Southern got its hands back on its beloved ''Reggett'' against Dunedin but was helped with a mystifying decision which saw the Magpies have the use of the elements for three quarters of the game.
Taieri was put to the sword by Varsity but unbelievably won the game on the back of Henry Parker's goal-kicking.
Harbour, despite four binnings, was too strong for Alhambra-Union at the Pony Pit.
Kaikorai dispatched Green Island at the high veldt as the rust set in late. Zingari comfortably accounted for Pirates away, to record its fourth win.
Machinations to the mountain top
The question on everybody's lips is: who makes it to the mountain top and plays finals rugby?
The Eels (55) and the Magpies (52) have confirmed their spots, as 55 points gets you in. Varsity, on 39 points, should make it, as it has only one top-four side (Southern) to play.
The Sharks (37) have the easiest run-in with no top four sides left, a couple of easy ones plus the other contenders.
The Onion (36) has to play all top four sides plus another contender so will struggle. Kaik (32) has the top four sides and no easy games so again will struggle.
Hawks (32) have three of the top four to play plus a couple of easy games, so could conceivably still make it.
In conclusion, Varsity and Dunedin should make it but the Hawks, at bolters' odds, could upset the status quo. Remember they have done it before - but as a punter, I wouldn't be taking those odds.
Central Otago
As I'm writing this, the big decision on the Clyde appeal is yet to be released. My sources tell me the appeal was heard on Monday in front of Robin Bates, Dave Johnson and John Hunter.
Far be it from me to pre-empt a decision from that esteemed panel but a massive reduction in sentences is surely mandatory.
Remember both managers were banned for two years, the coach was banned for three games plus stood down for a year from playing, the team lost all its points up to and including that game, and the club was fined $750. Phew.
Garth McVicar would appoint the Central board to run the New Zealand judicial!I would leave the fine in place, stand the managers down for a month, rescind the penalties on the coach, and have the team lose its points for that game.
Speaking of Central, the big game this weekend is the Bulls v the Maggots at Maniototo. Horey won't be playing so I'm tipping the Blue Bulls (even with the Carmody coaching duo) to upset the Maggots in the game of the round.
That's rich
I hear some scurrilous northern opposition paper had Colin Hawke bemoaning the fact Otago Boys' coach Ryan Martin had impugned South Canterbury referees by suggesting, on ODT Rugby Chat last week, they had to give up a 20-point start up there.
He suggested Martin should apologise. Colin, we've been waiting for years for you to apologise!
Now add Vinny Munro to that list. Ryan, being a good Otago man, did apologise to show where the bigger men come from.
Speaking of referees apologising, I hear I'm due one from the ruddy, rotund, verbose Chris Hart after he besmirched my good name again at the miniature horse enclosure on Saturday night. Legal action could follow.
Pending stories
Rumours are afloat that one of the oldest clubs in town is considering dumping its new president in his first term.
Two prominent Dunedin accountants (and they have history) have crashed yet another luxury European car.
The word is the Highlanders are after the signature of Crusaders prop Joe Moody.
The ton
Ben Pereira (Alhambra-Union) and Jamie Waller (Green Island) have both reached the 100-game mark. Andy Hunter also reached 100 games in charge of Kaikorai.
This weekend
I've been in mourning all week after ignominiously losing to a broken-down radio hack to kill the streak. Up against a chick this week - our very own city CEO, Sue Bidrose (kill those cycleways), so surely I get back on the horse. Varsity (13+) will be too fast for Zingari at Bastion Point.
The Eels (12-) will slither all over the paddock against the Magpies at the Eelpit. The Sharks (13+) finally come good over Kaik at the tank. The Onion (13+) will tighten the screws against the Spannerheads at the Toolbox. The Hawks (13+) rout Pirates at the Flounder Foundry.
- paul.dwyer@alliedpress.co.nz
