Star has moved into a top-four position in Southland Premier Club Rugby Competition after beating the Eastern Northern Barbarians 25-7 on Saturday.
Star’s exciting youngster Sam Mustchin played at first five-eighth and together with halfback Jackson Hughan they successfully steered the team to victory in slippery conditions at the Gore Showgrounds.
With five games remaining in the round-robin phase of the season, Star coach Brayden Mitchell said his team had targeted this game and their next against Blues as season defining matches if they want a top-four spot.
Mustchin scored one of Star’s three tries.
He also kicked two conversions and two penalty goals.
Mitchell said you could put Mustchin anywhere in the backline.
"He’s pretty talented and has a bright future," Mitchell said.
"Jackson was very good too, he was outstanding on attack and defence and his kicking game was spot on."
Star’s forwards rolled up their sleeves against a good Barbarians pack.
Centre Fale Iosefa was another standout in a good team performance.
Stags legend Josh Bekhuis has played every minute of every game for Star this year.
"He is a great example for our team with the way he is playing at 39 years old," Mitchell said.
Barbarians’ coach AJ Aitken said his side had also labelled the game as a must-win game.
"Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish off our attack," Aitken said.
"We are building phases but then small mistakes are costing us."
Winger Ryan McFaul was the best of the locals and halfback Liam McFaul had an outstanding kicking game.
The props Mykel Sleeman and Morgy Mitchell performed at their usual high standard.
Woodlands beat Blues 52-8 on Saturday at Woodlands.
Right wing Akelia Sousous scored three of Woodlands eight tries.
Second five Fletcher Morgan landed six conversions and was named man of the match after a high-quality display on attack and defence.
Woodlands forwards set a solid platform, led by lock Alex Yallop.
Openside flanker Josh Evans and fullback Drew Carter also impressed in a good team performance.
The Marist and Pirates Old Boys match was postponed.
By John Langford
