Harlequins stay top with clear win
Harlequins continue to lead South Canterbury senior club rugby while an intriguing clash looms for Celtic and Temuka.
Harlequins recorded an emphatic 44-11 win over Mackenzie at Timaru’s Alpine Energy Stadium on Saturday to stay top of the table with 19 points and remain unbeaten after four rounds of the competition.
Harlequins club president Howie Peeti said when a team was winning it meant players were enjoying their rugby and morale was high, but the team’s strong start to the season was the culmination of a long buildup.
‘‘They’ve been together three years now, and they’re connecting together with combinations. I’ve been with them in changing room sessions at the end of games. They’re really clicking.’’
Head coach Fainga’a Savieti said there was still work to do.
‘‘The boys are working hard, but there is still a lot to do to get better.’’
An interesting match is in store on Saturday at Alpine Energy Stadium when the team closest to Harlequins in the competition, Celtic, who lie second on 16 points, plays reigning Hamersley Cup champions Temuka, who are third on 15.
Both teams have had one loss but Celtic, courtesy of a bonus point, remain one point ahead of the Magpies.
Celtic had a 57-10 victory over Geraldine on Saturday while Temuka handed Old Boys a 60-7 loss at the Temuka Domain.
Last year’s beaten finalist, Waimate remain in the hunt after downing Pleasant Point 36-24 to sit on 10 points with Pleasant Point and Mackenzie on nine points each.
It is already proving a hard season for Old Boys and Geraldine who both sit at the bottom of the competition with Old Boys on one point and Geraldine yet to register a point.
In other matches this Saturday, Harlequins will play Old Boys at School Park, Geraldine play Pleasant Point at Geraldine and Waimate play Mackenzie in Waimate.