FRANCIS PARKER
Clutha Valley wrapped up top spot in the Southern Region competition with a convincing 67›5 win over Lawrence at Clydevale on Saturday.
The win ensured Valley would finish in first place with two rounds remaining as well as securing the South Otago banner and McIntosh Cup for another year.
The home side scored 10 tries to one, leading 31›5 at the break.
Valley, on the back of a dominant set piece, played some structured, fast›paced rugby which pleased the plethora of supporters on its club day.
Hooker Adam Turnbull, in his 150th game, scored a brace of tries and performed well in his core duties.
Lock Kyle Forbes, celebrating his 100th appearance, also had a fine game.
Lawrence winger Bailey Kenny, loose forward Dusty Wallis and lock Mathew Tuhaka all tried hard for the travelling side.
Toko and Clutha played out a nail›biting 36›36 draw in Milton.
With top›four positions on the line, the teams could not be separated.
The score ebbed and flowed in the first half along with territory and possession.
Both sides scored some nice tries, but Toko looked more controlled with ball in hand and put pressure on Clutha’s set piece.
Clutha was guilty of missing numerous overlaps in the outside channels, but still managed to lead 19›17 at halftime.
The second half was equally tense, and Toko held a slim lead with time almost up.
Clutha scored what it thought was the winning try through winger Robin Fesilafai, before Toko mounted one final attack, and prop Kieran O’Sullivan scored the try that levelled the scores. The conversion was missed.
Toko was served well up front by No 8 Josh Beer› Williams and hooker Kieran Calteaux, and Nic Shaw and Jared Hayes were the pick of the backs.
Lock Bax Colley and fullback Tyler Bichan were Clutha’s best.
Crescent roared back into semifinal contention with a 64›22 thumping of Heriot in Kaitangata.
Crescent was the dominant side from start to finish, scoring 10 tries and leading 40›10 at halftime.
Loose forwards Andy Carruthers and Josh Cook both scored hat›tricks.
Heriot was sloppy and disappointing, but at least scored three tries.
West Taieri kept its slim semifinal chances alive for another week with a 47›7 win over Clinton at Outram, scoring seven tries to one.
The Big River Country women’s rugby team has made the competition semifinals for the second year running.
Team spokeswoman Samarra Soper said the team had enjoyed a strong season with some close› fought round›robin games to end up in second place after the initial rounds.
Clutha’s women would face Varsity in the semifinal, and hoped to go one — or two — steps further this year, making it to the final, she said. ‘‘The venue will be confirmed online this week, but we’d love to see as many Clutha locals as possible come along and shout our girls to a win for the district.’’ She said the team played tight, entertaining rugby, and would give it their all on Saturday. The match kicks off at 1pm. The venue will be announced at www.orfu.co.nz
