Rugby: Milestone looms but title the goal

Josh Casey. Photo by ODT.
Josh Casey. Photo by ODT.

If there were such a thing as two and a-half conversions, that is all it would take for Taieri first five-eighth Josh Casey to reach 300 points for the season.

One more try or a couple of penalties would also do it.

But regardless of how Casey collects the points - and surely he will get the five he needs - the 21-year-old is firmly focused on the final against University A at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday rather than any personal milestone.

That is the way it should be.

While detailed records have been kept only since 1976, it is hard to believe anyone has got close to posting that many points during a season of Dunedin premier club rugby.

The previous highest recorded season tally of 260 points was set by Daniel Soper for Dunedin in 1997.

Casey eclipsed that mark two weeks ago.

''Hopefully I'll get a chance to score a few points but the big prize is winning the final and that is the main focus,'' he said.

Casey landed all seven of his attempts in Taieri's 25-21 win over Southern in the semifinal.

He kept his team in touch with four first-half penalties and added a further two penalties and a conversion in the second spell.

His effort was even more special considering he had been off work and fighting a bug earlier in the week.

''To kick 100% in the semifinal was pretty satisfying. I guess all the practice and hours I've spent kicking balls is starting to pay off a wee bit.''

Casey has been playing first five-eighth for only two years and could have easily spent the season at fullback or on the bench had Hayden Parker not been injured.

The Eels will be chasing their fourth title in five years and the finalists arethe same as last year, when Taieri won 51-6.

It is unlikely the encounter will be so lopsided again. The teams have met twice this season and both games yielded exciting finishes.

Casey intercepted the ball during the final moments of the first meeting and ran 95m to score and seal a 42-29 victory.

But the students rebounded in the return match at the University Oval, grabbing three tries in the final quarter and winning 29-28 with a penalty right on fulltime.

Casey's duel with fellow Otago hopeful Fletcher Smith also promises to deliver entertainment.

Smith coughed up a try when he fumbled the ball during his side's semifinal against the Hawks.

But he made amends late in the game when he offloaded close to the line, setting up the match-winning try for classy centre Matt Faddes.

''It is a good opportunity to prove myself and play against him. I'm sure he will be feeling the same way,'' Casey said.

''But sometimes it comes down to which forward pack gets on top. That can determine how well you play as a first five.''

TOMORROW: Key players, Dwyer's thoughts, country previews.

SATURDAY: Captain's call.

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