Wyndham and Edendale sit alongside each other on top of the division 1 club rugby competition after the sixth and final game of the first round was played on Saturday.
Wyndham and Edendale drew 20-all in front of a large crowd on Wyndham’s club and women’s day.
It was an entertaining game with a tense finish, after each team had scored one try and five penalty goals.
Wyndham halfback Tyrone Braven won the Edward’s Whānau Trophy this year for being best on field. Lock Logan MacDonald and openside Jaden Walsh were also good for the hosts.
First five Bram Fodie was Edendale’s best, with prop Adam Muir also putting in a gutsy effort and wing Devon McLeod scoring the Magpies’ try and kicking the penalty goals.
Prop Brad Shaw played his 200th game for Wyndham.
Albion earned a 17-12 win at home over Tokanui. Lock Jack Cochrane and fellow youngster Te Tue roo urima Poaru at prop have been playing well for Albion. Captain Cole Birse has been one of 12 injured players in recent weeks and in his absence Cody Sayers and Jake Lawlor have shared the role.
The Riversdale Waikaka Vikings won their game 34-20 in Te Anau, while Pioneer had the bye.
In division 2 Mataura were beaten 22-21 at Tulloch Park by the Wakatipu B team.
In the premier grade the Eastern Northern Barbarians had a 36-5 win over Marist at the Gore Showgrounds. Coach Bretton Taylor was relieved with the performance of his team after a hard loss the week prior.
"We didn’t turn up at Star, it was one of those days. We did some soul searching during the week and it was a good response."
The locals led 10-0 after 20 minutes and 17-0 at halftime. Taylor said the win was built around their forward dominance. "The tight five were outstanding, and so were the loosies and the players off the bench."
The Baabaas’ tries came either from their smooth-rolling maul, scrum or hard carries around the ruck. No8 Caine Taylor had another good game, while first five-eighth Ben McCarthy and second five-eighth Angus Simmers showed what they were capable of.
Albion women team beat Wakatipu 25-19 in Queenstown on Saturday.
By John Langford
