Maniototo showed some heroic defence at the end to secure a 10-5 victory at home over Wakatipu in the Central Otago competition on Saturday.
The win puts Maniototo into the top four and it was done on the back of a tough forward display at Ranfurly.
Maniototo led 7-5 at the break after centre Duncan Elliott scored a try for the home side while midfielder Rube Peina scored a try for Wakatipu. Jack Wild kicked the only points in the second half.
Maniototo defended gallantly for the final 10 minutes but managed to squeeze the Wakatipu attack and hold on.
Impressive games for the home team came from prop Jack Morton, flanker Joe Browett and Wild. Wakatipu did not have enough ball or territory and could not get many phases going. Winger Jamie Natapu, lock Toby Higgins and flanker Dave Fraser did well.
Arrowtown had a commanding 49-17 home win over Alexandra. It led 35-3 at halftime and was all over Alexandra with well-structured play and hard running.
It got a bit individual in the second half as Alexandra showed better aggression. The wise heads played well for Arrowtown. Connor Bisset kicked all seven conversion while winger Tom Goosen and No8 Nemo Gent stood out.
Alexandra hooker Brad Allan and utility Simon Lloyd played well for the visiting side.
Upper Clutha made no race of it against the Cromwell Cavaliers, winning 61-14. It led 28-0 at halftime in a first half in which it was a bit individual.
But it came better in the second half. Prop Tamati Reynolds skipped clear to score a nice try while Brodie Flannery and Jai Baxter came off the bench to score some points. Henry Schiker was again impressive at the back for Upper Clutha.
The Cromwell Goats beat Matakanui Combined 60-13 at Cromwell.
The Goats led 41-0 at the break but started pushing passes in the second half and the combined side got its hand on the ball more.
Prop Jackson Clark, lock Travis Mitchell and first five-eighth Rhys Harrold did well for Cromwell.
