Crescent might be more than just contenders for the Southern Region title — they could be favourites.
They put the competition on notice when they travelled to Outram and beat defending champions West Taieri 31-15 on Saturday in a victory built on physicality and tenacious defence.
Crescent went behind 9-0 thanks to the ever-present boot of West Taieri pivot Callum Smeaton.
A brace of tries to Crescent halfback Josh Cook gave the visitors a 14-9 lead at the break.
Continued pressure in the second half helped prop Setu Enoka also score twice as Crescent extended their lead.
Crescent controlled the second half and never gave West Taieri — who failed to score a try for the first time since entering the competition — a chance to score meaningful points.
Clutha joined a congested top three with a 53-6 win over Clinton.
Clutha scored early but could not breach a strong Clinton defence for long periods.
Clinton could not find enough positive territory to score tries, but they managed a couple of penalties to head into halftime trailing just 12-6.
Clutha opened up in the second half and scored seven unanswered tries to retain the Speight’s Jug and the Helen Huddleston/George McKenzie Memorial Trophy.
Clutha Valley came from 21-19 down at halftime to beat Owaka 57-28.
Owaka played some sublime rugby in the first half and tore Valley to ribbons when the ball went wide, but Valley kept in touch with a crucial try just before halftime.
Valley lifted a gear in the second half and used the wind to great effect, keeping Owaka pinned down in their own territory and forcing mistakes.
Owaka’s scrum was huge and dominated for the most part, but Valley found ways through the middle and exposed a tiring Owaka side towards the end of the game.
Toko tasted success at Heriot for the first time since 2004, winning 36-27.
Both sides had opportunities in the first half as each fell asleep at certain times.
Toko led 19-17 at the break and showed class in the second half to record an important win as they try to catch the top-four teams.
— Francis Parker
