With two weeks remaining in the first round of the Southern Region competition there is plenty to play for as no spot is yet cemented.
West Taieri leads the competition by a point after seven rounds. The West Taieri side has one loss to its name, against Clutha Valley, which sits in second.
The Pigs were incredibly lucky to scrape past Heriot in the final minute last week and will enjoy the bye this weekend.
The unbeaten Clutha Valley looks odds on to move into first position this weekend as it travels to last placed Roxburgh. The Condors were made to work hard by Owaka last weekend but prevailed in a solid effort.
Heriot is cemented in the top four for now. It sits in third place, two points behind the leading West Taieri side.
Heriot hosts Clutha on its club day in what will be a very hard-fought battle. A win for Heriot will see it leapfrog West Taieri into the top two. Heriot is the final side to have the bye next weekend, so must get as many points as possible from this match.
Clutha cantered past Roxburgh last weekend and will offer staunch opposition. The Steamers are in fourth place at the moment but can drop as far as sixth if they do not get a favourable result this weekend.
Crescent and Owaka are also caught in the mid-table logjam. Crescent is fifth, equal on points with Clutha, whereas Owaka is behind by four points.
Crescent hosts Clinton this weekend in what should be a regulation five points for the Coal Miners with two trophies at stake.
Owaka hosts Toko on its club day. A bonus point win will push the Swamp Hens back up the table.
This match will be a hard-fought contest, however. Toko sits six points behind Owaka in seventh and can close the gap with a win.
There is no dull match this weekend and there is everything to play for as the competition heats up. Individuals also have one last chance to impress the southern region coaches as the Topp Cup and Development teams get named on Sunday.
- Francis Parker
