Clutha have continued their impressive start to the Southern Region rugby season with a strong 45-14 win over Heriot in their match played at Heriot.
The first half was a physical battle, both sides applying themselves well in the collision areas.
Clutha had the lion’s share of possession, but their poor discipline allowed Heriot to escape largely unscathed.
In the second half, Clutha lifted the pace and ran away with the match with four tries.
The reserves were once again solid and the side grew another leg when the bench was introduced.
Heriot fought hard but could not catch a break on attack.
Clutha’s poor discipline kept Heriot in touch, but the home side lacked the cutting edge to punish them. Clutha’s forward pack was led by lock Tate Colley who had a strong match.
West Taieri have also kept their unbeaten streak alive with a professional 39-7 win over Owaka at Swamp Hen Park which saw them retain the Speight's Jug.
The match was played at a high tempo, both sides having the chance to attack at times in the first half. West Taieri’s strong defence and the home side’s poor decision making on attack meant the visitors were 19-0 ahead at halftime.
The second half was equally as brutal and numerous players left the field injured. West Taieri controlled the latter stages and their scrum was once again dominant which set the perfect platform. Owaka toiled honestly but could not produce the goods with ball in hand.
Crescent bounced back from their disappointing result last weekend with a 67-14 hammering of Clutha Valley at Kaitangata. Crescent put in a barnstorming effort in the first half to give them a 52-7 lead at halftime.
Valley missed completely in the first half and came up against a well-drilled Crescent side who were far too clinical. The visitors put in a performance worthy of redemption in the second half, but their first-half efforts ensured Crescent would take maximum points and a confidence-boosting win.
A first-half hat-trick to Crescent halfback Joshua Cook was a highlight for the home side.
Chase Owen contributed 22 individual points with two tries and six conversions.
Toko are also unbeaten after two rounds with a strong 37-21 win over Lawrence at Milton.
Toko found and capitalised on numerous holes in the Lawrence backline.The forward battle was evenly fought, but Toko’s dominance in the backs saw them take the important win.
Lawrence’s execution with ball in hand let them down and they were frustrated by their simple errors on attack.
Toko’s defence forced Lawrence into making key mistakes and they made them pay regularly.
Toko fullback Dej Kane had another strong match with two tries. Flanker Caleb Shaw and lock Ethan Harrex also played well. It was a fine reward for midfielder Scott Anderson who played his 100th match for Toko in front of family and friends.
By Francis Parker
