On a crisp Saturday afternoon at Maniototo Park in Ranfurly, the first 20 minutes was fairly even as Central goal-kicker Lawrence Wadham and Southern counterpart Lance Taylor exchanged penalty goals for a 9-9 scoreline.
Central looked as though it might just mix it up well with the Topp Cup holder but that is when South scored its first try of the match. Fullback Sam Wyber, originally named in the reserves, benefited from a turnover at scrum time and finished well out wide.
That would be the story of the match for Central - Southern points coming courtesy of mistakes and turnovers by the home team at crucial times.
Wing Tony Ralulu bagged Southern's second right on the stroke of halftime, the score coming once again from an excellent set-piece move. The visiting side went into the break with a 23-9 lead.
A raft of Central changes after the break enabled the home side to gain some momentum and wing Matt Holmes toed a loose ball ahead to score. Wadham closed the gap to six points with his fourth penalty before Taylor replied with his fourth three-pointer of the match.
When Central fullback Ben Purvis, the only standout in a backline that really struggled, scored to make it 26-22 there was an air of anticipation for a Central upset. However, that is when things started to go downhill for the home side.
The handling and passing deteriorated significantly to the point where it was losing ground on almost every set piece play. Southern took full advantage of the mistakes and first five-eighth Blake Korteweg sealed the match with a try right on the fulltime whistle.
Southern's defence was excellent in the match right across the park and its tight forwards were dominant, especially props Stu and Blair Young.
South's backs also seemed to have the edge, especially in the midfield where the experience of Korteweg, Hayden Wyber and Bill Maiono was evident.
Hooker-cum-loosie Blair van der Voort and loose forward partner Nathan Huddleston were by far Central's best in the match while replacement prop Charles Crutchley made a difference.
In the development match, South Otago won 36-13 after Central trailed by just six points with 20 minutes to play.
Topp Cup
The scores
Southern Region 31
Sam Wyber, Tony Ralulu, Blake Korteweg tries; Lance Taylor 4 pen, 2 con
Central Otago 22
Matt Holmes, Ben Purvis tries; Lawrence Wadham 4 pen
Halftime: 23-9.
