Central Otago premier rugby starts today. Rhys Chamberlain assesses the prospects of the 12 teams.
Alexandra
Coaches: Tony Sanders and Trevor Washington.
A bottom-six side last season, Alexandra will be looking to make the top half of the draw this year on the back of one or two impressive late-season outings in 2013. Three key players are gone from last season: former captain Simon Williams, first five-eighth Michael Paulin and loosie Blair van der Voort. However, classy fullback Cam Smith is back after a broken back three seasons ago and Shane Harrex will be a key on the openside.
Arrowtown
Coaches: Hayden Finch and Drew Carmody.
Disappointed with fourth place last year, Arrowtown will look to progress after retaining most of its squad from last season. Former Central Otago player of the year Ben Chisholm will again captain the side and will be joined in the loose by blockbusting No 8 Eddie Sefo. Its strength will again be in the forwards but halfback Kelly Henderson should control the side well from halfback.
Clyde-Earnscleugh
Coach: Cory Crosbie.
Crosbie will coach Clyde-Earnscleugh, plagued by injury in the last couple of seasons, in its 125th jubilee year. After a patchy 2013, Crosbie's side has a depth to it not seen in other years. Former Alhambra-Union first five-eighth Tom Docherty is an excellent new addition, with Jai Baxter, Shane Excel and Mike Wing all back for another season. Blair van der Voort is a nice pick-up for the side in the loose.
Cromwell A
Coaches: Ross Falconer and Jason Clarke.
A strong start to 2013 saw Cromwell surprise a few and finish third overall. With most of its squad available this year, it will be competitive again. Captain Ant Dickey at openside will feature prominently, while Blake McPhee and Rob Stevens are other key forwards. A couple of notable losses from last season include hooker Angus Gibbons and winger Charlie Tiko.
Cromwell Black
Coaches: Whetu Taewa and Russell Decke.
Didn't win a game last season but came close several times and surprised many by fronting up and playing hard each week. Former Warriors league player Taewa will pull on the boots again, no doubt. Cromwell's second side has a good core of up-and-comers, so it should be a positive season.
Maniototo
Coaches: Charlie Hore and Andrew Hore.
The defending champion will again be the team to beat, and with good numbers of young players at training, the future looks bright. The Dowling brothers will anchor the pack again along with dynamic flankers AJ Paton and Nathan Huddleston. Mitchell Lake has returned to the midfield this year from overseas, and along with captain Thomas Huddleston will be keys in the backline.
Matakanui Combined
Coach: Hamish Wilson.
With a squad of about 25, Matakanui Combined will be a strong contender for a spot in the top six. The forward pack will be a strength, anchored by Nic Gee and Tristan Flannery in the front row. A new halves combination will also be interesting to watch, and centre Simon Phillip shores up the backline.
Roxburgh
Coaches: Tony Stevens and Lance Davies.
Roxburgh celebrated its 125th jubilee in 2013 by winning the bottom six division and surprising many by coming on strong late in the season. Its goal will be to make the top six when the competition splits, and with all of its core players back again, it would be disappointed if it didn't. Centre Cruze Kingi and fullback Bronson Tumai will be key players as will Ronan Tumai on the flank. Davies will no doubt play a few matches at prop.
Upper Clutha A
Coaches: Hamish McKay and Simon Maling.
Upper Clutha was another side to have a patchy 2013 but, at full strength, it will be a tough nut to crack. Its back three are lethal, led by Ben Purvis from fullback, and the front row is also formidable. Tom Hudson will again lead the side and Fraser Dowling will look to build on a solid year from openside flanker.
Upper Clutha B
Coach: Rod Bowler.
A mix of old heads and some up-and-comers sees Upper Clutha B back in the competition after an absence last season. Its aim this year is to win the bottom six, and with experienced players such as Kerry Hondelink and Brent Philpot leading the side, it will go close.
Wakatipu
Coaches: Damian Petre and Kelvin Middleton.
Wakatipu has had huge numbers at training sessions and the beaten finalist last year will again be one of the front-runners. Its backline will be a strength, with centre Danny King its most potent offensive weapon. Englishman Chris Young is a useful addition at fullback. Steve Bruce will captain the side and control things well from halfback, while Brett Anderson will be a key in the front row.
Wakatipu Wanderers
Coaches: Merv Ioake and Andre Broughton.
With a core group having played several seasons with the Wanderers, they boast huge experience and will cause a few upsets this year. Captain Josh Railton is back, along with Nick Brown at first five-eighth and halves partner Karlo Aggerholm. Topping the bottom six competition will be the goal.
