New signing James Vaughan took only 2min to open the scoring in Roslyn-Wakari's 3-1 win over Dunedin Technical at Tahuna Park on Saturday.
The former Varsity player-coach hit a wind-assisted, bullet-like 30m shot that gave Technical keeper Zane Wilson no chance, and Roslyn doubled its score minutes later through hard-working striker Sean Brand.
A howling gale promised the classic game of two halves, and, sure enough, in the second spell, Technical answered with relentless pressure and a goal by Alistair Rickerby.
But a well-worked right-wing attack had Roslyn hit back as Tim Dalman's pace found space and after a good cross, Technical failed to clear and midfielder Ben Keats drilled in Roslyn's final goal, making coach Terry Boylan's side the only team left in the competition with an unblemished record.
On the bounce after last week's defeat, Caversham fielded a far stronger side which steam-rollered Northern 7-0.
Superior technique allowed Caversham to consistently mount attacks in both halves, and with Dave Dugdale and Tom Jackson dragging defenders all over the place, Darren Overton, Robbie Deeley and Grant Duncan slid penetrating passes through the Northern ranks.
Northern's Wilkinson brothers, Craig and Arran, were steady, and Simon Collins worked hard, but the team lacked shape. Mosgiel and Green Island drew 1-1 in a match that produced many goal-scoring chances, but the wind affected accuracy in front of goal.
The worst example was Mike Abbott's penalty which might have given Mosgiel a win, but his normally reliable technique vanished and the ball frightened only the seagulls.
New Green Island coach Warren Robinson was pleased with his team's attitude, and when son Cody laced a superbly-hit goal, the coach expected his team to push onwards.
Island strikers Ryan Atherton and Luke Macris ran the angles well, and some Dan Rutter forays forward were worthy of reward.
But too few shots on target cost it dearly.
Mosgiel coach Mike McGarry was in the starting line-up, and his calm technique inspired similar play from Morgan Day, Brad Johnston, and some devastating runs from the right by Regan Coldicott.
However it took veteran Phil Kelly to show that he still has a striker's eye when he scored Mosgiel's early goal.
Varsity coach Alan Bain continued to appraise his large squad in the match with Grants Braes and won 1-0.
Considering the conditions, Varsity managed to play clever, tight football.
In Timaru, the Otago Youth Development squad boosted its morale with a 6-2 win over West End.
