If performances over the past two seasons are anything to go by, there should be nothing in it. In 2021, Upper Clutha edged Cromwell 24-23 in the first round before losing the grand final 12-11. And last year, when the competition was condensed to one round because of Covid, Upper Clutha pipped the Goats 22-21 in the opening game.
Upper Clutha coach Garry Hape admits the John Scott Shield is one trophy that has frustratingly eluded the club since he took charge.
"Last year we completed the qualifying round undefeated, and still didn’t win the trophy."
That was because Upper Clutha drew with Wakatipu and the trophy went to the team with the superior points differential, Upper Clutha’s average of 42 points a game being inferior to Wakatipu’s 52 points per game.
However, the deciding factor tomorrow could relate more pertinently to defence than points scored.
In its five games this year, Upper Clutha has conceded just three tries while Cromwell has let in 16.
Hape says defence has been a major focal point for the team this season. And it will need to be against a Goats team fortified by the inclusion of second five Hayden Todd and halfback Ben Maxwell, their 2023 debuts coming last week against Alexandra.
While Maxwell, who also features as a leader and goalkicker, strengthens Cromwell immensely, Upper Clutha has had the misfortune to lose its halfback Caleb Dixon for up to a month with a serious ankle injury.
Arrowtown, desperately needing to rediscover the winning touch, will have several new players in its lineup when it takes on Alexandra at Jack Reid Park.
Two players from Scotland and four Fijians have been introduced to the Arrowtown squad by coach Simon Harper since the team’s draw against Maniototo.
Wakatipu gets the opportunity to advance up the points ladder when it takes on bottom team Matakanui Combined at Omakau, the 2022 champion having an unconvincing record of just two wins from five outings at this point.
Written by Bob Howitt
