Dominant first-half performance proves decisive for Central

Central Otago claimed the Topp Cup with a 38-31 win over their Southern Region rivals on a balmy day at Molyneux Park in Alexandra on Saturday.

Central dominated the early physical exchanges and almost bullied the Southern pack into submission.

First five Daniel Adam opened the scoring when he managed to walk through some non-existent defence to score handy to the posts.

Southern hit back with their only points of the first half, a try to lock Damian Wilson, but Central then put on a clinic in sensible rugby.

Central were patient, built phases and made metres on the back of some lethargic defence from the Southern side who, at times, looked lost.

When Southern managed to find possession, Central’s defensive line speed and aggression in the tackle and at ruck time deleted any momentum Southern would get.

Further tries to Central wingers Logan Beggs and Jamie Natapu and midfielder Liatia Rogorogoivalu ensured the home side had a handy 22-5 lead at the break.

Central scored another soft try through halfback Cole Berridge, who rushed through unopposed early in the second half.

A successful Central penalty extended the score as Southern finally decided it was time to use the bench.

To say that Southern’s bench changed the game was an understatement as they brought energy, physicality, and passion not seen for the first 50 minutes.

Southern ran with confidence, built phases and pressure, and stunned the Central side, who did not expect such a backlash.

The visitors scored four unanswered second-half tries and were far and away the better side on the park for the final stages, but the damage was done in the first half as Central raised the Topp Cup for the first time since 2019.

Central locks Dean Sinnamon and Stefan Blakeborough were immense in the first half.

Halves Cole Berridge and Daniel Adam combined brilliantly, and No 8 Conor Lawson put in a huge shift with ball in hand.

Flanker Nick Inch and centre Rogorogoivalu were also strong, while fullback Doug Smith injected himself into the play at key times and very rarely did not make metres.

The introduction of Sam Wyber, Josh Turnbull, Daniel Miller and Mark McKenzie added energy, determination and passion into the Southern forward pack.

Replacement halfback Tama Hawken quickened the pace of the game and got his side on the front foot.

Fullback Logan Cornish played the full 80 minutes and was easily the best Southern player on the field.

He defused numerous Central attacks and at times was a lone wolf on attack.