The first big upset of the comp occurred in the first games when the GI Spannerheads, with a fantastic defensive effort, upset last year’s finalist the Dunedin Sharks.
A fumbling, bumbling, tactically inept Sharks outfit squandered numerous try scoring opportunities, and despite having the majority of territory and possession they failed even to get a bonus point.
The Zingari Dragons as predicted tipped over the Harbour Hawks, but only thanks to a late Shaun Driver penalty. At Port, ravaged by wind and rain, Southern banked the five points over AU to lead the competition — but at least AU stayed in the fight.
The Taieri Eels — again thanks to a last-minute penalty, this time to Cam Millar — beat Varsity at home against all odds. They had no territory or possession but mystifyingly won the game.
Is the game up at AU?
I said last week that AU were in talks with Harbour over a potential merger which was scuttled by the AU Heavies.
I’m now hearing the real power behind the throne Sandi Wheeler and her offsider Barb have cried enough, and their time in the Onion Kitchen is done. Tell me it’s not so?
What a magnificent job these two ladies have done over the years. Let me tell you, it’s the best part of visiting the Pony Pit (North Ground). If they are gone, I vote for the merger — there will be no sense out of there now!
Down on the farm
I said last week that the West Taieri Pigs would go unbeaten for the season and that was nearly undone by Clutha over Easter who went within a point of upsetting the playing-through champs.
The Coalminers (Crescent) are two from two and could be a genuine threat. In the South, Woodlands crushed Blues by 50 to remind the other teams if you splash the cash you expect to win! Pirates Old Boys just beat the Eastern, Northern, Southern Barbarians to say that their championship win was no fluke last year.
Some funny bits
The Eels have entered a team of ageing miscreants into the Senior comp. They are all over 40 and some are well into their second half-century.
The word is "Methuselah" Hamish Kirk is turning out for them and apparently in career-best form, but admittedly that was never that good!
They are playing a young Sharks outfit tomorrow, and giving I think 345 years in the playing 15s! I await the result with some interest.
One of our sponsors from Liquorland was at a conference last week in Christchurch and was feeling peckish after a heavy session and ordered in Uber Eats. Unfortunately it arrived at his flat in Dunedin, much to the delight of his flatmates! Rumour has it that manager could have been Shark Tumua Ioane.
And just to finish, Strath Taieri Life President Barry Williams was at the Greenhouse on Saturday night watching his beloved Highlanders (well, they were!) with his wife. He was spotted on "Romance" cam, which encourages you to kiss your partner.
Much to the crowd’s amusement he remained staunch. Unfortunately for Baz every time there was a break in play— and much to the enjoyment of the crowd — it was replayed over and over. Knowing Barry, if the Landers had been winning he’d have kissed her!
The Quiz and other bits
Look out for our weekly Speight’s "Top" quiz in this issue. Just answer the question, scan the "QR" code and follow the cues to enter. You could win prizes from Speight’s and the ODT.
We have our intrepid bunch of "spotters" at all games in the comp to find our Speight’s/ODT player of the year and the Ben Smith medallist for most promising player. Some of these luminaries are Reggie from Southern, Mike Casey from Taieri, the twins Milly and POD from no fixed abode, Dave Callon, Ian Arthur from AU, Lukey and Muldrew from Kaik and Roddy Scoles from Zingers. Say gidday or give them some advice if you see them round the traps.
This Weekend
In the Country I’m taking on Blue Simon one of the true stalwarts from Upper Clutha — you name it, he’s done it for them over the years. But that won’t help him against yours truly. Upper Clutha (12-) take on the defending champs Alex for the Speight’s Jug and the Phillip Cowie Shield and should win it and hold on to both trophies. Cromwell (13+) will be too, big too strong for Matak. Wakatipu (13+) will deal to the Maggots in Queenstown. I lost to Dave Callon last week — unbelievable.
On to the world’s best cricket coach Craig Cumming, so I’m back on the horse. Southern (12-) are at home to Harbour and will go two from two take it to the bank. Zingers (12-) host the doughty Taieri Eels and nearly too close to call. Zingers just. Varsity host the Dunedin Sharks (12-) and both teams are reeling from first round losses. The Sharks should be too strong up front for the Bookworms, but there won’t be much in it. Kaik (13+) have the first outing up on the High Veldt, and AU Ponies will need respirators to keep up.
