage, the division one, division two, and division three competitions will go ahead.

In a mouthwatering clash Edendale and Wyndham will square off at Edendale at 7pm on Thursday night.

Waikaka and DrummondLimehills-Star are also set to play on Thursday night at the Gore Showgrounds with kick-off at 7.30pm.

Riversdale and Waiau Star are scheduled to play on Saturday as is Te Anau and Midlands. Lumsden impressed in their 30-10 win over Bluff, Collegiate made it two in a row with a 34-6 win over Pirates-Old Boys B, and Riverton beat Woodlands B 26-13 in the game played on Friday night.